ABSTRACT
The above constitutes the solemn declaration or oath taken by all those newly appointed to the office of constable within England and Wales, in accordance with the wording under Sched 4 to the Police Act 1996. This is declared during a ceremony known as the ‘attestation’, which takes place before a justice of the peace.1 On analysis, this oath provides an interesting indication as to the constitutional status of a police officer in modern times and, in essence, describes the manner in which police powers should be exercised.
