Police Chaplain

The City of Burlington Police Department has an active Police Chaplain Program. The Police Chaplain provides support for Burlington Police Officers, their families, and the community at large by providing appropriate assistance, advice, comfort, counsel, and referrals to those in need.

The Chaplain for the City of Burlington Police Department is Scott Carson. He has been the department’s Chaplain since the program’s inception under Chief Ron Patla in 2002.

The purpose of the City of Burlington Police Department Chaplain Program is to improve police services and increase understanding between the Department and the community. The program is designed to offer a voluntary professional religious/social ministry to the community, especially during times of stress and in emergency situations where a Chaplain’s specialized skills would be beneficial.

A Police Chaplain may be called to assist public safety personnel in a variety of situations including, but not limited to:

•  Death notifications and assistance.
• Respond to accidents involving serious injury and be able to provide comfort to the injured and their families.
• Assist field personnel with suicide / attempted suicide situations.
• Assist officers and families of officers involved in traumatic situations.
• Respond to major incidents and cases involving serious injury to an employee.
• Provide a voice to assist the Department in its dealings with community problems, needs, and concerns.
• Provide consultation to the Department in human relations, ethics, family life, and spiritual matters.
• Provide assistance to victims of trauma and crisis.
• Serve as liaison with other clergy in the community.
• Counsel police officers and other members of the department, and their families.
• Go on ride-a-longs with police officers