Law Enforcement Chaplain Training
Becoming a law enforcement chaplain isn't straightforward. To serve effectively within the law enforcement culture, proper training and skills are essential.
Law enforcement chaplains should consider specialized training courses tailored to the law enforcement environment. This training equips chaplains with the necessary tools and knowledge to support officers and community members effectively. Topics often covered include trauma response, ethics, resilience strategies, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, counseling, and more.
Below is a list of recommended organizations offering relevant training, certifications, and associated costs.
Types of Training
Critical Incident Stress Management Training (CISM)
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is the selection and implementation of the most appropriate crisis intervention tactics to best respond to the needs of the situation at hand. CISM has multiple components that can be used before, during, and after a crisis. We recommend that Law Enforcement Chaplains start with the core CISM courses, Assisting Individuals in Crisis and Group Crisis Intervention. These courses walk you through the various CISM techniques, when and how to use each one, and include group exercises to practice the skills you'll need.
Additional CISM courses to consider:
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Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
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360 Degrees of CISM: A forward-focused approach to building a resiliency culture
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CISM Application with Children
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Grief Following Trauma
WHO TEACHES CISM:
Chaplains and Heroes
Our ICISF certified instructor offers comprehensive training in crisis intervention tailored to Law Enforcement agencies, Chaplains, as well as Local Churches and community groups who want to support Law Enforcement. Explore our courses, including ICISF Assisting Individuals and Group Crisis Intervention, taught by our experienced trainer.
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF)
The Gold Standard for taking a CISM course is the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). They are considered the best and most recognized in the field. Each course is taught by an ICISF-approved instructor and typically takes 2 days. The courses are offered online and in person and cost from $250-$400. Upon completion, you receive an ICISF Certificate for the course.
KLOVE Radio
KLOVE offers an ICISF-approved CISM courses taught by ICISF instructors through their Crisis Response Care Program. These courses are free! Feel free to reach out to them to host a course in your area if you don't find one listed.
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans Purse
These organizations host a joint conference called Sharing Hope in Jesus' Name in Orlando where you can take an ICISF-approved CISM Course, typically Individual and Group. Although the conference is for disaster relief the courses and conference are open to anyone. The conference fee is usually $250 and includes the conference, meals, and CISM course.
Additional Training
Each of these organizations and their corresponding courses are suitable for Law Enforcement Chaplains, Peer Support, and anyone eager to gain insight into law enforcement challenges and culture.
Chaplains and Heroes is constantly developing training for Law Enforcement, Chaplains as well as for Local Churches and community groups who want to support Law Enforcement.
Program Overview
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Courses: Peer Support/Chaplain Training/ Church Engagement
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Duration: Can be customized to meet the needs of the organization
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Pricing: Depends
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Certificate: yes
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Instructors: Rich Elias is a retired Lead Firearms and Tactics Instructor at FLETC, with over 24 years of federal service including roles as a United States Probation Officer, specializes in law enforcement training focused on firearms, defensive tactics, mental health, and trauma management, and is dedicated to promoting wellness within the first responder community and other professions, with notable contributions to CISM Peer Support literature
Christi Hall delivers insightful presentations to local churches and organizations, providing guidance on understanding Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, initiating law enforcement ministries, and collaboratively teaching with Rich Elais on Critical Incident Stress Management topics. -
Website: Chaplainsandheroes.com
C & H Insight:
We advise selecting the training option that best suits your organization's needs, which is why we've provided numerous alternatives for consideration. Whether Chaplains and Heroes aligns with your requirements or another organization listed below does, our priority is ensuring you receive the necessary training to effectively support law enforcement
Serving Heroes presents a comprehensive series of training courses designed to empower individuals interested in understanding and supporting law enforcement culture and its unique challenges.
Program Overview
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Courses: Four Levels of Peer Support/Chaplain Training
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Duration: Each course is a single full-day session, running from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
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Pricing: $99 per person, group rate of $74.25 per person.
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Certificate: yes
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Instructor: Barry Young, an experienced professional, leads these training sessions, utilizing real-life stories as illustrative examples to bolster the understanding of the concepts being taught
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Website: https://www.servingheroes.net
C & H Insight:
We highly recommend Serving Heroes for chaplains and peer support members. The expertise and engaging teaching style of Barry Young ensure a valuable learning experience, with real-world applications.
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The Heroic Deeds Non-Profit hosts a Responders in Faith conference that trains and educates First Responders on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. In 2024 a Chaplain Conference was added named Sheparding the Sheepdog with nationally recognized speakers and break out training sessions.
Program Overview:
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Courses: Various speakers with break-out sessions
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Conference Title: Sheparding the Sheepdog
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Duration: 1 1/2 Day
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Pricing: $50
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Certificate: yes
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Speakers: Nationally recognized as well as local speakers
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Website: www.heroicdeeds.org/hdchaplains
C & H Insight:
We highly recommend Heroic Deeds for training and support. Their chaplain training isn't just an ordinary program; it's a mission to enlighten, educate, and empower those who stand by our first responders. Breakout Sessions explore the intricacies of law enforcement culture and its associated challenges. It empowers participants with profound insights while refreshing and supporting chaplains in their role to serve those who serve through a Biblical worldview.
Billy Graham Chaplain Training
Program Overview:
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Courses: Various speakers with break-out sessions
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Duration:4 days
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Pricing: Free
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Certificate: yes
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Speakers: Former Law Enforcement
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WEBSITE: https://rrt.billygraham.org
C & H Insight:
We wholeheartedly endorse the Billy Graham Rapid Response Law Enforcement Training as an invaluable resource, aligning with our commitment to providing support with a biblical foundation for individuals and organizations dedicated to serving law enforcement. This comprehensive chaplain training program not only delves into the intricacies of law enforcement culture and its associated challenges but also incorporates a biblical component. It equips participants with profound insights into the unique hurdles faced by first responders, using real-life examples provided by the instructors. Emphasizing the integral role that chaplains and peer support personnel can play in the law enforcement culture, this training offers practical tools for effective chaplain and peer support, all rooted in biblical principles
Program Overview:
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Courses: Various
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Duration: varies by course
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Pricing: Varies by course
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Certificate:
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Speakers: Former Law Enforcement
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WEBSITE:https://1sthelp.org/training
C & H Insight:
We recommend the training provided by 1stHelp.org as an invaluable resource for those involved in supporting law enforcement. The comprehensive programs they offer provide essential insights into the unique challenges faced by first responders, equipping participants with practical tools and strategies to effectively provide chaplaincy and peer support within the law enforcement community. 1stHelp.org stands out for its dedication to understanding law enforcement culture and addressing the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of officers.
It's Your Call (ing)
What works for you?
Ultimately, the path you choose should align with your unique calling. We encourage you to connect with fellow chaplains, seek divine guidance through prayer, and discern what resonates best with your personal circumstances. Don't miss out on valuable networking opportunities, educational insights, and essential resources available within the Chaplains and Heroes Members Only Community.
These resources can empower your mission to support law enforcement effectively. Additionally, we would love to hear your story and be a part of your chaplaincy journey. Schedule a free one-on-one call today, where we can pray with you and assist you in discerning your calling.
Furthermore, subscribing to our email list today will ensure that we can accompany you steadfastly on this journey of service