Police Volunteer Chaplain Program Brochure
The MNPD Volunteer Chaplain Program began in 2005 with one full time sworn Chaplain. Since then, the program has grown and now includes a full time sworn Chaplain Coordinator, a full-time civilian Chaplain, and two part time Chaplains. The strength of the program, however, lies not in its Staff Chaplains, but in the 30 Volunteer Chaplains who now partner with the MNPD to support its personnel and their community. These Volunteer Chaplains come from a variety of religious backgrounds. Their cooperation and ministry extend across racial, gender, age, and religious lines. Though the team is very diverse, they are united in love and service to God and community.
MNPD Chaplains provide pastoral care and spiritual support to department personnel and the citizens of Nashville. They provide an invaluable service to the Police Department by supporting those in the community who are experiencing the pain of losing a family member. Many officers believe that making a death notification is one of the most challenging aspects of being a Police Officer. They are extremely grateful for our Volunteer Chaplains who have answered the call to meet this need. MNPD Chaplains are on call 24/7 to respond and notify citizens of a death in their family. Volunteer Chaplains sacrifice their time and resources to make these notifications. In 2021, MNPD Chaplains made 783 death notifications. Chaplains also made over 1000 follow up calls to support families through their grief. The Volunteer Chaplains alone, not including Staff Chaplains, covered a total of 5,876 On Call hours.
Not everyone can be a MNPD Volunteer Chaplain. Volunteer Chaplains undergo a thorough application process that includes verification of their religious endorsement, a background check, an interview, and a training process consisting of both classroom instruction and field training with an experienced Chaplain. They are expected to maintain a strong sense of personal ethics and a high level of personal responsibility. They are also required to complete ongoing training and official paperwork. Each Volunteer Chaplain commits to serving 24 hours every month, which is often in addition to their full-time career and their duties as a leader in their place of worship.
The MNPD Volunteer Chaplain Program is the partnership between Police and community that everyone wants in their city, but few are fortunate enough to experience. The MNPD will be forever grateful to the Chaplains who have made this program successful for so many years.
Chaplain Andrew Ivey, Chaplain Coordinator
Chaplains History
- 1977–1987: Herb McCoy (Civilian)
- 1986–2002: Officer William “Butch” Dwyer
- 1990–2004: Sergeant Jimmy Greer
- 1998–Present: Officer James Duke
- 2003–2005: Officer Matthew Weaver
- 2005: Volunteer Chaplain Program Began
- 2010: Youth Intervention Chaplain Program Began
- 2015: Chaplain Program added Grief/Crisis Counselor
- 2017-2021: Anita Herron (Civilian)
- 2021-Present: Andrew Ivey, Chaplain Coordinator
- 2022-Present: Marsha Brown (Civilian)
Volunteer Chaplain Training
- MNPD Organization and Activities
- Death Notification Policies and Procedures
- Crisis Intervention and Symptoms of Trauma
- MNPD Resources for Victims of Crime
- Police Patrol Procedures
- Basic report writing
Why Become a Volunteer Chaplain?
- To Provide Pastoral Care to citizens grieving the loss of a Family Member, Victims of Crime, and their Families
- To Provide Spiritual Support to all members of the MNPD and partner agencies
- To Help Build Positive Relationships between Your Community and Police
- To assist in Preventing and Reducing Crime in Your Community
- To Partner and Minister across Racial, Gender, Age, and Religious Lines
Qualifications
- Ordained or Endorsed by your local House of Worship
- Experience providing Spiritual Support
- 21 Years of Age or Older
- Good Moral Character
- Good Driving Record
- No Felony Convictions
- Pass a Background Check
- Possess a Valid TN Driver’s License
- Current US Citizen
Requirements/Expectations
- Good Listening/Communication Skills
- Strong Sense of Personal Ethics
- High Level of Personal Responsibility
- Work as Part of a Team
- Present a Professional Appearance
- Volunteer a Minimum 24 hours per month
- Enjoy Your Time
- Attend Quarterly Meetings
- Complete required paperwork
Anyone interested in the Metro Nashville Police Department Volunteer Chaplain Program is welcome to contact our Chaplain Coordinator listed below or by calling the office at 615-880-3193.
