Police misconduct in Queensland: a public wrong

Queensland's police officers swear an oath on assuming their duties. The oath takes the form of one of the traditional oaths of allegiance. Its language is antiquated, and it includes a promise that the officer will cause 'Her Majesty's peace to be kept and preserved'. Unlike its contemporary counterpart in the United Kingdom, the oath contains no reference to 'human rights', or to the 'equal respect' that is due to other members of the community that the officers volunteer to serve. The oath does, however, require officers to swear that they will uphold and obey the law in the pursuit of their duties. Officers swear to discharge all of the duties imposed on them 'faithfully and according to law'.