News Release

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana State Police Wellness Section is seeking qualified and compassionate individuals to serve as volunteer chaplains and spiritual advisors within its expanding ISP Chaplain Program.

This initiative is part of the department’s continued commitment to supporting the overall health, resilience and readiness of ISP personnel, retirees and their families.

The ISP Wellness Section is a comprehensive support division focused on the physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing of department members. A strong and diverse Chaplain Program is a vital component of this mission, providing trusted support during both routine and critical moments.

Volunteer chaplains serve an essential role within the department by offering confidential, compassionate support to personnel of all faiths or belief systems.

Chaplains may provide the following services:

• Spiritual guidance and care for personnel, retirees and their families regardless of religious affiliation.
• Crisis intervention and emotional support during personal challenges or duty-related incidents.
• Assistance with death notifications, family emergencies and other difficult circumstances.
• Presence and support during critical incidents, disaster responses, and high-stress events.
• Ride along participation and regular interaction with troopers to build trust and accessibility.
• Support for victims of crime or accidents when requested and appropriate.
• Pluralistic religious support that respects the diverse spiritual needs of the department.

Chaplains help mitigate the effects of occupational stress, provide comfort during emotionally challenging situations and strengthen the overall wellness of the Indiana State Police workforce.

Each volunteer chaplain must be an ordained clergy member of a recognized denomination or local church and meet one of the following requirements, subject to superintendent approval:

• A Master of Divinity or equivalent graduate degree in theology, psychology, sociology or philosophy from an accredited institution.
• A bachelor’s degree in theology, psychology, sociology, or philosophy with a minimum of three years of full-time active ministry experience.
• At least five years of full-time active ministry experience.

Volunteer chaplains may be asked to:

• Be available for on-call support during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Provide confidential pastoral counseling to personnel and their families.
• Assist with Critical Incident Stress Management responses and Wellness Section initiatives when appropriate.
• Offer prayer, guidance, and spiritual resources upon request.
• Participate in training sessions, meetings, and ride alongs to maintain readiness.
• Support departmental ceremonies or community outreach efforts when invited.

ISP encourages members of the public and faith community to consider pastors, clergy, or spiritual leaders who are compassionate, calm in crisis, and committed to serving first responders. Individuals interested in volunteering may apply through NeoGov under “Career Opportunities” by searching for “Indiana State Police Volunteer Chaplain.”

Recommendations, questions, or additional information may be directed to [email protected]. Inquiries may also be made by contacting Matt Voorhees at (765) 918-8468 or Chaplain Daniel Coffey at (317) 439-3149.

Individuals interested in serving as an Indiana State Police Volunteer Chaplain may apply online.