Police chief who has a law firm?

[Number Six]

I'm not sure who has jurisdiction in these situations.

A police chief with generous salary, benefits and pension getting degrees in philosophy and the law while "serving" as head honcho in the local cop department? This seems to me as a conflict of interest, submitted for examination of ethics.

I got this response to my query from the town selectman:

"The Police Department in **, under our Town Charter, is managed by the Police Commission, not by the Selectmen. At the time of Leon’s selection and appointment to be Chief his outside practice as an attorney was reviewed and approved by the Police Commission. It is my understanding that his private practice of law does not conflict with his duties and time required of him as Chief. My personal observation is that Leon does a fine job and meets all the requirements of his role as Chief of Police. I hope this is responsive to your inquiry."

Any thoughts based on your experience?

[Judge Roy Bean]

I don't see a conflict of interest unless he were to take on a client in a local criminal matter or act on behalf of someone in litigation with the municipality. I'm pretty sure the local ethics rules are comprehensive enough to address those issues.

And there are lots of law enforcement personnel working their way through school; more power to 'em.

Frankly, a Police Chief with a law degree would seem to me to be an asset.

[Number Six]

Thanks; I just never heard of it before.

But this in a town where a couple workers were caught for embezzling around $500K:

This is a local story, with national publications picking up the story: https://ncadvertiser.com/126663/breakin ... afeterias/
https://ncadvertiser.com/126678/schools ... ht-things/

What should be consequences on a major fraud like this going on for at least 6 years?

The real estate people and politicians sell the town and Fairfield County in general as having great schools. New Canaan has the highest per capita debt in the state at over $6600 due to excessive school spending.

You would think with all the CPAs, MBAs and other financial experts such problems would be less likely.