Click here to see the Oath of Honor Photo gallery from May 11, 2006
OATH OF HONOR
Before Police Officers take upon themselves the “Law Enforcement Oath of Honor,” it is vital that they understand what it truly means. An oath is a solemn pledge someone voluntarily makes when they sincerely intend to do what they say. The key words in the “Law Enforcement Oath of Honor” are defined thusly:
HONOR means giving one’s word as a bond and guarantee.
BETRAY is defined as breaking faith and proving false.
The BADGE is a visible symbol of the power of your office.
INTEGRITY is firm adherence to principles, both in our private and public life.
CHARACTER means the qualities and standards of behavior that distinguish and individual.
The PUBLIC TRUST is a duty imposed in faith to those we are sworn to serve.
COURAGE is having the “heart”, the mental, and the moral strength to venture, persevere, withstand, and overcome danger, difficulty, and fear.
ACCOUNTABILITY means that we are answerable and responsible for our actions.
COMMUNITY is the municipality, neighborhoods, and citizens we serve.
The Oath of Honor was spearheaded by the IACP. For more information about the Oath of Honor follow this link http://www.theiacp.org/profassist/ethics/focus_on_ethics.htm.
The WCPA has information about the Oath of Honor on their website as well.
The following Dane County agencies have adopted the Oath of Honor.
McFarland Police Department
Dane County Chiefs of Police Association
Town of Madison Police Department
Cross Plains Police Department
Mount Horeb Police Department
Shorewood Hills Police Department
Maple Bluff Police Department
Wisconsin Capitol Police Department