SHERIFF'S OATH

A TRUE AND HONEST COMMITMENT

OATHS OF OFFICE

Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs are required to take an oath of office that actually consists of two oaths: the constitutional oath and an oath for the office of sheriff (Tenn. Const. Art. X, Sec. 1).

Sheriffs take the following oath according to T.C.A. § 8-8-104:

I do solemnly swear that I will perform with fidelity the duties of the office to which I have been elected, and which I am about to assume.  I do solemnly swear to support the constitutions of Tennessee and the United States and to faithfully perform the duties of the office of sheriff for County, Tennessee.  I further swear that I have not promised or given, nor will I give any fee, gift, gratuity, or reward for this office or for aid in procuring this office; that I will not take any fee, gift, or bribe, or gratuity for returning any person as a juror or for making any false return of any process and that I will faithfully execute the office of sheriff to the best of my knowledge and ability, agreeably to law.

Deputy sheriffs take an oath similar to the sheriff (according to T.C.A § 8-18-112) as follows:

I do solemnly swear that I will perform with fidelity the duties of the office to which I have been appointed, and which I am about to assume.  I do solemnly swear to support the constitutions of Tennessee and the United States and to faithfully perform the duties of the office of deputy sheriff for County, Tennessee.  I further swear that I have not promised or given, nor will I give any fee, gift, gratuity, or reward for this office or for aid in procuring this office; that I will not take any fee, gift, or bribe, or gratuity for returning any person as a juror or for making any false return of any process and that I will faithfully execute the office of deputy sheriff to the best of my knowledge and ability, agreeably to law.