Section 83: Attestation of constables
404.Every police officer and every special constable is required, on appointment, to be attested by making a declaration in a prescribed form before a justice of the peace in the force area concerned. The Police Advisory Board for England and Wales, on which all the main police organisations are represented, advised the Home Secretary in December 2000 that the wording of the attestation should be changed to make it clear that police officers had a duty to uphold the rights of and protect everyone living or staying in the country, not just Her Majesty’s subjects. The Home Secretary has accepted the advice of the Police Advisory Board.
405.The prescribed form of wording is currently set out in Schedule 4 to the 1996 Act. This section inserts a new form of words for the attestation into Schedule 4 to the 1996 Act. The existing and revised declarations are set out below with the words to be omitted or added shown in italics in each case.
406.Existing form of declaration:
I, ... ... ... of ... ... ... do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve Our Sovereign Lady the Queen in the office of constable, without favour or affection, malice or ill will; and that I will to the best of my power cause the peace to be kept and preserved, and prevent all offences against the persons and properties of Her Majesty's subjects; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law.
407.Revised form of declaration:
I, ... ... ... of ... ... ... do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law.
408.When the new attestation comes into effect, an order will be made under the Welsh Language Act to enable Welsh-speaking officers to make the attestation in Welsh.