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APD Chaplain's Corner

Information about the Albuquerque Police Department chaplain.

A Police chaplain bending over to talk to a woman and man hugging while sitting in front of a vehicle that has been taped off with crime scene tape.

Contact Information

Telephone: 505-768-2131

About Us

Welcome to the homepage of the APD Volunteer Chaplain Unit!

As we reflect over the past four decades, we are reminded of the early beginnings, when the Albuquerque Police Volunteer Chaplain Unit grew from a proposal by a local minister, the Reverend Virgil Bonto. Reverend Bonto approached then Chief of Police Paul A. Shaver and shared the vision of having a chaplain unit for the police department.

On March 10, 1969, Chief Shaver appointed the Reverend John A. "Jack" Price as the first Chaplain Commander to oversee 35 ministers and a motor vehicle donated by a local automobile agency. In 1998, the Albuquerque Law Enforcement Building was named after Commander Price.

Today, Department Chaplains continue to serve as "ambassadors" dedicated to providing a ministry of presence, support and counsel to members of the Albuquerque Police Department, their families and the community.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our homepage!

Mission & Guiding Principles

  • Provide for the support of department employees and their families.
  • Provide counsel and guidance to persons in crisis in the Albuquerque community.
  • Provide a great work environment by working effectively with each other.
  • Apply the highest standards of excellence to providing support to those requesting assistance.
  • Maintain a presence that fosters the highest ethical conduct among employees.
  • Foster public confidence and support by attending civic events and being available during periods of heightened public interest.
  • Contribute positively to our Department and our community.
  • Recognize that the spirit of service is essential to fulfilling our mission.

Newsletter

Join Us

Will you answer the call? If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Police Chaplain:

Visit our volunteer site!