Oaths of Office
Dear Victoria Police,
I have been perusing various Acts that I believe the police here in Victoria are bound by
and have noticed that the oath of office for policemen and women is thus: "I [insert name] [swear by Almighty God/do solemnly and sincerely affirm] that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen as a police officer in Victoria in any capacity in which I may be appointed, promoted, or reduced to, without favour or affection, malice or ill-will for the period of [insert period] from this date, and until I am legally discharged, that I will see and cause Her Majesty's peace to be kept and preserved, and that I will prevent to the best of my power all offences, and that while I continue to be a police officer I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties legally imposed on me faithfully and according to law."
However this oath differs from the one prescribed by the Constitution of the Commonwealth 1900 which is : I, A.B., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Her heirs and successors according to law.
SO HELP ME GOD!
So my questions are: which Queen is being referred to in the former oath?
When and under what authority was the change made from the Constitutional oath?
In what year was the order given to change and what person gave the orders for this oath to be altered?
Are the Police bound by the Constitution of the Commonwealth 1900 and all of its provisions?
Are the Police bound to the Common or Law of the Land?
Do police operate under an ABN?
Could you supply a copy of all the supporting, applicable and relevant documents please.
Yours faithfully,
John Andrews
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Regards,
Freedom of Information Unit | Governance and Assurance Department |
Victoria Police
OFFICIAL: Sensitive
Good afternoon,
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Regards,
Freedom of Information Division
Governance and Assurance Department | Victoria Police
telephone: (03) 9247 6801| DX: 210096
address: Level 7, Tower 1, 637 Flinders Street, Docklands VIC 3008
OFFICIAL: Sensitive