History of the Police Badge and Oath of Honor

The first “police badges” were the coat of arms worn by knights. The coat of arms identified the knight and his allegiance to justice, chivalry, and his royal leaders by on his shield. Police Officers swear to protect and serve, the same as knights from the medieval era were often sworn in and asked to “Protect the weak, defenseless, helpless, and fight for the general welfare of all.”

Before any officer takes the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, it is important he or she understands what it means. An oath is a solemn pledge someone makes when they sincerely intend to do what they say:

Honor...

means that one's word is given as a guarantee.

Betray...

is defined as breaking faith with the public trust.

Badge...

is the symbol of your 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 you serve.

Courage...

is having the strength to withstand unethical pressure, fear or danger.

Accountability...

means that you are answerable and responsible to your oath of office.

Community...

is the jurisdiction and citizens served.


The Oath of Honor for Westworth Village Officers

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
my community and the agency I serve.

After a police officer takes his oath of Office, they are given a badge.  The badge is to be worn over the heart for two reasons: 

  1. to ever remind them of their pledge to protect
  2. because the left arm was the arm that often held the coat of arms shield of knights… protecting the heart and leaving the dominant hand to fight with a weapon.