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.

Meaning behind the Oath of Honor

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