Garland County Sheriff’s Department

 Chaplaincy Program

Administrated and Facilitated by

Garland County Jail Ministries, Inc.

Biographical Information

    Ed Losey is an ordained Southern Baptist Minister.  Rev. Ed Losey is currently President and Senior Chaplain of the Garland County Jail Ministries, Inc.  Chaplain Losey is a graduate of the Arkansas Baptist School of Biblical Studies in Little Rock Arkansas and Taylor University Chaplaincy Training School in Fort Wayne Indiana.  Chaplain Losey is a Christian Counselor certified by the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling (IIFBC).  He is trained in Critical Incident Stress Management.  He is a member of the (AR/CRT) Arkansas Critical Response Team trained in using the (NOVA) National Organization of Victims Assistance model.  He is a trained member of the (ICPC) International Conference of Police Chaplains, which trains its members in many law enforcement techniques so they are able to work closely with many different law enforcement agencies. The Chaplain has been involved in the training of Sheriff’s Department Deputies, such as Jail Standards and Reserve Deputy Training, as well as qualifying on the firing range.

    Chaplain Losey works hand in hand with Sheriff Larry Sanders and his administration to provide quality religious service and guidance for the jail division. The Chaplain facilitates and / or over-sees all of the ministry opportunities that take place in both the adult and the juvenile detention facilities. The Sheriff provides office space within the lock-up area of the adult facility; the Garland County Jail Ministries, Inc. provides the office space in their support center where ministry takes place outside the facilities. The Chaplain’s duties also include ministering to the administration, deputies, other staff members, and their families when the need arises. The Chaplain is available for counseling, spiritual guidance, and hospital visitation to any and all who may need his service.  The Chaplain also is on call 24/7 in order to minister to any and all who may be touched by a tragic death due to an automobile accident, natural death, suicide, homicide, or any other traumatic event.

Chaplain Losey speaks in public forums:

• Represents the Garland County Jail Ministries, Inc.
• Represents the Garland County Sheriff’s Department

Office inside of jail division:

   Approximately 45-55% of the inmate population take an active part in the various ministries. Inmates sign up voluntarily for the worship services.  There are many one-on-one contacts made by the Chaplains and volunteers during the week. Inmates are encouraged to begin the Bible correspondence lessons.  These same ministries are also extended to the youth held in the Garland County Juvenile Detention Center.

Facilitates

• Pastoral visits
• Funeral and welfare escorts
• Special visits
• Worship services
• Bible studies
• One on One Ministry

Counseling – Outside the Jail Facility

• Administrative personnel
• Releasees

After release, the question comes, “What now?”  The individual frequently is released with nothing more than the clothes on his/her back and a few dollars.  The Volunteer Support Center at 238 Woodbine at the corner of Woodbine &  Hazel Street can really help at this time.   Referral services can assist with job contacts, immediate shelter help, immediate food, clothing, and transportation assistance.  Regular referrals are made to existing rehabilitative and professional service organizations such as drug and alcohol programs.   Pastoral care and a full-time Chaplain are available for building self-appreciation and finding an appropriate church home.   It has been demonstrated repeatedly that if a Christian releasee stays in God’s word  and attends a Bible-teaching church, the rate of return to jail drops dramatically.  Volunteers from the community again play a large role in this part of the ministry.  They give time, money, clothing, transportation, food, energy, and love as they provide after-care and follow-up.  So much of this portion of the ministry would not be possible without community awareness and response to these needs.

• Families of inmates & detainees

Families of the incarcerated are often the unrecognized victims of crime.  Spouses and children are often the objects of ridicule and unkind remarks.  However, their greatest hurts may be the loss of income and emotional support from the incarceration of the bread-winner. Therefore, many of the services provided to inmates and releasees are also provided to their families.  Referrals for families in crisis are made to existing professional service organizations.  Immediate help with food, transportation, and clothing, are available upon request .Pastoral care is given as needed.  Church homes and watchcare are sought for the families.  Building self-appreciation and emotional support systems are paramount.  Special occasions like holidays are frequently used to minister to the needs of children for gifts or food to make the holiday brighter.  The Christmas for Kids Project and Thanksgiving food baskets are examples of this kind of volunteer assistance.

Officiate on Occasion

• Weddings
• Funerals
• Pulpit Supply

Contact Information

E-mail

Chaplosey@hsnp.com
gcjailministry@aristotle.com

Phone

Support Center                    Chaplain Losey
501-321-1899                          501-622-3684

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