POL-HfPolBW: Ceremonial swearing-in at the Baden-Württemberg police on ...

23.10.2024 – 21:17

On Wednesday, October 23, 2023, the 2024 recruits from the Herrenberg training location were sworn in in the Herrenberg town hall. A total of 220 young prospective police officers, divided into exactly 50% men and 50% women, took their oath of service to the Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germany and the state constitution of Baden-Württemberg in a ceremonial event. Those to be sworn in began their training with the Baden-Württemberg police on the three recruitment dates in March, July and September of this year. Of these, 101 trainees are completing their training in the middle-level police enforcement service, and 119 are completing their preliminary training for a career in the higher-level police enforcement service. The preliminary training will be followed after nine months from April 2025 by the six-semester bachelor’s degree at the state police’s central study location in Villingen-Schwenningen. The Baden-Württemberg State Police Orchestra under the direction of Prof. Stefan Halder supported the swearing-in ceremony and provided a dignified setting. As soon as the program opened, those present in the packed town hall were put into a festive mood. Criminal Director Martin Rathgeb, as head of the Herrenberg Institute’s training department, then welcomed those present. Supported by three trainees, guests of honor from the police and politicians were also welcomed. He already discussed the significance of the event at this point and pointed out that the oath has greater meaning than a promise. No individual can hide from this, because it will not be “we swear”, but “I swear”. The oath also means defending democracy. Mr. Rathgeb therefore appealed to the young police officers: “Become aware of this responsibility!” From the Ministry of the Interior, Digitalization and Municipalities of Baden-Württemberg, State Police Chief Dr. Stefanie Hinz on site. She gave a speech to the members of the 2024 recruitment class in Herrenberg and thanked them, among other things, for their willingness to take on responsibility. She said: “You have chosen a profession that is unparalleled in its diversity!” and added that it is guaranteed not to be boring. But she also made the promise that the young people would be made fit for the police profession. The Baden-Württemberg police have been doing good work for years, with a small number of staff compared to the number of residents compared to the rest of the country. She also thanked the relatives who support the trainees. Ms. Dr. Hinz wished everyone that at the end of their careers they could look back with joy on their professional careers and say that it was an honor to serve the country. Another piece by the state police orchestra was followed by a contribution from the police chaplaincy, which was represented by police dean Georg Hug. He discussed the concept of swearing in and appealed for the oath to be implemented specifically in everyday life. The police are an important guarantor of the constitutional order. The swearing-in is a sign against the fear that currently prevails in the world. He also showed that the police profession is not always easy, but that his colleagues will show how individual situations can be dealt with. Mr. Hug appealed: “See the beautiful and the good in your job and in the world.” and concluded his contribution with the statement “Your job is important and valuable, you are important and valuable!” and best wishes for your future career and life. Two candidates then spoke a few words to the colleagues, guests of honor and relatives present. They addressed topics such as teamwork, values and mission statements and expressed their gratitude for the support so far as well as the appreciation they experienced at their training location. This was followed by the highlight of the event, namely the ceremonial taking of the oath of service. All 220 candidates repeated the words out loud that Criminal Director Martin Rathgeb read to them. Afterwards, the visibly proud relatives gave lots of applause. The successful event in the Herrenberg town hall came to an end with the national anthem. The State Police Orchestra once again received deserved and long-lasting applause for their excellent performances.