On July 1, 2025, Georgia updated a new standardized oath for peace officers across the state. The change, part of House Bill 582, is meant to strengthen accountability in law enforcement and ensure officers are upholding both state and federal constitutions. It also serves as a good reminder of the oaths that all public employees in Georgia are required to take.
Oath for Peace Officers
Anyone appointed as a peace officer on or after July 1, 2025, will take this new pledge:
“I, (name of person taking oath), hereby swear or affirm that I will faithfully, fairly, and without malice or partiality uphold the laws of the State of Georgia, as well as any ordinances which I am authorized to enforce, to the best of my ability and support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Georgia. So help me God.”
The wording highlights fairness, impartiality, and respect for constitutional rights; principles that sit at the heart of public trust in law enforcement.
Some important details about the new oath:
- It can be administered by the agency’s chief executive officer or a judicial official, and a copy must be kept on file with the agency.
- Departments are free to use additional aspirational oaths, but only the standardized version carries legal weight. Officers can face prosecution for violating their oath if the violation involves a felony or a serious misdemeanor.
Loyalty Oath for All Public Employees
While peace officers are getting a new oath, other requirements for Georgia’s public employees remain in place. State law has long required municipal public officers and peace officers to take oaths affirming their commitment to the U.S. and Georgia Constitutions and their eligibility for public office. These are filed with the probate court and kept in agency records.
Municipal elected officials and employees, including those working on a per diem basis, must also take a simple loyalty oath:
“I, (Name), a citizen of ______ and being an employee of ________ and the recipient of public funds for services rendered as such employee, do hereby solemnly swear and affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Georgia.”
This brief but important statement makes clear that all who serve the public are bound to uphold the constitutional order.
Why It Matters
Georgia’s updated oath for peace officers and the continuing loyalty oath for other public employees are more than ceremonial traditions. They are public commitments to fairness, accountability, and constitutional governance. By swearing these oaths, officers and employees alike affirm the trust placed in them by their communities.
Please consult your city attorney regarding any questions concerning the updated oath for peace officers or the existing oaths for municipal elected officials and employees.