As adopted 9-18-06
International Police Work Dog Association Bylaws

ARTICLE 1 - International Police Work Dog Association, a not for profit corporation

This Association shall be known as the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA).

A. The International Police Work Dog Association will be incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

B. If the International Police Work Dog Association is dissolved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee the assets of IPWDA will be donated to another 501c3 non-profit organization.

ARTICLE 2 - Mission Statement

Unite and assist all work dog teams in the training and continued improvements of all incorporated disciplines.
Establish a working standard for all work dogs, handlers, and trainers through an accreditation program.
Enhance knowledge through seminars, publications, website material, and certifications.
Improve the professional image of the working dog team.

ARTICLE 3 - Membership

A. Incorporators. The membership of the Association shall consist of those persons who have signed the certificate of incorporation as incorporators, together with all persons who are hereinafter received under the articles of incorporation.

B. Regular Members. Membership to this Association shall be opened to any active or retired law enforcement officer, military police, either federal, state, county or municipal, or correction officer who is, or was a K-9 handler, trainer, or K-9 administrator.

C. Associate Members. Associate members shall include:
1. Any person who trains K-9s for an established law enforcement agency.
2. Any paid law enforcement officer.
3. Any civilian search and rescue canine handler.
4. Any person contracted by a private firm to handle a working dog in a full time capacity.
5. Any person sponsored by a regular member.

All persons accepted for associate membership shall serve an interim period of one (1) year, after which the Executive Committee, by a majority vote shall confirm or reject the membership. An associate member shall enjoy all privileges except that he/she shall not vote in IPWDA elections and shall not serve on the Executive Committee. All associate members must be re-sponsored each year.  Civilian Search and Rescue Canine Handlers requesting membership must produce proof of a negative NCIC Criminal History Check in order to be sponsored for membership.



D. Life Members. In order for a regular member to receive life membership he/she must be nominated by a regular member. The member will be nominated for outstanding service, above and beyond the norm. The nomination will be made to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will conduct any necessary investigation. The life membership must be approved by the Executive Committee and confirmed by a vote at a general membership meeting. A life member will not be required to pay dues. This title will remain in effect, unless revoked by the vote of the Executive Committee and the general membership.

E. Honorary Member. An honorary member must be nominated by a regular member and approved by a vote of the Executive Committee. This title will remain in effect unless revoked by the vote of the Executive Committee. An honorary member will not be able to vote or to hold office. Honorary members will not be required to pay dues.

F. Retired Member. Retired members must:
Have been a regular paid member for at least 10 years.
Apply to the Executive Committee to be recognized as a retired member.
Provide proof of retirement from a law enforcement agency.

Retired members will have all the privileges of regular member. Retired members will only be required to pay one half (½) of the regular member's dues, which are applicable for that year. As long as the retired member pays one-half (½) of the regular members dues each year, the retired member title will remain in effect, unless revoked by a vote of the Executive Committee.

G. Any department that pays for memberships of Canine Teams may have the membership revoked for any reason. Departments may elect to pay for a specific amount of memberships.

ARTICLE 4 - Duties of Directors

No officer, director, or member serving on committee as such shall receive any salary or compensation for services rendered to the Association, but officers, directors or members may be reimbursed for their out of pocket expenses incurred reasonably and necessarily in conducting the affairs of the Association. No elected member may hold an elected office with another national or international police canine organization.
 

   The Headquarters and Treasury of IPWDA must be located in the United States.

A. President. It shall be the duty of the President to call and preside at all regular and special meetings. The President shall see that the bylaws and all rules and regulations are respected and obeyed. The President shall cast the deciding vote in case of a tie. The President shall have the power to appoint committees and may designate their chairperson. The President shall appoint the following committees: Membership, Newsletter, Grievance, Election, and any ad hoc committees necessary to conduct the affairs of the Association. The President shall appoint protempore officers in the event of absences. The President shall perform such other duties as are usual and incidental to the office of President. The President is a member ex-officio of all committees except the Election Committee.

B. Vice President. The Vice President shall actively assist and support the President in The Vice President's duties and shall be the President protempore in the absence of the President, during which time the Vice President shall assume all the duties and responsibilities of that office. The Vice President shall be required to attend, with the President, conferences, etc., to which the President is required or expected to attend, in our interest of and/or on behalf of the membership of this Association in order that the Vice President may be as informed of all matters concerning the Association as is the President. The Vice President shall act as liaison between the President and the chairpersons of committees. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President during the elective term, he/she shall succeed to that office for the remainder of the unexpired term.

C. Secretary. The Secretary shall accurately record the proceedings at all meetings. The Secretary will read the minutes of previous meetings and all communications. The Secretary shall conduct a roll call of officers and shall note absentees. The Secretary shall communicate and correspond with all persons and organizations both within and outside the Association relative to Executive Committee business. The Secretary shall receive all monies in the absence of the Treasurer.

D. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect all monies including payments of all benefits. The account books as well as all papers in the Treasurer's custody shall be open for inspection and examination by the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer shall not lend or invest any of the funds except when duly authorized by the Executive Committee. It will be the responsibility of the Treasurer to have an annual audit of the Association's books by a licensed CPA.  Required IRS returns shall be filed annually by the treasurer.  Financial records will be presented at the spring Executive Board meeting for approval.

E. Membership Chairperson. The Membership Chairperson shall keep a record of all members, the standing of each and their date of admission and termination. The Membership Chairperson shall be responsible for mailing membership cards, dues notices, and election ballots.

E. Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall act as agents of the Executive Committee in all financial transactions between the Committee and all other institutions and individuals. The Board of Trustees shall consist of four (4) Regular members; all members to be elected every four (4) years by ballot. They may designate the bank(s) and or other institutions in which the Treasurer shall deposit monies. They shall, in conjunction with the Treasurer have custody of all bonds and other securities, which shall be deposited in a safety deposit box in some reliable institution and shall not be withdrawn there from except in the presence of the Treasurer and at least one member of the Board of Trustees. The Trustees shall be the custodians of all annual audits of the assets and liabilities of the Executive Committee for the year ending December 31st and submit the financial statement at a regular meeting. They are hereby authorized to employ the services of a Certified Public Accountant, at a reasonable fee to prepare this annual audit and report. They shall cause to be made an audit of all books, accounts, funds, etc., of any and all officers, committees, or members who collect and or disburse funds of the association, not less than once each year or at any time said Board has given just cause to believe such audit should be made.

F. Grievance Chairperson. The Grievance Chairperson shall accept written grievances from regular members. The Grievance Chairperson shall investigate and convene the Grievance Committee. The Grievance Chairperson will follow the process outlined in Article 11 and Article 12 and make a recommendation to the Executive Committee for disposition of the complaint.

G. Accreditation Chairperson. The Accreditation Chairperson shall accept applications for Trainers and Master Trainers and evaluators. The Accreditation Chairperson will convene the appropriate committees to test, evaluate, and interview the applicants. The Accreditation Chairperson will make a recommendation to the Executive Committee regarding the applicants. The Accreditation Chairperson is also responsible for recommending any disciplinary action against Trainers, Master Trainers and evaluators for violations of IPWDA bylaws or standards.

H. State and International Coordinators. State and International Coordinators shall be responsible for promoting the organization in their regions. This may include encouraging new membership, holding training events, submitting material to the awards committee, assisting in arranging certification tests, etc.

I. The President may appoint representatives from the Department of Corrections, Search and Rescue, the ATF, etc. to advise and assist the organization and the Executive Committee.

J. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chairperson, Accreditation Chairperson, and Grievance Chairperson. This committee shall recommend such rules, regulations, amendments, or deletions as may be deemed necessary for the government of the Association. In the case of an emergency, the Executive Committee by quorum vote may act for the entire Executive Committee. Vacancies which occur in any of the Association's offices, through resignation, death, impeachment, or other reasons (with the exception of the President) shall be filled by appointment made by the Executive Committee and shall expire at the next elective term.

ARTICLE 5 - Elections

All candidates for office shall be nominated at the first general membership meeting in the year of the election. Mail in nominations will be accepted by the Membership Chairperson and read at the general membership meeting. Mail in nominations must be accompanied by written permission bearing the signature of the nominee and the printed name and signature of the regular member making the nomination.
An appropriate ballot will be mailed by the Membership Chairperson to every regular member eligible to vote. A special, lined envelope that is marked official ballot will be included in the mailing and used by the member to return the ballot to the Elections Committee Chairperson. Only ballots returned in the special, lined envelope will be counted, any signature or note written on the ballot that would identify the voter will cause that ballot to be considered invalid. Any envelope that is opened before being received by the Elections Committee will be declared invalid.
Official ballot envelopes will contain a serial number, starting will be #1 through the total number of regular members eligible to vote as determined by the Membership Chairperson's list at the time of mailing. Names of nominees on the ballots shall be placed in alphabetical order for each office.
Official ballot in envelope will be mailed back to the Election Committee Chairperson postmarked no later than (1) one month after nominations.
The Election Committee will be made up of three members, including the Chairperson. The President will appoint the Election Committee. No one on the committee can be involved in the election.
The Election Committee will hold all official ballot envelopes unopened until the next meeting of the Election Committee, which will be held at the next Association meeting. The committee will open the envelopes. The Election Committee Chairperson shall check the serial number on the ballot and envelope to ensure they match. The Election Committee Chairperson shall also ensure that only one (1) envelope with the same number is received.
The envelopes will be discarded and the ballots will then be counted, the committee will attest to the correct total. The ballots will be kept a reasonable length of time. A plurality of votes cast shall elect. Members are to be notified as soon as possible regarding the outcome of the election. If present newly elected officers shall take office at the meeting following the counting of the ballots. If not present they shall take office at the next Association Meeting. The newly elected officer must be present to take the oath of office either at the conclusion of the counting of the ballots or at the next Association meeting.
If any officer is unopposed a yes or no vote can be taken at the general membership meeting. This vote will elect if the yes vote is in the majority. If the no vote is in the majority a call for more nominations will be asked for. If no more nominations are received the unopposed nominee will win because of no contest. The nominee will take office immediately following this vote. Election of officers will be held every two (2) years.

ARTICLE 6 - Oath of Office
Officer elect will repeat after me and say, using your name, where I do mine.
"I, ___________, having been duly elected an officer of this Association in the presence of almighty God and this company assembled. Do hereby solemnly and sincerely promise that I will, to the best of my ability in word and deed, without fear or favor faithfully, honestly, and with strict impartiality, carry out as an officer of this Association, the principles of this Association."
Now by the power vested in me as installing officer on this occasion. I do hereby declare the officers elect legally installed and qualified to enter upon the discharge of their duties for the term ending two years from this date or until their successors are duly elected and installed.

ARTICLE 7 - Meetings
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive Committee present. The President shall call at least two (2) regular meetings of the Executive Committee during the calendar year. He/she shall set dates for such meeting with the approval of the majority of the committee. All Executive Committee Members shall be given adequate notice regarding upcoming meetings.
There shall be at least one (1) yearly general membership meeting, and at least one (1) Association national/international training workshop a year.
Meetings shall be conducted according to Parliamentary Law, Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, which shall be the guide for conducting all meetings.

ARTICLE 8 - Bylaws
Amendments, additions, or deletions shall be the duty of the Bylaws Committee, which shall consist of at least 3 members appointed by the President to codify all proposed changes, additions, or deletions to the Bylaws.
All proposed changes must be submitted in writing to the Bylaws Committee. The committee shall present the final form to the Executive Committee with recommendations.
The General Membership shall vote on any bylaw and certification rule changes at a General Membership meeting.
If any amendment is in direct conflict with the articles of incorporation it shall be null and void.

ARTICLE 9 - Dues
A. Dues notices will be mailed out by the Membership Chairperson. The yearly dues of the Association shall be $45.00. Dues will be collected by January 1 of each year. Anyone not paying their dues by April 1st will be charged a $10 late fee. There will be a $30.00 NSF on any check returned.
B. Yearly membership cards will be issued by the Membership Chairperson. All members and chairpersons needing a complete membership mailing list will be notified by the Membership Chairperson. Memberships and any accreditations held will be invalid if dues are unpaid by March 1st of any year. These accreditations will remain invalid until such time as the dues are paid up to date. These accreditations shall include Trainer, Master Trainer, and Accreditation of Certification by any K-9 team. Membership becoming invalid will effect waiting periods required to apply for accreditations.
C. Any Master Trainer, Trainer, or Instructor that allows their membership dues to become delinquent past April 1st will have their accreditation suspended. Those that have their accreditation suspended for delinquent dues must appear before the accreditation committee and to request re-instatement, after which the Executive Committee will issue a final ruling on re-instatement.

ARTICLE 10 - Rules of Order
A. Any member desiring the privilege of the floor shall rise, be recognized, and address the chair.
B. No member shall be allowed to speak until properly moved and recorded and declared upon for discussion by the chair.
C. No question can come before the meeting unless properly moved and recorded and declared upon for discussion by the chair.
D. Any member may call for ayes and nays on any question which each member present shall be required to answer to his name on the roll unless excused by the chair.
E. A motion to reconsider must come from a member who votes with the majority when the motion to consider was taken.
F. When a point of order is raised by any member a person having the floor shall take his/her seat until the point is decided by the chair, if proper, he/she may resume his/her remarks.
G. No subject laid on the table shall be taken up again during the same meeting unless it was so understood when disposed of.
H. Any member may appeal to the Association from the decision of the chair the question shall be stated thus: "Shall the decision of the chair be sustained?" It shall be decided by a majority vote of the votes cast.
I. The order of business at association meetings shall be as follows:
1. Calling the meeting to order.
2. Opening remarks
3. Roll call of Officers
4. Reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting
5. Report of the Treasurer
6. Report of Committees
7. Report of Officers
8. Unfinished Business
9. New Business
10. Good of the Association
11. Adjournment

ARTICLE 11 - Impeachment
Any officer or member may be removed for any violation of the provisions of the Bylaws, or any personal conduct that may bring discredit upon the Association.
Charges for the impeachment of any officer or member may be initiated by any two (2) members in good standing or the Ethics Committee. The charges for impeachment shall be presented in writing to the Ethics Committee Chairperson. The accused officer or member will be given a copy of the charges against him/her. If the Ethics Committee Chairperson ascertains that there is enough evidence to warrant a hearing, a hearing date will be set. The accused member will be notified not less than thirty (30) days prior to the hearing date. The accused shall be given the right to present evidence in his/her behalf at the hearing.
The Ethics Committee will then decide if the accused is innocent or guilty of the charges and present a recommendation to the Executive Committee. If the accused is in fact found guilty, the Executive Committee will decide his/her penalty. An impeached officer or member shall never hold an office in the Association.

ARTICLE 12 - Code of Ethics
A. By making application for membership it shall be understood that the applicant agrees to abide by these bylaws and all rules adopted by the Executive Committee. He/she further agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics.
B. No member will act in a manner prejudicial to the Association or to the best interests of the Association. No member will knowingly falsify any record or document in connection with the certification or sale of a dog. In any exhibition or seminar, no member will conduct him/herself otherwise than in accordance with the highest traditions and standards of fair play and good sportsmanship.
C. Any member in good standing may initiate charges against any other member for alleged conduct in violation of the above code of ethics. Such charges must be in writing signed by the complainant, setting forth the facts upon which the charges are based. The charges shall be filed with the Ethics Committee Chairperson the complainant must agree to appear and furnish full evidence in support of the charges if requested to do so. The Ethics Committee will then proceed as in Article 11.
D. Disciplinary action may include the temporary suspension of privileges, censure, expulsion or any other appropriate action.
E. If the Executive Committee finds that a member initiating charges against another member did so for spurious reasons, and the charges lack merit, then the Executive Committee may, if it desires, take appropriate disciplinary action against the complainant.
F. No disciplinary action shall be taken against a member, complainant or accused unless the member shall have been afforded the opportunity of a hearing before the Ethics Committee, with the right of appeal to the Executive Committee.
G. Every member shall be presumed innocent of misconduct, and disciplinary action shall be taken against a member only if he/she is found guilty of misconduct by evidence that is clear and convincing.
H. No member may use his or her status with IPWDA or the IPWDA name, to endorse any product or commercial enterprise without approval from the executive committee.

Article 13 - Guidelines for State Sanctioned Workshops or Seminars
The Treasurer will formulate, maintain, and distribute guidelines pertaining to State Sanctioned Workshops and Seminars. Individuals and committees that desire to host a workshop or seminar shall contact the Treasurer for written guidelines. Revised 9-25-2009