The spiritual side of law

J. Craig Anderson

Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005 | 6:57 a.m.

After a yearlong search, Metro Police have assembled a team of volunteer police chaplains to counsel officers and their families and to provide support to residents in times of despair.

"Five chaplains have been recruited from across a broad spectrum of faiths," Metro spokesman Bill Cassell said.

Police are hoping to find at least two more, he said, enough to assign one to each of Metro's seven substations.

Cassell said Sheriff Bill Young initiated the chaplain program, which will not cost taxpayers but will provide a number of benefits to police.

Joe Di Stefano, who has been a chaplain for 22 years and who is heading the program, said he is helping train the other volunteers, who will complete the course Nov. 9.

Di Stefano has served as an unofficial chaplain to Metro in Laughlin for four years. His experiences have included comforting officers and residents who are in distress and don't know where to turn, he said.

"Being a good listener is the most important thing you can do," he said.

Chuck Lorrain, executive director of the International Conference of Police Chaplains -- a professional organization of more than 2,800 people in 19 countries -- said the role of chaplains has shifted during the past 30 years.

Today's police chaplains often are among the first to respond to crises such as a fatal shooting or a serious traffic accident, Lorrain said.

They help police with difficult, often emotional duties such as notifying family members that someone has died, he said. Chaplains also may be called to calm a person who is suicidal.

"We're not there to proselytize," Lorrain said. "A lot of what we do is really secular in nature."

Metro's chaplains receive specialized training and must meet certain qualifications, Cassell said. They have to be ordained in their chosen faith and must pass a background check identical to that of any police officer.

Tom Harmon, director of Metro's Police Employees Assistance Program, said the new chaplains will not be working with the public at first, but their duties could expand over time.

"As the program continues to grow, I can see that being the case," Harmon said. "Initially they will be more for internal support."

While most chaplains have their own congregation to serve, they must be able to leave at a moment's notice to assist police in whatever situation may arise.

"Flexibility and availability are the most important qualities in a chaplain," Lorrain said.

J. Craig Anderson can be reached at 259-2320 or craig@lasvegassun.com.