Presentation Transcript

1. Whitman County Sheriff’s Chaplain Ron McMurray B.A., Masters Degree in Law Enforcement Chaplaincy International Conference of Police Chaplains Master’s Level
2. What is a Chaplain? A chaplain is an ordained minister and licensed member of the clergy in good standing and endorsed by a recognized religious denomination or fellowship. A member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains ( 700+ chaplains) or some law enforcement recognized chaplain’s organization.
3. Chaplaincy What is the Chaplaincy? It is a ministry to all people of all faiths or beliefs in the community in field service primarily to Law Enforcement and Fire agencies. Chaplain is a volunteer in the Sheriff’s Office to be utilized at the Sheriff’s discretion. Chaplain is full time, non-paid, county employee of WCSO. Funded by donations from individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations.
4. Purpose of Chaplain To provide spiritual guidance, assurance and counseling to L.E. agencies in Whitman County, and their families as they need it and to citizens in their time of need. Illustration: Video – SWAT Fatal Shooting
5. In the aftermath of this shooting a chaplain will meet with department admin., speak with the officers when allowed, ride along with them, and let them talk about the incident when they are allowed to talk about it. ( Re: Johnson Road Shooting) Chaplains do not replace a person’s own spiritual leaders, pastors, or clergy. Field service to help victims of tragedy or crime, transients, and offenders. Help those who need it in times of crisis (cops, firemen, EMS, victims ). Illustration: Malden drowning 2 yr old “Avery”.
6. Chaplain’s Training Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (after traumatic events affecting police and fire personnel ). L.E. Stress Management and Trauma Recovery Team ( Whitman County CISD Team ). Suicide Intervention, Prevention, Police Suicide Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Communications and Listening Skills
7. Chaplain Training Death Notifications Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ( SIDS ) Sudden Adult Death Syndrome ( SADS ) Weapons and Police Tactical Training ( SWAT ) Counseling – Marriage and Relationships
8. HARSH REALITIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
9. FBI Crime Statistics Management Unit - 2008 104 OFFICERS KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY BY CRIMINAL ACTIONS – 40 BY ACCIDENTS – 64 - 40 killed in automobile collisions - 1 killed by helicopter - 12 were struck by vehicles blades - 4 were killed in motorcycle collisions - 1 killed in train - 2 were killed by being accidentally shot collision - 2 were killed in aircraft collisions - 1 officer drowned - 1 was electrocuted SUICIDE RATES AMONG POLICE OFFICERS RANGES FROM 350 TO 450 A YEAR!
10. Chaplain Influence Chaplain does not preach, rather he addresses officers’ questions such as, “Why did that person have to die?”, After losing a case in court a frustrated deputy may ask “Why am I doing this?” or “What is the point?” ( officer needs defusing and encouragement ). Answer: You are doing this because it is the right thing to do. The point is that you are representing justice and law to society. Do your job to the best of your ability and leave the rest to the courts. Chaplain meets with cops for breaks and lunch, contact at office, and on the road to encourage them in their work.
11. Regulations Chaplain is to be open to everyone and ready to give counsel or spiritual advice if asked. Chaplain is on call 24/7, day or night for whatever the need. Chaplain not to criticize or take sides in political, spiritual or personal disagreements. My job is to calm people so they can do their job and have a successful career in law enforcement. Chaplain is not to criticize actions of L.E. officers, the administration, or fellow chaplains.
12. Chaplain’s Training Yearly national training seminars Trains in many areas that police receive such as weapons, self defense, domestic violence, criminal law, traffic law, criminal procedures, etc. Chaplain also trained in stress management, death counseling, suicide prevention, suicide, and suicide follow up, domestic violence, CISM.
13. Overview of Chaplain’s Job Availability to anyone who wants to talk Counseling L.E. Officers, Fire, EMS Confidentiality-Privileged Communication Referral to other Professionals (Counselors) Co-operation with other Chaplains Ride along with officers, daily contact with officers, training sessions, assist in crisis or emergency response, deaths (suicides, fatal collisions, violent and sex crimes, LODD)
14. Overview continued... CISM and CISD, crisis reaction, death notifications, suicide threats or suicide follow-up, stress management, post traumatic stress, post shooting trauma, grieving process, alcoholism, listening and communication skills. I respond when the cops call and try to assist them in their work. I often do the things they don’t have time or hate to do (transports, notifications, stay with family in hospital, go to funeral home with Coroner, contact family members, etc).
15. Acceptance Chaplains have to earn their place among emergency personnel (may take years). Cops are suspicious due to their training so it takes time to be accepted by them. Cops are trained to spot a phony or a liar. Every chaplain must be a pastor but not every pastor can be a chaplain. The violence and gore surrounding police work is hard to take. Cops need to talk to someone about what they see and hear.
16. Ride Alongs Chaplain rides along with officers both as chaplain and reserve deputy to debrief the officer and encourage them. Can provide back up for officers if needed or as another witness for an incident. Works with corrections officers and inmates. Visits with prisoners to calm them down for their safety and for the safety of corrections officers.
17. Cop Attitudes Cops are cynical about everyone. Cynicism is a way of life for cops for it is how they survive. Being too trustful can get you killed. A person might smile at the officer and then shoot them. Cynicism must be balanced with faith, humor, optimism, days off, hobbies, good food, love from significant other and family, friends, etc.
18. “Cop an Attitude” Cops often have an “attitude” mainly due to the nature of their work. They are often frustrated because: 1) They see the extremes of life (suffering, death, victims) 2) They may not see the finished product of their effort because the prosecutor may drop the case, a witness changes their story, a confidential informant lies, etc.
19. 3) They become paranoid so they try to control their lives and families, limit their children’s community involvements, make unreasonable demands on their spouses. - One of the most terrifying things a cop’s child can say is, “Daddy can I become a cub or brownie scout?” - Why?
20. Warnings to Cops 4) Their only friends are other cops, which limits their worldview of life, and they miss out on great opportunities for friendships. Cops must have thick skin to do their work. They receive criticism from criminals, news media, their administration, attorneys, and often each other. They often hammer each other unmercifully when someone makes an error in judgment.
21. Surviving Cynicism To SURVIVE a cynical environment you must have a strong set of moral or spiritual beliefs, ethics (right and wrong), and know your purpose and goals. Cops stick together and will “be there” for you when you need them. Chaplains maintain the higher perspective that cops are the sword of God in a society (Romans 13:1-5). They are the front line against criminals, chaos and anarchy.
22. Dealing with Destruction In the above felony elude and vehicle collision what might the pursuing officers be thinking? Are the officers in pursuit in any danger and what could happen to them while pursuing? After an event like this chaplains will talk with the officers to see how they are handling the adrenalin rush, the “down” rush when the adrenalin wears off, and any after effects: sleeplessness, not eating, thousand yard stare, etc.
23. Boundaries of Confidentiality Chaplain will learn things about the personal lives of officers under the bond of confidentiality. Under the laws of Washington, confidentiality is protected between an attorney and client, clergy and confessor (includes chaplain and client), husband and wife, doctor and patient (includes psychologist and client). Confidentiality is voided when a person threatens to do bodily harm to himself or others. ( e.g. Inmate to Chaplain)
24. Confidentiality On ride alongs what is said to the chaplain in the patrol car is confidential. Gives officers freedom to speak without fear of reprisal. Confidentiality and clergy : Must be in counseling session or in a confessional. Random talk doesn’t count in public setting. Clergy overhearing someone speak of their involvement in a crime overrules confidentiality.
25. Needs a Chaplain Meets On Scene Needs – If called to scene the chaplain is an advocate for the police, can gather info for police, write out a statement. Family and friends often need comfort at the scene, victims need reassurance. Keep family away from deputy who is trying to assess the scene, take measurements, etc. Calming presence in domestic disputes. Observe signs of unhealthy stress in cops, fire, EMS (isolation, nightmares, too much alcohol, sexual affairs, irresponsible spending $$$).
26. What You Didn’t See Did the man comply with the officer’s command to put the gun down? Why did the officer shoot him? At first glance it appears that the officer shot an unarmed man. The officer behind the suspect saw him reach for a handgun in the back of his pants.
27. Aftermath There will be an Internal Affairs investigation to determine if this was a justifiable shoot. The News Media will show this filmstrip and bias the public against the officers. Attorneys for the family will file a civil lawsuit against the department and officers. This will last for years and the stress on the officers will be tremendous !
28. Chaplain’s Role BE THERE FOR THE OFFICERS! NON-JUDGMENTAL ATTITUDE. REACH OUT TO THE FAMILY OF VICTIM. BE AVAILABLE TO TALK WITH OFFICERS AT ANY TIME.
29. On Scene Needs Gather information for death notifications Child Abuse – may contact CPS, ATV, pastors, parents, friends. Chaplain will also observe at the scene and may do supplemental report for deputy. Assist children, families and elderly at scene especially at fatal collisions. Transport non injured to hospital, home, etc.
30. Follow Up Needs Visit to victims and families, attend funerals Visit with juvenile offenders and victims Plan stress management seminars, debriefing seminars, CISD Help cops deal with anger, guilt, remorse, and resentment. Follow up visits to survivors in hospital.