An official website of the State of Maryland.

Maryland.gov Translate

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Maryland Department of State Police

Volunteer Chaplain

The Chaplaincy aims to support Troopers, their families, and department personnel by addressing their spiritual and crisis needs, fostering confidence, trust, and integrity. The chaplaincy program also assists troopers in their duties by providing alternative stress-coping mechanisms for police work.

Requirements

  • Ecclesiastically certified, and a licensed or ordained clergy, imam, priest, or rabbi.
  • In good standing, and endorsed in writing by their ecclesiastical authority to serve as a law enforcement chaplain.
  • Willing and reasonably available to respond to situations where their presence is needed.
  • Actively engaged in ministry, this may include retired clergy capable of fulfilling the duties of a police chaplain.
  • Able to function effectively within a pluralistic religious setting, providing and coordinating provisions for meeting the spiritual needs of all personnel.
  • A citizen of the United States.
  • Able to meet the physical, emotional, and mental demands necessary to function as an effective police chaplain.
  • Able to provide documentation supporting a minimum of five years active in ministry service.
  • Have high moral standards.
  • Never been convicted of a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

Education needed

  • Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree with 120 semester hours from an accredited institution.

  • Possess a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree or an equivalent theological degree.
  • Completed 90 semester hours of graduate theological study (or a full three-year course of study) from a theological school listed in:
    • The Education Directory, Colleges and Universities
    • The Directory of the Association of Theological Schools
    • A recognized Directory of Colleges and Schools

Note: MDSP employees are not permitted to serve as chaplains due to potential conflicts of interest.

Application evaluation

Selecting officials consider the following essential qualities:

  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to easily and comfortably connect with others.
  • Moral and Ethical Standards: Adherence to high spiritual and moral principles.
  • Professional Maturity: A diverse background demonstrating professional maturity, emotional stability, and adaptability.
  • Tact and Inclusivity: The capacity to interact with all individuals with tact and consideration, irrespective of their color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, genetic condition or information, or membership/non-membership in an employee organization, and without showing personal favoritism.
  • Availability: Willingness and readiness to respond to any situation requiring a chaplain's presence.
  • Understanding of Law Enforcement: A foundational understanding of law enforcement professionals' duties and the stresses they face.

Application forms

Questions?

Please contact Linda Hoopes for any questions.
410-653-4351