Duchovní služba v Policii ČR – k povinné mlčenlivosti policejních kaplanů
Spiritual Ministry in the Czech Police – On the Duty of Confidentiality for Police Chaplains

Summary/Abstract: This article discusses the provision of spiritual care within the Police of the Czech Republic, which serves as a vital complement to psychological and social support offered to members of the security forces. It outlines the historical development of this service, from the early stages of post-traumatic intervention programs to the recent 2024 Agreement, which formally defines the authority, responsibilities, and status of police chaplains. Emphasis is placed on the importance of spiritual support in a profession that demands high levels of psychological resilience and ethical integrity. Police chaplains play a key role in crisis intervention, moral guidance, and in providing support to officers’ families. Special attention is given to the principle of mandatory confidentiality, which forms the cornerstone of the trust-based relationship between chaplain and officer. The article concludes that spiritual care constitutes an integral part of the holistic support system for police personnel, with its primary objective being human support – not religious proselytism – in a highly demanding professional environment.

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