State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

May a judicial officer attend a seminar on community based policing sponsored by the local sheriff’s office?

The sheriff’s office is sponsoring a seminar on community based policing. The purpose of the seminar is to introduce citizens, government and community agencies, and law enforcement to the philosophy and benefits of community based policing. Many law enforcement agencies within the county have already adopted the philosophy and have been recognized for their efforts and the high level of expertise they have acquired.

Answer

CJC Canon 4(A) permits judges to engage in law related activities if they will not cast doubt on the judge’s capacity to decide an issue that may come before the judge. Therefore, a judicial officer may attend the seminar on community based policing.

Opinion 96-05

02/29/1996