The Arkansas Department of Public Safety and the Arkansas State Police will host a specialized Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Training from September 8–12, 2025, at the ASP Training Facility located at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock.
This intensive program is designed for both certified law enforcement personnel and civilian pastors. However, all applicants must present a recommendation and demonstrate an affiliation with a local, state, or federal law enforcement agency operating in Arkansas.
Participants will receive training, lodging, and lunch throughout the event.
The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics critical to effective chaplaincy in law enforcement settings, including:
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Understanding LEO Chaplaincy
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LEO Chaplaincy Basics
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Legal Aspects of Chaplaincy
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Supporting the LEO Family
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Responding to Call-Outs
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Characteristics of Stress
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Suicide Awareness and Prevention
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Department and Agency Incidents
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Death Notifications
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Self-Care for the Chaplain
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Building Deep Connections within LEO Culture
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Creative Approaches to Chaplaincy
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Fortifying Officer Mindsets for Victory
Leading the instruction will be Chris Clem, Ph.D., Director of Research & Planning at DPS; Sgt. Chuck Lewis from the ASP Wellness Unit and Crisis Negotiation Team; and Senior Police Chaplain Jim Bontrager, along with several guest instructors. The training is held in partnership with the International Conference of Police Chaplains.
The deadline to register is August 31. Certified applicants can register by scanning the provided QR code, while civilian applicants are encouraged to contact Barbara Varnell directly at (501) 682-2260 for assistance.
