Becoming a Volunteer Minister at Robertson County Jail: Complete Application Guide

The Robertson County Detention Facility accepts applications for its volunteer ministry program. If you want to serve, start by getting the ministry application and filling it out carefully. Everything else (paperwork review, screening, and training) builds from what you submit.

• ✓ Complete a background investigation through Jail Administration and get approved for a security clearance to access the facility
• ✓ Provide a sponsoring church letter on official letterhead with full contact information and the church’s IRS tax exemption number (or the required leadership signature if no exemption number)
• ✓ Attend the required four-hour training course provided by facility staff (and plan to repeat training annually)

Your application packet must include a letter from your sponsoring church. The letter needs to be on church letterhead with complete contact information: name, address, and telephone number. It also needs a signature from church leadership (the Pastor, Chairman of the Deacon's board, Church Trustee, or an equivalent body) and the church's federally approved IRS tax exemption number.

Every volunteer ministry applicant goes through a background investigation conducted by Jail Administration. You also need security clearance approval before you can access the facility. This review is how the jail determines who is eligible to enter and serve inside.

• ✓ Misdemeanor convictions: a minimum of 3 calendar years must pass after the sentence before access into the facility can be granted
• ✓ Felony convictions: a minimum of 5 calendar years must pass after the sentence before access into the facility can be granted

If you have a misdemeanor conviction, check this timing rule before you apply: a minimum of 3 calendar years must pass after the sentence before access into the facility can be granted. If you're close to that date, consider waiting until you clearly meet the minimum.

For felony convictions, the waiting period is longer. A minimum of 5 calendar years must pass after the sentence before access into the facility can be granted. Factor that into your planning before submitting your ministry paperwork.

Before you can volunteer as a minister, you must attend a four-hour training course provided by Robertson County Detention Facility staff. This is a required part of approval. Don't assume you can begin serving inside the facility until you've completed it.

Plan your application around the orientation class date you want. All applications must be completed at least 15 days before your requested orientation class date. That window gives the facility time for processing, submission, and approval by the Jail Administrator.

Mail your completed ministry application and paperwork to: Cpl. L. Royer, Programs, Robertson County Detention Facility, 311 5th Avenue East, Springfield, TN 37172.

As part of the application, you agree to follow the facility's expectations while participating. That means observing and obeying all rules and warnings, and following any oral instructions or direction given by Robertson County Sheriff's Office or Detention Facility staff, employees, or agents.

The paperwork also includes a ministry release of liability. By signing, you assume full responsibility for personal injury to yourself and agree to release and discharge the Robertson County Sheriff's Office and Robertson County for injury, loss, or damage arising out of your participation as a volunteer minister and your presence in the facility.