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Ethics Toolkit

International Association of Chiefs of Police

RESOLUTION
Adopted at the 107th Annual Conference
San Diego, California
November 15, 2000

Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

Submitted by the Police Image and Ethics Committee
IE019.a00
To replace IACP Resolution 1E0031.a98

WHEREAS, integrity is acknowledged by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to be one of the most significant needs throughout the world for virtually all professions, and because the IACP seeks to demonstrate worldwide leadership in the advancement of professional honor, integrity, and ethics, and

WHEREAS, an oath is universally recognized to be a solemn pledge someone makes when they sincerely intend to commit to what they advocate and affirm; and

WHEREAS, sincere commitment to an oath can provide vital guidance during a life's most crucial decisions, a moral anchoring that can endure the test of time and a solid, emotional foundation for officer's facing their most difficult moments; and

WHEREAS, the IACP's international scope requires flexibility in language of the oath, but not in its principle; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the IACP, duly assembled at its 107th Annual Conference in San Diego, California, to embody its commitment to ethics, adopts the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor and advocates its adoption by law enforcement organizations; and the IACP adopts the IACP Membership Law Enforcement Oath of Honor for reciting when the opportunity presents itself at official gatherings of the association as a testament to our association's commitment to ethics; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor can be adjusted as appropriate for nations, countries or governments but shall contain the following words. On my honor, I will never betray my ___1____, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the ____2____, my ___3____ and the agency I serve; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP Membership Law Enforcement Oath of Honor for reciting when the opportunity presents itself at official gatherings of the association shall contain the following words: On my honor, I will never betray my profession, my integrity, my character or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the laws of my country, my community and the agency I serve.

¹ Insert appropriate term such as: badge; profession; country

² Insert appropriate term such as: constitution; laws; monarch

³ Insert appropriate term such as: community; country; land; nation