Washington State Crime Prevention Association By-Laws
Article I
Name: This organization shall be known as the Washington State Crime Prevention Association.
Article II
Duration: The duration of this Association shall be continual unless dissolved under Washington State Law.
Article III
Mission: The mission of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association is to contribute to the prevention of crime, reduce criminal opportunity and victimization in the State of Washington, through training, support, development, and implementation of crime prevention programs.
Article IV
Registered Office and Agent: An office and agent of this Association shall be maintained and registered with the Secretary of State of the state of Washington.
Article V
Membership: The Association may accept into membership persons and/or organizations in any of five (5) categories: Individual, Business/Agency, Non-Profit, Lifetime and Honorary Membership.
Section 1: Individual Membership: Individual members shall consist of active members who are not sponsored or representing a Business/Agency and are not in business to sell, distribute, or promote crime prevention products and service. For example, a retired law enforcement officer who is interested in preventing crime in their community.
Section 2: Business/Agency Membership: Persons involved in the field of crime prevention, who are actively employed by, or representing, or sponsored by law enforcement agency or department, or business. At the time of purchasing memberships, names of the members shall be provided by the business/agency. To ensure business/agency integrity for the purposes of annual voting privileges, a list of names shall be provided annually to the Association.
Section 3: Non-Profit Membership: Persons involved who are interested in crime prevention, and are actively employed by, or representing, or sponsored by a registered non-profit organization.
Section 4: Honorary Membership: Honorary membership shall be bestowed upon any person or organization deemed appropriate by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Honorary Members may attend membership meetings and shall receive mailings to the membership, but have no other membership rights.
Section 5: Lifetime Active Membership: All Past Presidents of this Association or, other such persons who qualify, by virtue of their dedication and service to the Association shall receive Lifetime Active Membership. Lifetime Active Membership is an Active membership regardless of retirement or change in work or employment. Lifetime membership shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and may only be removed for cause as provided in Article XI Section 1.
Section 6: Discrimination: There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, gender, pregnancy, religion, sex or national origin, disability, age, marriage, sexual orientation, or weight.
Section 7: Voting Rights: The right to hold office shall be limited to Active Members in good standing. The right to vote upon any issue as may be brought forward by the Association shall be limited to the general membership of the Association who are in good standing at the time.
Section 8: Denial of Membership: Any person or organization, whose behavior detracts from the integrity and/or reputation of this Association, may be denied membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 9: Removal from Membership: Any member may be removed from the Association for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 10: Application for Membership: Application for membership in this Association shall be submitted to the Executive Director. The Board of Directors shall be furnished a list of members twenty-one (21) days prior to the first meeting of the calendar year. Membership objections must be registered with the Executive Director seven (7) days prior to any Board of Director meeting. The Executive Director shall notify the applicant of the problem and the applicant will have forty-five (45) days to re-apply for membership.
Article VI
Dues: Association dues shall be paid by all current Association members and are due on November 1st of each year, in the amount set by the Board of Directors for each membership class. The Executive Director of this Association will collect dues. Voting privileges, enjoyed by members as specified in Article V Section 1 thru 5 may be suspended if dues are not current. Dues collected after September 1st will be applied to the following membership year. The determination of the amount of dues is a function of the Board of Directors. A member is generally considered to be in good standing if their dues are paid on time.
Article VII
Failure to Pay Dues: Any person or organization failing to pay dues by March 1st of any calendar year may be suspended from the membership rolls and lose any rights or privileges they may have enjoyed.
Article VIII
Meetings of Members: A general membership meeting should be held at least once a year with the location determined by the Board of Directors. Meeting notifications shall be made by the Executive Director, with no less than thirty (30) days prior notice.
Article IX
Order of Business: All meetings of this Association shall be conducted in the following Format:
The President or their designee shall preside over all business meetings of the
Association. Any reports as may be required by the Order of Business, may be made by consent agenda, provided the report has been made available fourteen (14) days before the meeting.
Article X
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors of this Association shall be (Active Members) comprised of the following duly elected/appointed members:
Section 1: Number of Board Members from one agency: At no time shall there be more than two members from any one department, agency, or corporate entity serving in any elected office of this Association.
Section 2: Complaints: The Board of Directors shall adjudicate all complaints of the membership and officers and shall fill vacancies of this Association as may occur.
Section 3: The Business of the Association: The Board of Directors shall conduct the business and affairs of the Association.
Section 4: Board of Directors Quorum: A quorum shall be comprised of eight (8) Board members, three of whom must be Executive Board members. A quorum is necessary to conduct the business and affairs of this Association.
Section 5: Executive Board Quorum: Executive Board meetings may be called at the discretion of the President. A quorum at an Executive Board meeting shall consist of four (4) officers and at least one (1) Regional Director.
Section 6: Board of Director’s Simple Majority: A vote of a simple majority by the Board of Directors is necessary to validate any action, except as may be provided by the By-laws of this Association or by Washington State Law.
Section 7: Vacancies: Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be appointed from the Active Membership of this Association by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Persons selected will serve the remainder of the term for the vacancy they are filling. Regional Directors must be employed by or membership in the region they represent. Members at Large, the President, and the Executive Director are exempt from this section.
Section 8: Regional Director Terms: Regional Directors shall serve two-year terms. Elections for Regional Directors representing even numbered regions shall be on even years and odd numbered regions on odd years.
Article XI
Election and Length of Terms of the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors of this Association shall be elected from the (Active Members) in good standing. The Board of Directors of this Association shall be comprised of the following duly elected/appointed members:
Section 1: Term of President: The President shall serve a term of one year beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 2: Term of President Elect: The President Elect must have served on the Board of Directors for one year before being elected to President Elect. The President-Elect shall serve a term of one year beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June. The President Elect then serves as the President for the next full year and then serves as the Immediate Past President. President Elect is a three-year commitment.
Section 3: Term of Vice President: The Vice President shall serve a term of one year beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 4: Executive Director: The Executive Director is appointed by a two-thirds majority of the entire Board of Directors. This position will be continual yet re-affirmed by a simple majority of the Board of Directors at the last Board meeting of the year, as prescribed in Policy and Procedures. A two-thirds majority of the entire Board of Directors must be met to remove the current Executive Director. The Executive Director answers to the President of the Association for Chain of Command questions and then the Executive Committee.
Section 5: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall serve a term of two years beginning the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 6: Secretary: The Secretary shall serve a term of two years beginning the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 7: The Outgoing President: Shall serve a term of one year beginning the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 8: Regional Director: The Regional Director will serve a term of two years. The Regional Director must represent the area where they are serving. Regional Directors shall serve a term of two years beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June. Regional Directors in the odd numbered regions will be elected in odd years and Regional Directors in even numbered regions will be elected in even numbered years.
Section 9: Members at Large: Members at Large are appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. A person wanting to be a Member at Large can apply through the Washington State Crime Prevention Office (WSCPA) office. The Administrative Committee will review this position and the application will be voted on based on available At Large positions on the Board of Directors. Existing At Large Members will be re- appointed at the year-end meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 10: Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief (WASPC) Representative: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief Representative is recruited from the WASPC active membership and appointed by a majority of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association Board of Directors at the year end meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 11: Removal from Office: Any officer may be removed from office for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 12: Candidates must be Active Members: Any Active member in good standing of this Association may seek and hold office. Active members wishing to serve as President-Elect must have completed a minimum of one term on the Board prior to seeking that position and will assume the position of President after serving as President-Elect. Each candidate for office must fill out an application with a letter of endorsement from their chief or sheriff.
Article XII
Duties of Association Officers: The duties of Association officers shall be as follows:
Section 1: President: The President shall preside over all regular meetings of the Association. Subject to Board of Directors approval, they will appoint all committees as may be necessary. The President will be an ex officio member of all committees. The President or Executive Director shall sign all documents of the Board of Directors. The President shall chair the Executive Committee and Co-chair the Administrative Committee.
Section 2: President-Elect: If for some reason the President is unable to serve, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President, subject to limitations as may be prescribed by Association By-laws and Washington State Law.
The President-Elect is responsible for overseeing training opportunities, assisting conference committees, and other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. The President-Elect shall chair the Program Services/Training Committee and Co-chair the Administrative Committee.
Section 3: Vice-President: The Vice-President will succeed the President-Elect or President. The Vice-President is responsible for providing direction and leadership guidance to the Regional Directors. The Vice-President is responsible for the annual awards committee and provides assistance to the Executive Director. The Vice-President shall chair the Organizational Development Committee.
Section 4: Executive Director: The Executive Director shall be the Registered Agent for the Association. The Executive Director will be responsible for maintaining a registered office with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington. The Executive Director shall record and maintain the Association Membership. The Executive Director shall have the repository for all past records of the Association.
The Executive Director is responsible for all meeting notices, association two-year calendar and communications between the members of both the Association and Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day duties of the Association office including the proper receipt of all mail, money, and bills of the Association. The Executive Director will provide the Board of Directors a Quarterly Executive Directors Report and be responsible for the Association’s Annual Report. The Executive Director may be given other duties as prescribed by the President or the Board of Directors and subject to limitations as may be provided by Association By-laws or Washington State law. The Executive Director will report directly to the President for chain of command and the Board of Directors.
Section 5: Secretary: The Secretary shall record and maintain all records of all Association meetings, and Board of Directors meetings, and other duties as assigned.
Section 6: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all Financial transactions and shall keep records of same and serve as directed by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee and shall see to timely filing of taxes, as directed under WAC 458-20-169.
Section 7: Immediate Past President: The Immediate Past President shall be responsible for the elections process including recruitment of qualified persons to run for office and shall chair the Elections committee.
Section 8: Regional Directors: There shall be eight Regional Directors, one from each region. The number of Directors and regions will be determined by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors. Regional Directors will disseminate information, provide local assistance as it may pertain to the mission of this Association, and facilitate communication between the Board of Directors and their Regions.
Regional Directors need to be active in support, recruitment, and retention of Association members. Regional Directors are responsible for providing current updates and activities in the form of a regional report to the Executive Director at least fourteen (14) days prior to a scheduled Board meeting.
Section 9: Members at Large: There shall be three (3) Members at Large appointed by the Board of Directors to serve for one year terms. Their terms shall coincide with elected officers. Members at Large shall have voting rights, and must be confirmed by a simple majority of the members of the Board of Directors.
Section 10: Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Representative: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) shall act as liaison between the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA) and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. The WASPC member shall be primarily responsible for facilitating communications between the Association and its members. The WASPC Representative shall chair the Legislative Committee and shall be a full voting member of the Board.
Article XIII
Standing Committees: The Board of Directors, at the direction of the President, shall appoint all committees; define their tasks, the number who will serve, and duration of their service.
Section 1: Standing Committees: There shall exist seven (7) standing committees within the Association, as needed, each chaired by a member of the Board.
Section 2: Committee make up: The President has the right to establish any additional committees as he/she sees fit to conduct Association business. All committees will consist of no less than three and no more than eight members; each committee will have at least one Board member. A Board member will be on at least one committee and not more than two committees; Board members will coordinate recruiting and see that each committee is adequately staffed. Non-members may also be on committees with the approval of committee chair. The chair of each committee will answer to the Board of Directors and give timely reports as required to the Executive Director.
Article XIV
Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Funds: The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract, execute and deliver any instrument in the name of the Association on it’s behalf. At a minimum, such authorization by a majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in the minutes of the Association.
Section 1: All financial instruments issued by this Association shall be signed by the Treasurer or Executive Director. In addition, the Board of Directors shall establish the amount at which a second signature is required. Any document over seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) shall require two signatures.
Section 2: All funds of the Association shall be deposited in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board may direct.
Section 3: The Board of Directors may accept any financial instruments or money on behalf of the Association. Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors the funds shall be placed in the general fund.
Section 4: There shall be a review of all financial records of the Association at each meeting of the Board of Directors. Such records shall be reviewed and/or audited by a Certified Public Accountant annually.
Article XV
Books and Records: The Executive Director, acting on behalf of the Association, shall cause to have correct and complete books and records of accounts, along with the names and address of the Association members at the registered office. These records are open to inspection by any member of the Association or his agent or attorney for any purpose at any reasonable time. The Secretary shall keep minutes of the general membership and Board of Directors meetings.
Article XVI
Certificates of Membership: The Board of Directors may provide for the issuance of a certificate of membership evidencing membership in the Association. This shall be in such form or design as the Board may direct. Such certificates shall be signed by either the Executive Director or electronically by the Association President.
Article XVII
Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of this Association shall begin the first day of July and end the thirtieth day of June of each year.
Article XVIII
Salaries: No member of the Board of Directors or other members of the Association may receive a salary from the Association while conducting the business of the Association, incidental to their particular office or status.
The Administrative Committee, chaired by the President, shall make recommendations to the Board in all personnel matters. The Executive Director shall be supervised by the President for purposes of chain of command. The Board may authorize payment for the actual expenses and travel allowance to such officers or members of the Board of Directors or Association member as may incur expenses in conducting the business of the Association. The Association may adopt their own scale for per diem, lodging, and travel expense, subject to change as needed.
Article XIX
Annual Report: The officers of this Association shall file an annual report with the Secretary of State of the state of Washington as required by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 24.03.295). Pursuant to RCW 24.03.395, an annual report must be filed for dissolution. In the event of this occurring, the Executive Director will be in charge of drafting such report.
Article XX
Waiver of Notice: Whenever any notice is required be given to any member or Director of this Association under RCW 24.03.469, the Articles of Incorporation or the By-laws of this Association, a waiver, in writing, signed by the person shall be equivalent of the giving of such notice.
Article XXI
Amendments: The power to alter, amend, or repeal these By-laws shall rest with the Board of Director of this Association upon majority vote of said Board.
Article XXII
Elections: The right to vote for Officers and Regional Directors shall rest with all members in good standing.
Section 1: Area of Regional Directors: Regional Directors, one from each region, may be nominated by the Active Membership in that Region, or may be appointed by the Board. An election of a Regional Director by the members of a region will supersede an appointment by the Board. The person must have membership with an agency in the designated region and represent that region.
Section 2: Established Regions: The Board of Directors shall establish Regions within the State and shall be allowed to alter the boundaries and number of Directors as may be necessary. A two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for alterations to the existing boundaries.
Section 3: Eight Regions: There shall be eight Regional Directors, one from each of eight regions and they shall be employed within the region they represent.
Region 1 shall include the following counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan.
Region 2 shall include the following counties: Snohomish and King.
Region 3 shall include the following counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston.
Region 4 shall include the following counties: Pacific, Lewis, Wakiakum, Cowlitz, Clark and Skamania.
Region 5 shall include the following counties: Okanogan, Ferry, Chelan, and Douglas.
Region 6 shall include the following counties: Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Yakima.
Region 7 shall include the following counties: Pend Oreille, Stevens, Spokane, and Lincoln.
Region 8 shall include the following counties: Franklin, Benton, Walla Walla, Asotin, Adams, Whitman, Garfield, and Columbia.
Article XXIII
Awards: The Board of Directors of this Association may provide for any awards as they see fit for such services, actions, or accomplishments by any persons or organizations deemed deserving of such awards. The Vice President will chair the Awards Committee. These decisions must be presented to the Board for approval in adequate time to have the awards prepared prior to their presentation.
Article XXIV
Endorsements: Neither the Association, nor any member thereof, representing the Association, shall publicly endorse any product affiliated with the prevention of crime. Sponsorship by either the business or private sector does not constitute endorsement of any product or service, and shall be permitted at the direction of the Board of Directors.
Article XXV
Publications: The Board of Directors may elect to publish and produce any publication in the nature of a periodical, pamphlet, text, handbill, or such devise as appropriate by the Board.
Article XXVI
Non-Profit Organization: The Washington State Crime Prevention Association is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of section 5.01 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
Article XXVII
Dissolution: Upon dissolution of this Association assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 5.01 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal Government, or State or Local Government for a public purpose.
Amended: September 2019, November 2019
Name: This organization shall be known as the Washington State Crime Prevention Association.
Article II
Duration: The duration of this Association shall be continual unless dissolved under Washington State Law.
Article III
Mission: The mission of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association is to contribute to the prevention of crime, reduce criminal opportunity and victimization in the State of Washington, through training, support, development, and implementation of crime prevention programs.
Article IV
Registered Office and Agent: An office and agent of this Association shall be maintained and registered with the Secretary of State of the state of Washington.
Article V
Membership: The Association may accept into membership persons and/or organizations in any of five (5) categories: Individual, Business/Agency, Non-Profit, Lifetime and Honorary Membership.
Section 1: Individual Membership: Individual members shall consist of active members who are not sponsored or representing a Business/Agency and are not in business to sell, distribute, or promote crime prevention products and service. For example, a retired law enforcement officer who is interested in preventing crime in their community.
Section 2: Business/Agency Membership: Persons involved in the field of crime prevention, who are actively employed by, or representing, or sponsored by law enforcement agency or department, or business. At the time of purchasing memberships, names of the members shall be provided by the business/agency. To ensure business/agency integrity for the purposes of annual voting privileges, a list of names shall be provided annually to the Association.
Section 3: Non-Profit Membership: Persons involved who are interested in crime prevention, and are actively employed by, or representing, or sponsored by a registered non-profit organization.
Section 4: Honorary Membership: Honorary membership shall be bestowed upon any person or organization deemed appropriate by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Honorary Members may attend membership meetings and shall receive mailings to the membership, but have no other membership rights.
Section 5: Lifetime Active Membership: All Past Presidents of this Association or, other such persons who qualify, by virtue of their dedication and service to the Association shall receive Lifetime Active Membership. Lifetime Active Membership is an Active membership regardless of retirement or change in work or employment. Lifetime membership shall be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors and may only be removed for cause as provided in Article XI Section 1.
Section 6: Discrimination: There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, creed, gender, pregnancy, religion, sex or national origin, disability, age, marriage, sexual orientation, or weight.
Section 7: Voting Rights: The right to hold office shall be limited to Active Members in good standing. The right to vote upon any issue as may be brought forward by the Association shall be limited to the general membership of the Association who are in good standing at the time.
Section 8: Denial of Membership: Any person or organization, whose behavior detracts from the integrity and/or reputation of this Association, may be denied membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 9: Removal from Membership: Any member may be removed from the Association for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 10: Application for Membership: Application for membership in this Association shall be submitted to the Executive Director. The Board of Directors shall be furnished a list of members twenty-one (21) days prior to the first meeting of the calendar year. Membership objections must be registered with the Executive Director seven (7) days prior to any Board of Director meeting. The Executive Director shall notify the applicant of the problem and the applicant will have forty-five (45) days to re-apply for membership.
Article VI
Dues: Association dues shall be paid by all current Association members and are due on November 1st of each year, in the amount set by the Board of Directors for each membership class. The Executive Director of this Association will collect dues. Voting privileges, enjoyed by members as specified in Article V Section 1 thru 5 may be suspended if dues are not current. Dues collected after September 1st will be applied to the following membership year. The determination of the amount of dues is a function of the Board of Directors. A member is generally considered to be in good standing if their dues are paid on time.
Article VII
Failure to Pay Dues: Any person or organization failing to pay dues by March 1st of any calendar year may be suspended from the membership rolls and lose any rights or privileges they may have enjoyed.
Article VIII
Meetings of Members: A general membership meeting should be held at least once a year with the location determined by the Board of Directors. Meeting notifications shall be made by the Executive Director, with no less than thirty (30) days prior notice.
Article IX
Order of Business: All meetings of this Association shall be conducted in the following Format:
- Call to order
- Introductions
- Review of the minutes of the last meeting
- President’s Report
- Executive Director’s report
- Correspondence
- Treasurer’s report
- Committee reports
- Old business
- New Business
- Good of the Order
- Adjourn
The President or their designee shall preside over all business meetings of the
Association. Any reports as may be required by the Order of Business, may be made by consent agenda, provided the report has been made available fourteen (14) days before the meeting.
Article X
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors of this Association shall be (Active Members) comprised of the following duly elected/appointed members:
- President
- President-Elect
- Vice-President
- Executive Director (appointed)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Immediate Past President
- Eight Regional Directors
- Three Members at Large (approved by the Board of Directors)
- A representative of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) - This appointee is submitted by WASPC and confirmed by a majority of the Board of Directors of this Association.
Section 1: Number of Board Members from one agency: At no time shall there be more than two members from any one department, agency, or corporate entity serving in any elected office of this Association.
Section 2: Complaints: The Board of Directors shall adjudicate all complaints of the membership and officers and shall fill vacancies of this Association as may occur.
Section 3: The Business of the Association: The Board of Directors shall conduct the business and affairs of the Association.
Section 4: Board of Directors Quorum: A quorum shall be comprised of eight (8) Board members, three of whom must be Executive Board members. A quorum is necessary to conduct the business and affairs of this Association.
Section 5: Executive Board Quorum: Executive Board meetings may be called at the discretion of the President. A quorum at an Executive Board meeting shall consist of four (4) officers and at least one (1) Regional Director.
Section 6: Board of Director’s Simple Majority: A vote of a simple majority by the Board of Directors is necessary to validate any action, except as may be provided by the By-laws of this Association or by Washington State Law.
Section 7: Vacancies: Any vacancy on the Board of Directors may be appointed from the Active Membership of this Association by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Persons selected will serve the remainder of the term for the vacancy they are filling. Regional Directors must be employed by or membership in the region they represent. Members at Large, the President, and the Executive Director are exempt from this section.
Section 8: Regional Director Terms: Regional Directors shall serve two-year terms. Elections for Regional Directors representing even numbered regions shall be on even years and odd numbered regions on odd years.
Article XI
Election and Length of Terms of the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors of this Association shall be elected from the (Active Members) in good standing. The Board of Directors of this Association shall be comprised of the following duly elected/appointed members:
- President
- President-Elect
- Vice-President
- Executive Director (appointed)
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Immediate Past President
- Eight Regional Directors
- Three Members at Large (approved by the Board of Directors)
- A representative of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) - This appointee is submitted by WASPC and confirmed by a majority of the Board of Directors of this Association.
Section 1: Term of President: The President shall serve a term of one year beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 2: Term of President Elect: The President Elect must have served on the Board of Directors for one year before being elected to President Elect. The President-Elect shall serve a term of one year beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June. The President Elect then serves as the President for the next full year and then serves as the Immediate Past President. President Elect is a three-year commitment.
Section 3: Term of Vice President: The Vice President shall serve a term of one year beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 4: Executive Director: The Executive Director is appointed by a two-thirds majority of the entire Board of Directors. This position will be continual yet re-affirmed by a simple majority of the Board of Directors at the last Board meeting of the year, as prescribed in Policy and Procedures. A two-thirds majority of the entire Board of Directors must be met to remove the current Executive Director. The Executive Director answers to the President of the Association for Chain of Command questions and then the Executive Committee.
Section 5: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall serve a term of two years beginning the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 6: Secretary: The Secretary shall serve a term of two years beginning the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 7: The Outgoing President: Shall serve a term of one year beginning the first day of July and ending on the last day of June.
Section 8: Regional Director: The Regional Director will serve a term of two years. The Regional Director must represent the area where they are serving. Regional Directors shall serve a term of two years beginning on the first day of July and ending on the last day of June. Regional Directors in the odd numbered regions will be elected in odd years and Regional Directors in even numbered regions will be elected in even numbered years.
Section 9: Members at Large: Members at Large are appointed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. A person wanting to be a Member at Large can apply through the Washington State Crime Prevention Office (WSCPA) office. The Administrative Committee will review this position and the application will be voted on based on available At Large positions on the Board of Directors. Existing At Large Members will be re- appointed at the year-end meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 10: Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief (WASPC) Representative: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chief Representative is recruited from the WASPC active membership and appointed by a majority of the Washington State Crime Prevention Association Board of Directors at the year end meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 11: Removal from Office: Any officer may be removed from office for cause by a two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors.
Section 12: Candidates must be Active Members: Any Active member in good standing of this Association may seek and hold office. Active members wishing to serve as President-Elect must have completed a minimum of one term on the Board prior to seeking that position and will assume the position of President after serving as President-Elect. Each candidate for office must fill out an application with a letter of endorsement from their chief or sheriff.
Article XII
Duties of Association Officers: The duties of Association officers shall be as follows:
Section 1: President: The President shall preside over all regular meetings of the Association. Subject to Board of Directors approval, they will appoint all committees as may be necessary. The President will be an ex officio member of all committees. The President or Executive Director shall sign all documents of the Board of Directors. The President shall chair the Executive Committee and Co-chair the Administrative Committee.
Section 2: President-Elect: If for some reason the President is unable to serve, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President, subject to limitations as may be prescribed by Association By-laws and Washington State Law.
The President-Elect is responsible for overseeing training opportunities, assisting conference committees, and other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors. The President-Elect shall chair the Program Services/Training Committee and Co-chair the Administrative Committee.
Section 3: Vice-President: The Vice-President will succeed the President-Elect or President. The Vice-President is responsible for providing direction and leadership guidance to the Regional Directors. The Vice-President is responsible for the annual awards committee and provides assistance to the Executive Director. The Vice-President shall chair the Organizational Development Committee.
Section 4: Executive Director: The Executive Director shall be the Registered Agent for the Association. The Executive Director will be responsible for maintaining a registered office with the Secretary of State of the State of Washington. The Executive Director shall record and maintain the Association Membership. The Executive Director shall have the repository for all past records of the Association.
The Executive Director is responsible for all meeting notices, association two-year calendar and communications between the members of both the Association and Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day duties of the Association office including the proper receipt of all mail, money, and bills of the Association. The Executive Director will provide the Board of Directors a Quarterly Executive Directors Report and be responsible for the Association’s Annual Report. The Executive Director may be given other duties as prescribed by the President or the Board of Directors and subject to limitations as may be provided by Association By-laws or Washington State law. The Executive Director will report directly to the President for chain of command and the Board of Directors.
Section 5: Secretary: The Secretary shall record and maintain all records of all Association meetings, and Board of Directors meetings, and other duties as assigned.
Section 6: Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all Financial transactions and shall keep records of same and serve as directed by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee and shall see to timely filing of taxes, as directed under WAC 458-20-169.
Section 7: Immediate Past President: The Immediate Past President shall be responsible for the elections process including recruitment of qualified persons to run for office and shall chair the Elections committee.
Section 8: Regional Directors: There shall be eight Regional Directors, one from each region. The number of Directors and regions will be determined by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors. Regional Directors will disseminate information, provide local assistance as it may pertain to the mission of this Association, and facilitate communication between the Board of Directors and their Regions.
Regional Directors need to be active in support, recruitment, and retention of Association members. Regional Directors are responsible for providing current updates and activities in the form of a regional report to the Executive Director at least fourteen (14) days prior to a scheduled Board meeting.
Section 9: Members at Large: There shall be three (3) Members at Large appointed by the Board of Directors to serve for one year terms. Their terms shall coincide with elected officers. Members at Large shall have voting rights, and must be confirmed by a simple majority of the members of the Board of Directors.
Section 10: Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Representative: The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) shall act as liaison between the Washington State Crime Prevention Association (WSCPA) and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. The WASPC member shall be primarily responsible for facilitating communications between the Association and its members. The WASPC Representative shall chair the Legislative Committee and shall be a full voting member of the Board.
Article XIII
Standing Committees: The Board of Directors, at the direction of the President, shall appoint all committees; define their tasks, the number who will serve, and duration of their service.
Section 1: Standing Committees: There shall exist seven (7) standing committees within the Association, as needed, each chaired by a member of the Board.
- Organizational Development: whose purpose shall be to increase and define membership and organizational alliances; the Vice-President chairs this committee.
- Program Services/Training: whose purpose is to conduct all training in accordance with specified contracts, responding to the needs of crime prevention practitioners. This committee is chaired by the President Elect.
- Legislative: whose purpose is to provide regular communication with the legislature and keep the Association abreast of important issues. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) Representative chairs this committee.
- Finance: whose purpose is to work on sources of funding and bookkeeping. The Treasurer chairs the Finance Committee.
- Elections: whose purpose is to fill the slate of officers, notify members of the election, and prepare and send out ballots in a timely manner. The election must be completed annually. The Immediate Past President should chair this committee.
- Administrative: whose purpose is to oversee the basic operations conducted by the Association office. These operations will include the day-to-day activities of the office. The office shall respond to requests for program information and materials. The office shall help develop training, and provide staff support for conferences, special events, Board meetings. This committee is co-chaired by the President and President Elect.
- Executive Committee: There shall exist an Executive committee consisting of the President, President-Elect, Vice-President, Treasurer, Executive Director, and one Regional Director on a quarterly rotational basis. The Executive committee is chaired by the President and shall be activated when the President declares that an emergency exists and a decision must be reached for the good of the Association or the President deems it necessary prior to the next regular Board meeting.
Section 2: Committee make up: The President has the right to establish any additional committees as he/she sees fit to conduct Association business. All committees will consist of no less than three and no more than eight members; each committee will have at least one Board member. A Board member will be on at least one committee and not more than two committees; Board members will coordinate recruiting and see that each committee is adequately staffed. Non-members may also be on committees with the approval of committee chair. The chair of each committee will answer to the Board of Directors and give timely reports as required to the Executive Director.
Article XIV
Contracts, Checks, Deposits, and Funds: The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract, execute and deliver any instrument in the name of the Association on it’s behalf. At a minimum, such authorization by a majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be recorded in the minutes of the Association.
Section 1: All financial instruments issued by this Association shall be signed by the Treasurer or Executive Director. In addition, the Board of Directors shall establish the amount at which a second signature is required. Any document over seven hundred and fifty dollars ($750) shall require two signatures.
Section 2: All funds of the Association shall be deposited in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board may direct.
Section 3: The Board of Directors may accept any financial instruments or money on behalf of the Association. Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors the funds shall be placed in the general fund.
Section 4: There shall be a review of all financial records of the Association at each meeting of the Board of Directors. Such records shall be reviewed and/or audited by a Certified Public Accountant annually.
Article XV
Books and Records: The Executive Director, acting on behalf of the Association, shall cause to have correct and complete books and records of accounts, along with the names and address of the Association members at the registered office. These records are open to inspection by any member of the Association or his agent or attorney for any purpose at any reasonable time. The Secretary shall keep minutes of the general membership and Board of Directors meetings.
Article XVI
Certificates of Membership: The Board of Directors may provide for the issuance of a certificate of membership evidencing membership in the Association. This shall be in such form or design as the Board may direct. Such certificates shall be signed by either the Executive Director or electronically by the Association President.
Article XVII
Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of this Association shall begin the first day of July and end the thirtieth day of June of each year.
Article XVIII
Salaries: No member of the Board of Directors or other members of the Association may receive a salary from the Association while conducting the business of the Association, incidental to their particular office or status.
The Administrative Committee, chaired by the President, shall make recommendations to the Board in all personnel matters. The Executive Director shall be supervised by the President for purposes of chain of command. The Board may authorize payment for the actual expenses and travel allowance to such officers or members of the Board of Directors or Association member as may incur expenses in conducting the business of the Association. The Association may adopt their own scale for per diem, lodging, and travel expense, subject to change as needed.
Article XIX
Annual Report: The officers of this Association shall file an annual report with the Secretary of State of the state of Washington as required by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 24.03.295). Pursuant to RCW 24.03.395, an annual report must be filed for dissolution. In the event of this occurring, the Executive Director will be in charge of drafting such report.
Article XX
Waiver of Notice: Whenever any notice is required be given to any member or Director of this Association under RCW 24.03.469, the Articles of Incorporation or the By-laws of this Association, a waiver, in writing, signed by the person shall be equivalent of the giving of such notice.
Article XXI
Amendments: The power to alter, amend, or repeal these By-laws shall rest with the Board of Director of this Association upon majority vote of said Board.
Article XXII
Elections: The right to vote for Officers and Regional Directors shall rest with all members in good standing.
Section 1: Area of Regional Directors: Regional Directors, one from each region, may be nominated by the Active Membership in that Region, or may be appointed by the Board. An election of a Regional Director by the members of a region will supersede an appointment by the Board. The person must have membership with an agency in the designated region and represent that region.
Section 2: Established Regions: The Board of Directors shall establish Regions within the State and shall be allowed to alter the boundaries and number of Directors as may be necessary. A two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors shall be required for alterations to the existing boundaries.
Section 3: Eight Regions: There shall be eight Regional Directors, one from each of eight regions and they shall be employed within the region they represent.
Region 1 shall include the following counties: Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan.
Region 2 shall include the following counties: Snohomish and King.
Region 3 shall include the following counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Mason, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston.
Region 4 shall include the following counties: Pacific, Lewis, Wakiakum, Cowlitz, Clark and Skamania.
Region 5 shall include the following counties: Okanogan, Ferry, Chelan, and Douglas.
Region 6 shall include the following counties: Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, and Yakima.
Region 7 shall include the following counties: Pend Oreille, Stevens, Spokane, and Lincoln.
Region 8 shall include the following counties: Franklin, Benton, Walla Walla, Asotin, Adams, Whitman, Garfield, and Columbia.
Article XXIII
Awards: The Board of Directors of this Association may provide for any awards as they see fit for such services, actions, or accomplishments by any persons or organizations deemed deserving of such awards. The Vice President will chair the Awards Committee. These decisions must be presented to the Board for approval in adequate time to have the awards prepared prior to their presentation.
Article XXIV
Endorsements: Neither the Association, nor any member thereof, representing the Association, shall publicly endorse any product affiliated with the prevention of crime. Sponsorship by either the business or private sector does not constitute endorsement of any product or service, and shall be permitted at the direction of the Board of Directors.
Article XXV
Publications: The Board of Directors may elect to publish and produce any publication in the nature of a periodical, pamphlet, text, handbill, or such devise as appropriate by the Board.
Article XXVI
Non-Profit Organization: The Washington State Crime Prevention Association is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of section 5.01 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
Article XXVII
Dissolution: Upon dissolution of this Association assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 5.01 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future Federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Federal Government, or State or Local Government for a public purpose.
Amended: September 2019, November 2019