To Serve and Protect: The 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**
my community*** and the agency I serve.
*Appropriate term may be substituted, such as: badge; profession; country
** Appropriate term may be substituted, such as: constitution, laws; monarch
*** Appropriate term may be substituted, such as: community; country; land; nation

According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, this is the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor officers around the world [should] take when entering their respective positions. According to the IACP site, "Before any officer takes the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor, it is important that he/she understands what it means. An oath is a solemn pledge someone makes when he/she sincerely intends to do what he/she says."

It then lists words mentioned in the Oath along with their meanings:

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.

What is honorable about beating those you swore to protect? By these actions, is it right to assume that you beat your family and friends? How can anyone trust you not to do harm? What is courageous in beating unarmed civilians? To whom are you accountable if you cannot even admit when you are in the wrong? Is the community you serve limited only to those who share the same views and opinions as yourself?

WARNING: Some of the content in the videos below are graphic in nature. Viewer discretion is advised.