NCJ Number
186619
Date Published
1999
Length
39 pages
Annotation
The chaplain program of the Arkansas State Police was studied using interviews, monthly reports, and surveys of both chaplains and Arkansas State Police personnel.
Abstract
Chaplains identified availability, presence, trust, and confidentiality as core issues for their work. They reported the most frequent way they assisted troopers was by participating in death notifications. Troopers indicated they used the chaplain program about once every 6 months. Both troopers and civilian employees said they were knowledgeable of the chaplain program and had neutral attitudes toward the chaplain program and its use. Findings indicate the full potential of the chaplain program has not yet been realized, and suggestions for program improvement focus on publicity and education, communication, and program structure. Appendixes contain the data collection instruments and study forms.