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Williamsport City Council's public safety committee gave a positive recommendation for an ordinance to create the position of a volunteer police chaplain within the Williamsport Bureau of Police.
Chief of Police Justin Snyder said the chaplain will be an unpaid position who will be in uniform, provided with body armor, be unarmed and identified as chaplain.
The police will have no salary and no benefits and be under control of the chief of police.
The candidate will have undergo a background investigation that is not limited to a criminal history, history of child abuse and be certified as a police chaplain by going through training to acquire credentials.
Duties shall include and not limited to assisting police in death notification, providing comfort to victims and families and to officers in traumatic incidents, provide confidential counsel to police department personnel, provide a moral and ethical foundation of police personnel, and referral and resource assistance as requested.
Additionally, the chaplain will provide pastoral functions at specialty events and ceremonies or other religious events as requested, give assistance at critical incident stress debriefings, serve as a liaison with local clergy, or a liaison with police families in the event of a line of duty injury or death and any duties that might be assigned by the chief of police.
The term of office would be for one year and continue until the chaplain is reappointed with recommendation of the chief of police. The chaplain position will be reviewed by the chief of police and recommendations to the mayor.
This position is not for an establishment or promotion of any particular religion or religious sect, Snyder said.
No officer or member of the public will be required to avail themselves of the chaplaincy program.
Councilwoman Bonnie Katz asked Snyder if the city had a chaplain in the past and was told that was true but not to this capacity as proposed.
This chaplain will have volunteer ride alongs with officers who choose to ride along with the chaplain.
It is anticipated the chaplain will be available between two, four to six days a month for ride alongs and nobody on the staff is obligated to ride along with the chaplain.
"It is on a volunteer basis," Snyder said.
The chaplaincy program was brought to the chief's attention by the Scranton Police Department.
"I think it is an excellent idea," Katz said. "Someone who would have access. You are in a very stressful job. I am assuming this would be part of their duties," she said.
"That is something I am excited about," Snyder said, adding he has been trying to work on an officer wellness program.
The officer and chaplain would be able to have privileged conversation and Snyder said he was trying to find a way that could happen and open up that door for some of the officers.
Currently, he said, "We are doing a background check on a subject who might be a good candidate."
Provided it is approved in a vote by council, Snyder said he was hopeful the department could start the chaplaincy program in a month or so.
"I think it is a great idea," said Councilman Vincent Pulizzi. He was thankful that Snyder brought up the concept and concurred with Katz as the chaplain could provide a supporting role for the mental, spiritual, emotional wellbeing and wellness of officers.
"Whether that person embraces religion or not, having an ear to talk to is a great idea," Pulizzi said.