The California police officer’s oath states, “I, (employee name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California.”
“Protect and serve” are the words we see on many police cars; it’s the motto of most police departments and therefore, their mission.
But the California Police Officer’s Oath makes no reference to these responsibilities.
Since California’s oath includes no mention of an officer’s responsibilities to their community, I propose a rider to the oath stating that a police officer must protect and serve all community members.
Proposed rider to oath: “I, (employee name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will protect and serve all of the people of my community.”
Ralph McKay
Lecturer and Supervisor
SJSU
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