Opinion 92-112

September 24, 1992

Digest:         A judge may not be a member of an association of active police officers and chiefs.

Rules:          22 NYCRR 100.5(b).

Opinion:

         A part-time judge requests an opinion about the judge’s membership in two active police chief organizations. The judge states that he or she will not run for office in one association, and is a non-participating member of the board of directors in the other organization.

         Section 100.5(b) states that judges “may participate in civic and charitable activities that do not reflect adversely upon impartiality.” As matters in which the police are involved may come before the judge, membership in a police chief’s association may reflect adversely on the judge’s impartiality. Thus, the judge should resign as a member of these organizations.