Police Chaplains Volunteer to Serve with the Madison Borough Police Department

Published on November 04, 2016

Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Madison Borough Chief of Police Darren Dachisen advocate the Police Chaplain Program in Madison, New Jersey.

On Thursday October 13, 2016, four local clergymen were approved by the Madison Borough Council to serve as Police Chaplains for the Madison Borough Police Department. The clergymen included Rev. A. Craig Dunn of the First Baptist Church, Rev. Scott Foster of the Presbyterian Church of Madison, Rev. Monsignor George Hundt of St. Vincent Martyr Church, and Father Derek Anderson of St. Mary's Church. A Police Chaplain for the Madison Borough Police Department is a sworn volunteer position. Ordained clergymen and clergywomen who serve in Madison Borough are eligible for the position, which requires Police Chaplain training and certification, and a recommendation by the Chief of Police. The Rev. A. Craig Dunn is currently designated as the Senior Chaplain.

The Madison Borough Police Department has always had at least one Police Chaplain, but the position was basically ceremonial in nature. This new program takes a more active approach. The chaplains will ride with duty officers, assist with death notifications, and conduct station house adjustments, which is an alternative method that law enforcement agencies may use to handle first-time juvenile offenders who have committed minor juvenile delinquency offenses within their jurisdiction.

Chief Dachisen said, These Police Chaplains will serve as a vital link between the police department and the community we serve.

Madison Mayor Bob Conley said, "In the past week the Chaplain program has already shown its value to Madison. This is another positive example of how our police department under the leadership of Chief Dachisen works with the Madison community to build bridges of communication and trust.

Prosecutor Knapp stated, I commend Chief Dachisen, the members of the Madison Borough Police Department and the involved Clergy for seeing this innovative idea through to fruition. We hope that clergy throughout Morris County will also participate in this extremely worthwhile program."

Inquiries concerning this press release should be directed to Public Information Officer Paul Merkler at pressinquiry@co.morris.nj.us or (973) 285-6215.