Police Department

Spokane Police Chaplaincy Program

The unexpected death of a loved one is a traumatic experience for families and friends. Police Officers responding to such calls also experience their own emotions and challenges. It's critical in the immediate hours around a death and for the eventual healing process, to have someone come alongside families and police to offer emotional, spiritual, and physical guidance and support.

That's where Spokane Police Chaplains come in. They assist police officers responding to murders, suicides, and accidental deaths by meeting with family members and others at the scene who may be in shock and/or dealing with grief, anger, and heartache.

In 2022 alone, police chaplains responded to 661 calls. While our chaplains comfort, encourage, and help debrief those in need, our police officers attend to the crime or accident details. Chaplains stay with family members after the scene is cleared and discuss burial and cremation options before connecting families with funeral homes. They also make sure our police officers have the emotional support they need as the constant exposure to trauma can take a mental and even physical toll. The SPD Chaplains primary focus is ministering to members of the Police Department.

• Ask a Chaplain 
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Resources

Griefshare

Griefshare is a ministry designed to assist individuals and families navigate the grief process through a group dynamic, hosted by local churches and other community centers. Griefshare is a 13 week program with a Christian focus on learning coping skills to manage grief after losing a loved one. Visit their website for more information and to find a Griefshare group in your area.

Volunteer

The Spokane Police Chaplaincy Program is comprised of two full-time chaplains and more than 20 volunteers. Many of them are retired pastors and ministers. All of them have a heart for service and a guiding faith. If you are interested in becoming a police chaplain, contact Senior Chaplain Mickey Tuter at spdchaplain@spokanecity.org.

Chaplain Bios

Chaplain Tuter's Bio

Chaplain Piatt's Bio