Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

On my honor, I will never betray my badge, 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 constitution, and will remain loyal to my community and the agency I serve.

In a department meeting on Monday, October 6, 2008, the sworn staff and civilian personnel of the Neenah Police Department committed to the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor. This coincided with issuance of redesigned ID cards and badges that depict symbols the Neenah Police Department feels exemplify the positive traits of their agency and the inherent meaning of the police shield.

Since that day, new officers recite the Oath of Honor in a ceremony when they have completed their probation and are given their “permanent” badge, signifying that officers who complete their probation will be accepted as meeting the requirements that make them qualified to be an officer of the Neenah Police Department. The Oath of Honor will then become an informal rite of passage as those officers become a permanent part of the police force.

The Meaning Behind the Oath of Honor:

Honor – our word is given as a guarantee.
Betray – breaking faith with the public trust.
Badge – the symbol of our office.
Integrity – being the same person in both private and public life.
Character -the qualities that distinguish an individual.
Public – trust is a charge of duty imposed in faith toward those we serve.
Courage -having the strength to withstand unethical pressure, fear or danger.
Accountability – we are answerable and responsible to our oath of office.
Community – the jurisdiction and citizens we serve.