Mr. Robert Owens has requested an advisory opinion regarding a potential conflict of interest. Mr. Owens was elected Alderman in November of 2012 and was sworn in January of 2013. The Town of Welsh has an elected police chief. Mr. Owens has served as a volunteer reserve police officer since December 6, 2011 when he was appointed. Mr. Owens purchased all of his own equipment including his badge and gun. He receives no compensation of any type for this service. Mr. Owens has stated that he took the oath of office as a volunteer policeman in January of 2012 a year before he became an Alderman for the Town of Welch. He has also stated that his appointment is good until he resigns or his services are terminated.
There is no action required by the Board of Alderman for him to continue in his capacity as a volunteer policeman. In Welch the elected police chief nominates people to become volunteer policemen and the Board of Alderman must approve. Once you are appointed as a volunteer policemen your appointment is good until you resign or you are terminated.
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