The San Jose Police Chaplaincy Program was founded in 1977 by a group of San Jose police officers. While its original objective was to serve the needs of Department members and their families, it has grown over the years to also serve the citizens of San Jose. The program operates with the approval and support of the Police Administration and the San Jose Peace Officers' Association.

There are currently two full-time chaplains. Chaplain Dave Bridgen has been with the Department for over 20 years, and Chaplain Jim Becknall has served for approximately 10 years.

Chaplains Jim Becknall and Dave Bridgen

In addition, more than twenty volunteer community chaplains representing various faiths also serve the Department and citizens in time of crisis. All chaplains are available to anyone regardless of their individual religious beliefs.

The chaplains take part in many departmental functions, including promotion ceremonies, graduation ceremonies and training activities. They also assist during times of crisis and provide both counsel and support for the police and the community.

Chaplains Bridgen and Becknall assist police families with funeral arrangements and grief counseling. They also conduct Critical Incident Management services. These two full-time chaplains are on call 24-7 and will respond to virtually any situation in which they are needed.

A Board of Directors comprised of San Jose Police personnel oversees the Chaplaincy Program.

The Chaplaincy Program is a non-profit organization funded by contributions. Some of its expenses include:

* Stuffed animals for children.
* Food, toys and turkeys for over 200 needy families during the holiday season.
* Soda, water, and snacks for officers using our office
* Chaplaincy golf shirts for the Volunteer Chaplains
* Monthly rental expenditures.
* Printed material to hand out to grieving individuals
* Training materials for Community Chaplains
* Various office supplies
* Salaries for two full-time Chaplains and a part-time Administrator.

For more information, please call the Chaplaincy Office at (408) 224-5600.

Thank you for your interest in our program.

--Chaplains Dave Bridgen and Jim Becknall