Do police officers swear an oath when they join the police force?
To become a member of the US military, a person swears an oath to uphold the Constitution. Do police officers swear something similar?
I’m curious, because the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers’ president recently testified during the hearings on the marriage equality bill that he would not enforce the marriage equality law. (article)
Let’s not discuss whether a law about marriage is enforceable or not.
I’m wondering whether police officers are sworn to enforce laws. If so, then the Honolulu Police Department’s response to the president’s testimony at the end of the article linked is important.
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In my county, yes, they swear a rather lengthy oath. I don’t remember what all it says, but when my daughter was sworn in as a patrolman, I remember hearing them read it and her saying “I will”
Here is what officers in HPD swear to:
The state constitution calls for all public employees with police powers to take this oath: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Hawaii, and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as (specify position) to the best of my ability.”
Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Oath of Office in the State of Hawaii
All eligible public officers, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, shall take and subscribe to the following oath or affirmation:
“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, and that I will faithfully discharge my duties as _____________ to best of my ability.”
As used in this section, “eligible public officers” means the governor, the lieutenant governor, the members of both houses of the legislature, the members of the board of education, the members of the national guard, State or county employees who possess police powers, district court judges, and all those whose appointment requires the consent of the senate. [Ren and am Const Con 1978 and election Nov 7, 1978; am SB 1440 (1992) and election Nov 3, 1992]
Police officers in more democratic countries swear or affirm oaths with similar content to those described already. Officers are not given the right to opt out in cases where the persons involved are of races, genders or sexual orientations of which they do not approve.
Most police officers repeat an oath similar to the one that military take when entering service.
Basically, they swear to uphold the constitution, and the laws of their state, city, county, ect..
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