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Office of Chaplaincy & Ecclesiastical Affairs
Police Chaplaincy Victim Support and Public Safety Statement
The Harp of David Church Police Chaplains operate under the lawful authority of the Church to provide civilian, volunteer support services in alignment with federal and state laws governing victim assistance and public safety.
- Texas Government Code § 310.002 recognizes volunteer services in support of law enforcement agencies.
- California Penal Code §§ 830.1–830.6 recognizes civilian personnel providing non-sworn support to public safety agencies.
Under federal law:
- Victims of Crime Act (VOCA, 42 U.S.C. § 10601 et seq.) authorizes the provision of support to crime victims, including emotional and spiritual care. Church-based police chaplains may lawfully provide these services to victims and families.
- Department of Justice / Office for Victims of Crime guidance recognizes volunteer, faith-based chaplains as eligible to provide services in a neutral, non-coercive, and confidential manner, ensuring support is voluntary and respectful of all parties.
Chaplains endorsed by The Harp of David Church are civilian clergy, fully authorized by the Church, and do not represent law enforcement authority. Their duties are strictly limited to pastoral care, crisis support, victim assistance, family liaison, and ceremonial functions consistent with departmental policies and public safety codes.
This framework ensures that the Church’s police chaplaincy program is fully lawful, compliant with federal and state statutes, and protective of both public safety and the rights of
The Harp of David Police Chaplains
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF LEGAL STATUS AND PROTECTION
HARVEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY – POLICE CHAPLAINS
Harvest Christian University affirms that its Police Chaplains are constitutionally protected religious ministers whose authority derives from ecclesiastical endorsement and federal and state law, not from local law-enforcement powers.
The Harp of David Police Chaplains
Police Chaplains commissioned or endorsed through Harvest Christian University:
- Are not sworn law-enforcement officers
- Exercise no arrest or investigative authority
- Do not operate under local police chain of command
- Serve in a religious and pastoral capacity only
Their ministry is protected under:
- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
- Religious Freedom Restoration Act (42 U.S.C. §2000bb)
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (42 U.S.C. §2000e)
- Clergy–Penitent Privilege laws (Federal Rule of Evidence 501 and applicable state statutes)
Any interference with an HCU-endorsed Police Chaplain acting within their religious capacity may constitute a violation of constitutional and civil rights protections Issued by authority of Harvest Christian University
Office of Chaplaincy & Ecclesiastical Affairs
Harvest Christian University & Harp of David Police Chaplaincy
The chaplains are licensed and commissioned through the International Association of Licensed Commissioned Chaplains (IALCC) and The Harp of David Police Chaplaincy at HCU.
- They serve law enforcement communities and first responders in a pastoral capacity without being department employees.
- Using the title “police chaplain” is accurate in describing their role of ministry to police and first responders, not their legal authority or employment status.
Key Safeguards to Maintain Clarity
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF LEGAL STATUS AND PROTECTION
HARVEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY – POLICE CHAPL
Harvest Christian University affirms that its Police Chaplains are constitutionally protected religious ministers whose authority derives from ecclesiastical endorsement , federal and state law, not from local law-enforcement.
Engagement Outside Police Departments
Chaplains operate collaboratively with public safety communities through invitations, memoranda of understanding, or community outreach programs. Their engagement may include:
- Chaplaincy support at community events
- Pastoral presence at memorials or public crises
- Emotional support and resilience seminars
- Individual pastoral counseling
Standards and Ethical Commitments
Chaplains with The Harp of David agree to:
- Respect confidentiality and ethical boundaries in all pastoral care situations
- Serve with impartiality, compassion, and professionalism
- Uphold the values of Harvest Christian University and the IALCC
Operational Structure
- Credentialing: Chaplains are licensed and commissioned through the IALCC at Harvest Christian University.
- Academic Integration: The university offers courses, continuing education, and practical ministry training aligned with the IALCC’s standards.
- Chaplain Corps: Members voluntarily serve in community and public safety environments by invitation or agreement with partner organizations.
All chaplains commit to the university’s ethical conduct and professional standards as part of their commissioning process.
Legal and Constitutional Context
While The Harp of David Police Chaplains are not part of any law enforcement agency, U.S. federal law recognizes volunteer chaplain services in safety‐related environments under certain conditions. For example:
- 2 U.S. Code § 1912 allows acceptance of unpaid chaplain services for entities like the Capitol Police under specified conditions, protecting chaplains’ rights to provide spiritual care without compulsory rites or ceremonies that conflict with conscience.
Chaplains serving in pastoral or volunteer capacities are also protected under foundational constitutional guarantees, including:
- U.S. Constitution, First Amendment: Protects free exercise of religion and freedom of speech, which underpin the right of chaplains to serve in faith‑based ministries and pastoral care without governmental restriction.
These legal frameworks support the voluntary, civilian role of chaplains in community, emergency, or pastoral settings, preserving both religious freedom and the dignity of service.
Police Chaplain Field Introduction Guidelines
"I am a police chaplain serving with The Harp of David Church Police Chaplains. As an ordained clergy member with Harp of David Church, I serve as a chaplain to the police department, offering pastoral and spiritual support to officers, their families, and those affected by critical incidents. I'm here as a chaplain to provide support, a listening ear, and guidance during this situation while serving in a support role, offering care and encouragement to officers, victims, and the community."
Key Principles
Non-sworn status: No police powers or law enforcement authority.
Clear role: Pastoral care, emotional support, spiritual guidance, presence.
Professional tone: Respectful, calm, reassuring, non-coercive.
Harp of David Church Police Chaplain Script
I am a police chaplain with Harp of David Church, assigned to provide pastoral care and support to law-enforcement personnel, victims, and families. I am clergy, not a sworn officer, and I do not have law enforcement authority. My role is to offer spiritual guidance, counseling, and emotional support during this situation. I am here to serve, listen, and assist appropriately while fully respecting law enforcement authority and everyone's safety."
US Police Chaplaincy Directing Officers
US Commander Archbishop Dr. Carl Robinson
Director Intelligence Operations
Dr. Jonathan Robinson
International Director HG Dr. Junustia Brecen
US Deputy Commander
Officer Dr. Jaron Barnes
Regional Director
Officer Dr. Ken Chaney
Director Chaplaincy
Dr. Isreal Henry
