Volunteer Police Chaplain

The Downey Police Department is currently recruiting Volunteer Police Chaplains.

The department is also looking for volunteer Police Chaplains. Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Be available to the Police Department for the purpose of notifying family members when relatives are the victim of a family crisis.
  • Give counsel, referrals, comfort and encouragement to persons involved in such situations as family disturbances, attempted suicide, crimes of violence, juvenile situations, and contacts with the elderly.
  • Be available to members of the Downey Police Department and their families to provide counseling when requested.
  • Be available on a scheduled on-call basis.
  • Be available for at least 6 hours a month to take part in “ride-a-longs.”

Minimum Qualifications for Police Chaplains:

  • Must be a credentialed (licensed and ordained) minister or otherwise approved member of the clergy.
  • Be active in the ministry or in a related ministry with their own denomination.
  • Exhibit and maintain high spiritual and moral standards.
  • Possess a valid California driver’s license.
  • Never have been convicted of a felony.
  • Agree to be involved in training that the Department might offer to enhance their effectiveness as a Police Chaplain.
  • Pass a complete background check.

To inquire about becoming a volunteer Chaplain with the Police Department and to receive an application, please contact Sergeant Ruth Valenzuela at 562-904-2382 or via email at bvalenzuela@downeyca.org. Applications can also be accessed by clicking the “Apply Now” link on this page.