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Public objection raises statutory oath concern as commission formally swears in three officers
Summary
A member of the public objected to the oath form used during a June 17 ceremonial swearing‑in of three Dickinson police officers, citing North Dakota statute and the official SFN 11501 form; the chief said officers had taken an oath earlier and the commission completed a formal oath at the meeting.
During a June 17 Dickinson City Commission meeting a member of the public objected to the form of the oath the city planned to use during a ceremonial swearing‑in of three Dickinson Police officers, and the commission proceeded to administer the oath in public.
Public commenter Seth Helgason told the commission the "old form" being used by the city did not meet state requirements. He cited "North Dakota Century Code subsection 44‑01‑05" and said the official state oath form SFN 11501 is required, including notarization language and a perjury statement. "The version being used here today lacks those elements and as such does not comply with state laws," Helgason said, and asked the commission to pause the action.
Chief Ciani (Chief of Police) introduced officers Brian Steger, Justin Berger and Austin Dennis and told the commission the department had previously administered an oath to them after they received limited licenses and that they had completed field training. The ceremonial oath at the meeting was presented to introduce the officers to the commission and public.
President Decker administered the oath in the commission chambers; the transcript records the oath language used and the commission concluded the ceremonial swearing‑in. After the oath each officer spoke briefly: Brian Steger said he was "happy to be here and serve this community;" Justin Berger said he was "happy to stay here and serve the community;" and Austin Dennis said he was "excited to be a part of this career field."
The commission did not rule on Helgason's legal objection at the meeting and no staff response is recorded on whether the city will use the state SFN form or take other steps. Chief Ciani stated the officers had previously taken and completed required training and limited licenses, and that the commission would see the officers' formal introduction on the record.
The procedural concern raised by Helgason is a point of record; the city clerk or legal staff may provide further documentation on oath forms and compliance in subsequent public records or meeting minutes.
