SHERIFF'S OFFICE > Chaplain

The present ministerial program started in 1998 with a group of volunteers eager to share their faith. Volunteer chaplains attend an annual orientation and must receive a security clearance before serving in the detention center.

The Chaplains serve in teams of two to provide an opportunity each Sunday for inmates to meet together for worship and Bible study. Separate studies are done for the women and men. The Bible is the only literature used in these studies.

A list of approved ministers is maintained by the department. Inmates desiring spiritual counseling may choose someone from the list.

By attending Bible studies, inmates get to know the ministers and the scriptures and have the opportunity to maintain contact with the minister and a church when they are released. Inmates are provided Bibles in English or Spanish. When they leave the center they are also offered a new Bible to keep as their own if they wish.

Last Modified: 5/15/06