Chaplain Program

The Police Chaplain Corps is designed to offer a professional religious/social ministry to the city of Corcoran on a regular basis during stress and emergency situations. One of the goals is to improve police services and increase understanding between the Police Department and the community. The Chaplain Corps will also offer departmental personnel and their families, upon request, individual or family counseling and spiritual support during times of family crisis.

The Corcoran Police Department's Chaplain Corps shall consist of approved members of the clergy, who are trained professionals within their faith. Participation by members of the Chaplain Corps is entirely voluntary. This program is designed to benefit the Police Department as well as the community. Each person accepted into the program must possess deep convictions and have a strong service orientation.

There are several interesting similarities between the pastor and the police officer which demonstrate the propriety of such individuals working closely with each other. Both the pastor and the police officer possess a vital interest in such issues as peace, order, morality and community betterment. While the two persons may differ in training and approach, they share complementing concerns.

Each day law enforcement officers are faced with potentially dangerous situations. They must make split-second decisions that are just and right. Many times law enforcement officers need to express their frustration and problems to someone who fully understands the circumstances surrounding their duties and obligations. Often they need someone with whom to discuss their problems who understands, yet is detached enough not to become emotionally involved.

The Corcoran Police Department's Chaplain Corps is in a unique position to provide the Police Department and the community with specific benefits. The following examples are noteworthy. The Police Department Chaplain can be a peacemakers in volatile situations. The Police Chaplain can be an effective link in the "communications gap" between the police and the community. The Police Chaplain is able to use his/her abilities in relating sad news with the empathy, dignity and sympathy. The Police Chaplain possess the potential to create a natural rapport with youth. The Police Chaplain serves as a helpful participant with emergencies as an intercessor between citizen and police officer. The Police Chaplain represents a meaningful alternative for the Police Department when it feels it has gone as far as it can in a particular situation or relationship.

For information on the Corcoran Police Department Chaplain Program contact Sgt. Pedro Castro at (559) 992-5151.