Chaplaincy Services - San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking quotations from qualified vendors to provide comprehensive chaplaincy services. The selected provide shall be willing and able to provide a ministry of presence to Public Safety Personnel, crisis intervention and spiritual support for the residents of San Mateo County. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office is seeking a contractor who can provide the following services:

1. Chaplaincy Program

1.) Provide chaplaincy services to Sheriff’s Office personnel, members of the community upon request, and their families.

2.) Provide 24/7 on-scene support

1. Senior Chaplain

1.) Coordinate and supervise SMSO Chaplaincy

2.) Report to Liaison Officer

3.) Responsible for recruiting new Chaplains

a.) Candidates will be presented for the Sheriffs approval after full background check and fingerprinting

4.) Provide ongoing training of Chaplains

5.) Ceremonial duties as requested

6.) Other services include:

a.) Hospital and home visits for Sheriff’s Office personnel when requested

b.) Officiate weddings and funerals

c.) Provide Pastoral Counseling upon request

d.) Referrals to other resources

e.) Other services that may be requested by Sheriff’s Office

1. Department Chaplains

a.) Available 24/7 for on-scene response

b.) Regular visits to all facilities to build and maintain relationships with Sheriff’s Office personnel

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (SMCSO) provides law enforcement, custody, and public safety services throughout San Mateo County, serving a diverse and dynamic population across urban, suburban, and coastal communities. With over 800 sworn and professional staff assigned to patrol operations, corrections, court security, investigations, and administrative functions, employees routinely perform duties that expose them to critical incidents, traumatic events, and sustained operational stress. These experiences may include officer-involved incidents, in-custody deaths, child abuse cases, violent crimes, natural disasters, and other high-impact events that can have both immediate and cumulative psychological effects.

A chaplaincy program is uniquely positioned to complement clinical services by providing on-scene crisis response, peer-aligned emotional support, and guidance during times of moral or ethical strain. Chaplains are often viewed as trusted, non-disciplinary resources who can engage employees informally, whether during critical incidents, after difficult shifts, or in moments of personal crisis, without the perceived barriers associated with formal mental health care. Their presence helps normalize help-seeking behavior, reduce stigma, and bridge the gap between law enforcement officers and clinical providers when additional care is needed. Integrating a professional chaplaincy provider is essential to strengthening resilience, supporting employee wellness, and sustaining operational effectiveness. By addressing both the immediate and long-term impacts of stress and trauma, a chaplaincy program serves as a vital component of a comprehensive wellness strategy for law enforcement personnel and their families.

In addition to supporting Sheriff's Office personnel, a chaplaincy program plays a vital role in serving members of the community during times of crisis and loss. Chaplains can respond alongside first responders to critical incidents such as sudden deaths, traumatic accidents, and natural disasters, providing immediate emotional support, grief counseling, and compassionate presence to victims, families, and bystanders. They also serve as a bridge between the Sheriff's Office and the community by offering culturally sensitive care, facilitating communication during difficult circumstances, and connecting individuals with longer-term support resources. This community-facing function enhances public trust, reinforces procedural justice, and ensures that the agency’s response to crisis situations is both professional and humane.