The local police have enlisted a diverse group of chaplains in Los Angeles to provide spiritual support and guidance amid the harsh realities of their duty. From priests riding Harleys to a rabbi who survived the Holocaust, the LAPD Chaplain Corps is nothing short of unconventional. According to a report by CNN, Monsignor Frank Hicks is one key figure in this unique ministry, dividing his time between church and accompanying officers on their desert retreats.
The chaplain corps, which includes Catholic, Buddhist, Jewish, and other faiths, aims to truly be with the officers, offering less preaching and more listening. Hicks emphasizes the importance of his role, saying, "My presence among officers means that someone cares, the community cares." He firmly believes that by simply walking with these officers, he is making a significant difference in their lives.
National trends suggest that police departments are now starting to seriously rely on chaplains as part of their staff to help boost officer resilience. Mendy Coën notes that there's a "burning need" for police chaplains across all states. The role of these chaplains ranges from being a confidential source of support to acting as the first defense line before officers seek professional mental health help.
Some LAPD chaplains double as sworn officers, like Chief Chaplain Kenneth Crawford, who focuses more on listening to the needs of his fellow officers. Crawford explained, "I'm not there to speak sermons to them, I’m there to just be that person who will listen to them."
As depicted in a post from Chief Michel Moore, the corps is recognized for its compassion and for creating safe spaces for officers. This sentiment is echoed by Rabbi Israel Hirsch, one of the LAPD chaplains, saying, "For officers to know that there’s somebody there who is thinking of them, who is with them." Hirsch, who enjoys "schmoozing" with officers, understands the value of building trust and engaging in meaningful conversation.
Grateful for those who step forward to provide our people solace, compassion and a safe space. Meet the Los Angeles Police Department Chaplain Corps: Motorcycles, priests with guns and a rabbi who escaped the Holocaust | CNN https://t.co/5moGVaIA78
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) December 21, 2023
The chaplain corps is not without its processes—candidates undergo a rigorous vetting, according to Officer Mike McCarty in a CNN interview. This includes interviews and a background check, culminating in a two-year probation followed by full integration that even includes the issue of a bulletproof vest. With many officers seeking support, the role of chaplains continues to be a crucial aspect of the law enforcement community in Los Angeles and beyond.
