About the Fraternal Order of Police
Lodge#12 Constitution and Bylaws
PREAMBLE
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a Law Enforcement Officer, My fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of my personal and official life; I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and regulations of my department.
Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendship to influence my decision. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held as long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objects and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession. . . . Law Enforcement.
Wherever, in these Constitution and By-Laws, "man" or "men" or related pronouns appear either as words or as parts of words (other than with obvious reference to named male individuals), they have been used for literary purposes and are meant for their generic sense (i.e., to include all human kind both female and male sexes).
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
NAME
SECTION 1. This corporation shall be known as the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. It shall conform to all the rules and regulation of the State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and those of the National Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police.
SECTION 3. The right to authorize, controls, and restrict the use of the name and insignia of the Order shall lie exclusively with the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge.
ARTICLE ll
CHARACTER
SECTION 1. Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 is a corporation consisting of Law enforcement officers of the United States or any State or political subdivisions thereof.
SECTION 2. The Lodge Is formed for the purpose of bettering the existing conditions as they affect law enforcement officers.
SECTION 3. The Fraternal Order of Police is strictly non-sectarian, and shall have no affiliation directly or indirectly with any Labor Union, congress, federation or committee of like nature, or political action committee or similar organization by whatever name known. The Fraternal Order of Police shall not strike or by concerted action cause the cessation of the performance of police duties, or induce other members or lodges to do likewise. The penalty for such action by any member shall be grounds for immediate expulsion from the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 4. Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may not as a collective body endorse or support a political candidate thru public endorsement, or monetary contributions. Los Angeles County Lodge No. 1 or any of its facilities may not be used by any organization for the sole purpose of promoting political candidates or activities endorsing but not limited to bargaining of wage or labor contracts.
SECTION 4a. The Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 not as a collective body will establish a Political Action Fund separately from the Lodge.
SECTION 5. This Constitution shall be the fundamental law of the Order and, together with the By-Laws enacted in conformance therewith and the Rituals adopted at National Conferences, shall govern the conduct of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Any regularly appointed and full time employed law enforcement officer of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, shall be eligible for membership in the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, subject to provisions of this Constitution and by By-Laws of the Order.
SECTION 2. No person shall be denied membership at this lodge on account of race, sex, color, creed, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, handicap or physical disability.
SECTION 3. The Fraternal Order of Police shall deny membership to anyone who is, or has been, a member of the Communist Party, or of any party regardless of what name known which advocates the abolition or destruction of our Government, either by force or subversive means.
SECTION 4. The term, "regularly appointed," law enforcement officers shall include law enforcement officers heretofore and hereafter retired from active duty in the service of the United States or any of the states or political subdivision thereof.
The term, "full time employed," shall mean law enforcement officers that are engaged in such employment as their principal source of livelihood.
SECTION 5. There shall be four (4) classes of membership: Active, Honorary, Non-voting Associate and Sponsor.
The Active membership shall be comprised of regularly appointed law enforcement officers, or retired law enforcement officers, of the United States or any of the states or political subdivisions thereof.
The Honorary membership shall be comprised of retired regularly appointed law enforcement officers, who withdraw from Active membership after retirement.
The Non-Voting Associate membership shall be comprised of non-law enforcement persons who are employed by law enforcement agencies whose qualified law enforcement officers are either Active or honorary members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
The Sponsor membership shall be granted to those individuals who in their personal and professional endeavors, represent and support the same standards established for the Active, Honorary and Non-voting Associate members of Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
An application for Sponsor membership must be submitted in writing by the first day of the month to the Admission Committee together with a $38.00 dollar membership fee. Fee may be returned or waived by the Board of Directors.
A Sponsor membership must be recommended by an Active member in writing.
The applicant will be voted on by name at the second meeting of the month following submission of the application.
The Board of Directors shall be notified of all applicants in writing by the Secretary not later than ten (10) day prior to the meeting date, to allow each member a chance to voice their opinion to the Admission Committee.
The application will be voted on by the general membership, after discussion and will be accepted by a majority vote of the Active members present.
SECTION 6. Any member, who may resign from active police duty, may retain his membership as long as he remains in good standing, voted upon by name, approved by majority vote of the members present at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 7. No person shall be simultaneously a member of Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 and any other lodge.
ARTICLE IV
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1. The Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 is of and for full time law enforcement officers sworn to obey and enforce all laws and ordinances impartially and under all circumstances from law enforcement agencies of the United States or any of the states or political subdivisions thereof. Members must be in good standing in the agencies to which they belong.
SECTION 2. The Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall hold a general membership meeting every year to be known as the Annual Meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. The Annual Meeting shall be held during the month of May.
SECTION 3. A Department of Defense Police Officer can be the only candidate that can be elected President of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. The Officers of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall consist of President, Past President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Second Vice President, Sgt.-at-Arms, Chaplain, State Trustee and the members of the Board of Trustees. No Officer shall hold more than one office at any time. The Officers of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall be elected and take office on July 1, the beginning of the corporate year.
ARTICLE Vl
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected officers, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Second Vice President, Sgt.-at-Arms, Chaplain, State Trustee and the members of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Directors shall have and exercise all administrative powers of the Order during the period between elections.
Any Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 officer or member of the Board of Directors who resigns from active duty for any reason other than to retire on pension, either for length of service or disability, or otherwise becomes ineligible as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, shall automatically forfeit the office as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall have the power to fill by nomination and election at any meeting, regular or special, by majority vote, any vacancies which may occur by reason of death, resignation, disability, failure to qualify, recall, suspension, expulsion or transfer from among its own membership.
SECTION 3. The term of office shall be for two (2) years or until the successors are elected. There are no term limits for any office within the lodge. Each elected officer shall begin his new term on July 1.
SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall meet at least bi-monthly. The Board shall keep minutes of the meetings and present them to the Annual Meeting for consideration or action. All meetings of the Board are open to the general membership.
SECTION 5. The majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
SECTION 6. In the event of an emergency meeting which requires a decision by all members of the Board of Directors, the President shall be authorized to call an emergency meeting.
ARTICLE VII
PRESIDENT
SECTION 1. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Order. He shall preside at all general membership meetings and at all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall have general management of the business of the Order and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.
He shall execute any and all contracts that may be authorized by the Board of Directors.
He shall be ex-officio, a member of all standing committees.
He shall have the power with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors to appoint a majority of any committee or committees, to inquire into any affair or matter affecting or concerning the Order.
He shall call special meetings of the Board of Directors when he deems it necessary or upon petition of seven (7) members of the Board of Directors. He shall call special meetings of general membership when he deems it necessary or upon petition of 75 members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. Notice of such special meetings shall be mailed by the Secretary to members of the Board of Directors at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meetings.
He shall at each session of the Board of Directors submit a full and complete report of the official business transacted by him subsequent to the last meeting of the Board, together with such recommendations as he may deem advisable. At the Annual Meeting, he shall make a report of the general business conducted during past the year of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
He shall convey to his successor within 30 days of leaving office all unfinished business of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
Together with the Treasurer, the President shall attest all warrants or vouchers for disbursement from any fund of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
The President shall have the ability to spend up to $500 dollars on issues he deems important to the lodge without prior Board approval. He shall make a full report to the Board of Directors on any such expenditure at the next meeting.
ARTICLE Vlll
VICE PRESIDENT
SECTION 1. The Vice President shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors in the absence of the President and shall otherwise generally perform the duties of the President during his absence. He shall also perform such duties as shall be ordered by the Board of Directors. He shall, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, appoint the minority of all committees.
ARTICLE lX
OTHER OFFICERS
SECTION 1. The Secretary, Treasurer, Second Vice President and Sgt.-at-Arms, Chaplain and State Trustee shall each perform the duties prescribed for their respective offices by the By-Laws hereof.
ARTICLE X
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 1. The Trustees shall constitute a Board which shall be known as the Board of Trustees. There shall be five (5) Trustees and one (1) Trustee-at-Large. The Trustee-at-Large is selected by the incoming President. All Trustees shall perform the duties prescribed for them in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE XI
LEGAL COUNSEL
SECTION 1. There may be a general legal counsel designated by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors to handle any litigation in which the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may become involved.
ARTICLE Xll
DISCIPLINE
SECTION 1. The membership of any member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may be canceled, suspended, or revoked for good and sufficient cause after notice and hearing by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. A member who has been disciplined by the Board of Directors, the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, shall have the right of appeal to the California State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police. Appeal must be made in compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the State Lodge.
ARTICLE XIll
ASSOCIATE LODGE
SECTION 1. The Fraternal Order of Police recognizes, acknowledges and validates Associate Lodges. Such Associate Lodges shall be known as Fraternal Order of Police Associates and may function as the Fraternal Order of Police Associates. Such Associate Lodges shall be subject to the control and supervision of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 The Associate Lodges shall conform to and be governed by this Constitution and the By-Laws thereof.
ARTICLE XlV
LADIES AUXILIARY
SECTION 1. The Fraternal Order of Police recognizes, acknowledges and validates Ladies Auxiliaries. Such Auxiliaries shall be known as Fraternal Order of Police Ladies Auxiliary and may function as the Fraternal Order of Police, Ladies Auxiliary. Such Auxiliary shall be subject to the control and supervision of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. The Ladies Auxiliary shall conform to and be governed by a Constitution and By-Laws that they shall adopt and which at all times shall be subject to approval of the Board of Directors of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
ARTICLE XV
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Only a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may propose an amendment to this Constitution. Such proposal shall be in resolution form, stating the reasons for the amendment; be attested by the signature of the member and state the date it was submitted.
SECTION 2. Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the next Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall mail to each member a copy of such proposed amendment at least thirty (30) days prior to the next Annual Meeting. Upon adoption of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members in attendance at the Annual Meeting, the proposed amendment shall become a part of the Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE XVI
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
SECTION 1. Except as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws, the latest edition of "Roberts' Rules of Order", shall govern the conduct and deliberations of the Annual Meeting, general meeting, meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the Order.
ARTICLE XVII
OFFICIAL RITUAL
SECTION 1. There shall be an official Ritual of the Order which shall be known as the Fraternal Order of Police Ritual.
SECTION 2. The Ritual of the Fraternal Order of Police shall be that which is current and attested to by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall be the judge of its membership, subject to the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 2. "Member in good Standing" is hereby defined to be a member who has paid all dues and assessments due and payable to or for the Grand Lodge, State Lodge, and the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 or who is not more than thirty (30) days in arrears of such payments as of the date specified for the payment thereof and; who has not violated the sacred oath as contained in the Fraternal Order of Police Ritual and; who has not been convicted of a felony crime.
SECTION 3. Any member in good standing for a period of one (1) year or more immediately preceding the holding of any election and who has attended at least three (3) meetings of the Board of Directors during that time and who has met all other requirements of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 Constitution and By-Laws shall be eligible for election to any office and for appointment to any committee. Any member not so qualified shall be ineligible for election to any office. Signatures on the meeting attendance form, verified by the Secretary, shall be the official attendance record for purposes of this Article.
SECTION 4. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than thirty (30) days and less than ninety (90) days shall be deem to be delinquent and not in good standing.
SECTION 5. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than ninety (90) days shall be and is hereby automatically suspended. S
SECTION 6. Any member delinquent or suspended, as provided in Section 4 and 5 of this Article, may be reinstated and restored to good standing by payment of all amounts due, and, in addition thereto, the payments of dues for the whole of the current year in which such reinstatement is made. Member shall not be entitled to receive benefits until thirty (30) days after his reinstatement.
SECTION 7. Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 who are no longer members of law enforcement must be voted upon by name at the Annual Meeting to retain their membership. Such members must be accepted by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. Such members shall have no voice or vote in the affairs of the lodge.
SECTION 8. Any member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, who is delinquent or has been suspended for any reason, shall not be eligible for membership in any other local lodge until suspension has been lifted. Such persons are not eligible to hold office, vote, attend lodge meetings, utilize lodge facilities or participate in lodge functions.
However, any member suspended by the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 for any reason, except for non-payment of dues, shall have the right to appeal to the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 Board of Directors. Such appeal must be filed in writing with the lodge President within thirty (30) days of the suspended member's receipt of official notice of his suspension. Such appeal shall be heard by the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, Board of Directors at the next board meeting after the lodge President's receiving same and a decision must be rendered in writing within ten (10) days after such board meeting, unless said time limit shall have been waived in writing by both the suspended member and the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. Both the suspended member and the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall have the right to be heard with witnesses and records at the hearing of such appeal.
The Board of Directors may either sustain or modify the suspension, or order the immediate reinstatement of the suspended member. The suspended member shall be notified immediately in writing of the decision of the Board of Directors.
If either party involved is aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Directors, an appeal to the California State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police may be made in accordance with the State Lodge Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 9. Any person employed in any position having peace officer status as defined in the penal code of the State of California shall be eligible for membership.
SECTION 10. Any person employed by Federal Government Agency whose primary duties are enforcement of Federal Laws shall be eligible for membership.
SECTION11. Any person who has retired from a position as defined in sections 9 and 10 shall be eligible for membership providing such retirement was for longevity or for a job occurred medical disability.
SECTION 12. Any Active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 in good standing at the time of their retirement from duty may retain membership in the Lodge. All members in good standing shall retain their rights and privileges as active members.
SECTION 13. Application for membership shall be on prescribed forms in writing to the Secretary and shall include the status of the applicant in the agency in which he belongs. The application shall be accompanied by initiation fees and dues.
SECTION 14, The application for membership will then be referred to the Admission Committee which will verify employment and other qualifications for membership as contained in the Constitution and By-Laws. The Admission Committee shall report the application and their findings in a report to the Board of Directors at a regular meeting within forty five (45) days after application. All such applicants upon filing application for membership shall be voted upon and initiated at the earliest meeting. A favorable vote of fifty one (51) percent of members present and voting will admit the prospective member to Active Membership. A majority of members voting negative shall prevent the Lodge from accepting such applicant for a period of six (6) months. At the expiration of six (6) months, the applicant may re-apply.
SECTION 15. Applications for transfer of membership from other lodges to this lodge shall first be cleared by the Secretary through the applicant's home lodge to ascertain if the applicant is in good standing. The applicant then will be voted upon as prescribed; a simple majority voting either accepts or rejects the applicant.
SECTION 16. Any member wishing to be dropped from the membership rolls may do so; however no dues shall be refunded. The same member, still being employed by an agency entitling him to membership in the lodge, at a later time request to be reinstated to membership, shall make a written application and be accepted by a simple majority vote by the members in good standing. Any member wishing to be dropped shall not be permitted any benefits or use of the lodge.
ARTICLE ll
SECRETARY
SECTION 1. The Secretary shall have custody of books, reports, documents, the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, and office paraphernalia and equipment, under the general authority and orders of the President and Board of Directors. He shall make a record and transcribe minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, the Annual Meeting and submit the same for approval at the next succeeding meeting.
He shall conduct the general correspondence of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
He shall attest, under the Seal of the Order, all duly authorized contracts of the Fraternal Order of Police federal Lodge #12.
He shall be the official custodian of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, which shall be authenticated by the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, and the signatures of the President and Secretary. He shall keep a record of the official amendments adopted at the Annual Meetings amending the Constitution and Bylaws, duly authorized by the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 and the signatures of the President and Secretary in a book to be known as the book of amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws.
He shall be responsible for the purchase, inventory and sale of all Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police merchandise.
At the expiration of the term of office and within thirty (30) days thereafter, he shall deliver to his successor the Official Seal of the Order and all books, documents, records, paraphernalia and equipment in his possession, and shall require and receive a receipt thereof.
SECTION 2. A petty cash fund in the amount of $200 dollars may be allowed the Secretary for the purpose of paying emergency and current office expenses. The Secretary must file a report of expenditures to the President prior to obtaining any new funds from the Treasurer.
SECTION 3. The Secretary shall keep at the principal office of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, a book of minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and members. Any member in good standing shall be allowed to review the minutes of any meeting. A request to review minutes shall be made to the President or Secretary.
SECTION 4. The Secretary shall maintain a membership list for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 showing the names, addresses, membership numbers of all members and such other information as necessary for the good of the Order.
He shall not release the mailing list of the names and addresses of members to anyone unless it is approved by the Board of Directors.
Any officer or member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, who violates this section by giving the membership mailing list to anyone, or who uses the membership list for any purpose other than official Fraternal Order of Police business, shall be ordered to appear before the Board of Directors. If it is found that the violation occurred, such officer or member shall be suspended from the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, for a period of not less than one (1) year.
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall provide the State Lodge Secretary with two copies of the Constitution and By-laws and a current Officer Roster of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, whenever a change is made by 1this lodge.
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall be responsible for sending in all per capita forms in a timely manner as outlined by the State Lodge. He shall obtain from the Treasurer, those funds needed to complete the per capita payment.
ARTICLE III
TREASURER
SECTION 1. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
He shall sign all checks, duly authorized by the President, for disbursement of funds.
He shall keep an itemized record of all receipts and disbursements.
He shall insure that all funds collected are deposited in a bank approved by the Board of Directors.
He shall set up special accounts as necessary for special funds and allocate to each, respectively, the amounts allocated or collected therefore.
He shall perform such other duties as are usual and incident to the office.
SECTION 2. The Treasurer shall make a monthly report to the President, Secretary and Fund-raising Chairman of the condition of the lodge funds. He shall make a written report to the Board of Directors at the regular scheduled meetings of the Board.
He shall make a yearly report at the Annual Membership meeting that details all monies received and spent by the lodge since the prior annual meeting. He shall make available to any member in good standing all such reports for review upon request.
SECTION 3. The monthly Treasurers report shall include a ledger sheet showing: check number, date issued, payee and reason for disbursement.
SECTION 4. At the expiration of his term of office and within thirty (30) day thereafter, he shall deliver to his successor, all moneys, record books, documents, records, paraphernalia and equipment in his possession and shall require and receive a receipt therefore.
ARTICLE IV
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
SECTION 1. The Second Vice President shall examine dues cards of Officers and members ascertaining that all present at meetings are in good standing take up the password and make a report to the President. He shall perform such other duties as the President may require.
SECTION 2. The Second Vice President shall conduct candidates through the initiation ceremony and introduce them to the members of the lodge.
ARTICLE V
SGT.-AT-ARMS
SECTION 1. The Sgt.-at-Arms shall have charge and control of the lodge hall or meeting place and shall permit only qualified persons to enter or remain. He shall keep an accurate record of the individual members attending each meeting and shall provide the Secretary with a record thereof. He shall assist the Second Vice President in the execution of such duties as the President may require.
ARTICLE VI
CHAPLAIN
SECTION 1. The Chaplain shall perform any duties as outlined by the President or Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 1. Trustees shall be elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting in May. They shall serve a term of two (2) years commencing June1.
SECTION 2. Nomination of Trustees shall be made by members in good standing at the Annual Meeting of the Lodge in May.
SECTION 3. Election of Trustees shall be by written ballot and voted upon by members attending the Annual Meeting and who are members in good standing of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 4. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. In case of a tie between candidates, a run-off election shall be held.
SECTION 5. The Board of Trustees shall have charge of and be responsible for all property of the Order. The Board of Trustees shall:
I. Take charge of all physical property of the Order.
2. Annually make a complete and itemized, inventory. Annual Meeting.
3. Within thirty (30) days after the Annual Meeting, file with the Board of Directors, a copy of such inventory.
4. Conduct an annual audit of all funds and financial book and records for the Order and make a report thereof to the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of the Annual Meeting.
5. Ascertain that all moneys received have been allocated to the credit of the proper accounts and so deposited in the name and to the credit of the Order.
6. Upon order of the Board of Directors, purchase any equipment or supplies necessary.
7. Make a full and complete report to the membership at the Annual Meeting of all business transacted since the last Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE Vlll
REPORTS
SECTION 1. Reports of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 officers and chairman of all standing committees shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary, thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
The Secretary shall prepare said reports in printed form and furnish one (1) copy to each member of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE lX
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1. All Officers shall be nominated from the general membership.
SECTION 2. No member shall be eligible to be a candidate for office unless they are in good standing, have been a member for one (1) year and have attended at least three (3) meetings during the corporate year. Signatures on the meeting attendance form, verified by the Secretary, shall be the official record for the purpose of this Article.
SECTION 3. Nominations of Officers shall be made by members in good standing at the Annual Meeting of the Lodge in June.
SECTION 4. No member shall be nominated or be a candidate for election to more than one office at a time.
SECTION 5. Election of officers shall be in June at the Annual Meeting by written ballot. Results shall be announced at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 6. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. In case of a tie between candidates with the highest number votes, a run off election shall immediately be held between those candidates.
SECTION 7. An Election Committee of not less than five (5) members in good standing shall be appointed by the President and Vice President to monitor the election process and canvass the votes. The Election Committee shall adopt rules and regulations for conduct of elections subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. At the close of the election, the committee shall count the votes, determine how many have been cast for each candidate and shall report the results to the President. The President shall announce the results and declare those candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast for each office.
SECTION 8. Officers-elect shall be installed by a past officer of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 or State Lodge Officer or National Officer and shall take office July 1, in accordance with the regular order of business.
SECTION 9. Any officer of the lodge, duly elected, whose services are unsatisfactory or who neglects the duty of his office, shall be subject to recall at any election that shall be called, upon a petition being signed by twenty-five (25) percent of the members of the lodge. Said officer shall be considered recalled upon a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes of the entire membership being cast against him.
ARTICLE X
OFFICIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION 1: The Order of Business shall be:
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
2. Roll call of officers
3. Reading of rough minutes of previous meeting
4. Officers reports
5. Report of trustee
6. Report of committees
7. Unfinished business
8. New business
9. Good of the order
10. Adjournment
ARTICLE Xl
STATE LODGE TRUSTEE AND DELEGATES TO STATE OR NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SECTION 1. During the Annual Meeting, selection of delegates to the Biennial State and National Conference shall be made by the Board of Directors. Names of qualified delegates of the number to which the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 is entitled by the provisions of the California State Lodge, National Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police Constitution and By-Laws shall be sent to the California State Lodge Secretary or Grand Lodge Secretary by the Lodge Secretary. The report shall also contain the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, and be signed by the President and Secretary.
SECTION 2. The State Lodge Trustee shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by those delegates to the State Lodge Biennial Conference.
SECTION 3. The term of office of State Lodge Trustee and delegates to the conference shall commence with the assembling of the Biennial Conference and terminate upon the election of successors.
ARTICLE XIl
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
SECTION 1. Dues shall be $30.00 dollars per pay period each month for all active members. The Board of Directors may waive collection of dues.
SECTION 2. All dues are payable annually on January 1. New members who join in any other month other than January shall pay prorated dues for the remaining months of the first year of membership in the amount of 1/12 per month of the amount set in Section 1 of this Article.
SECTION 3. There shall be a $62.50 dollar initiation fee, unless waved by a Board Member.
SECTION 4. All Past Presidents shall receive paid up life membership in the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 as long as all other eligibility requirements are met as defined in the Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 5. Assessments for improvement or financial necessity may be levied by majority vote of the Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed twenty ($20.00) dollars annually per member, provided, however that two thirds (2/3) of the general membership may overrule the decisions of the Board of Directors as to any assessments at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 6. Non-payment of dues for a period of thirty (30) days shall result in the member being delinquent. Such member shall not be a member in good standing. Nonpayment of dues for a period of ninety (90) days shall result in suspension of membership. Such member shall be dropped from the membership rolls. Upon suspension of a member, the Treasurer shall notify the Sgt.-at-Arms, who will immediately obtain from the suspended member his membership card and other lodge property. To achieve reinstatement, any member suspended shall be assessed a five ($10.00) dollar reinstatement fee, must pay all amounts due for the whole of the current year in which reinstatement is made. The Treasurer shall notify members of the possible suspension not less than thirty (30) days before expiration of the ninety (90) day period.
SECTION 7. If a membership is allowed to lapse by a member due to departmental transfer of that member, that member may later petition the Board of Directors for reinstatement.
ARTICLE
XIIl MEETINGS
SECTION 1. There shall be regular bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Directors for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. The meeting of the Board of Directors shall be open to all members of the lodge in good standing.
SECTION 3. Special meetings may be called by the President, or by the President at the request of 75 members of the lodge or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Notice of Annual Meetings, recall election and meetings concerning amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be given in writing by mail to all members by the Secretary.
SECTION 5. All special meetings shall be announced to the Board of Directors by written notice at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the time and date of the scheduled meeting.
ARTICLE
XIV AUDIT
SECTION 1. The fiscal year of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall be from July I to June 30, inclusive, of each year. In addition to the annual audit to be made by the Board of Trustees, said Board of Trustees shall annually cause a complete audit and report of all funds and financial books and records of the Order to be made for the fiscal year by a certified public accountant.
ARTICLE XV
RULES OF PROCEDURE PERMITTING MEMBER TO SPEAK AND VOTE DURING BOARD MEETINGS
SECTION 1. Every member in attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall have a right to speak and vote upon any subject on the meetings business agenda or on any subject which is introduced as new business, subject to the following limitations and conditions.
The President, before any subject is opened to discussion at the board meeting shall have the right to set down reasonable time limitation, which shall be applied uniformly, on each member who desires to speak. Consideration shall be given to the importance of the subject matter raised for discussion, its complexity and pertinent factor's in fixing such time limitations.
ARTICLE XVl
STATE TRUSTEE
SECTION 1. The State Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 has voice and vote at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. The State Trustee shall submit to the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 the original of all correspondence between the State Trustee and all members of the State Lodge. These records shall be on file at the main Lodge office. The trustee may keep copies for his files.
SECTION 3. The State Trustee shall report the Board of Directors any issues that will be voted on at state lodge meeting, allowing for discussion by the Board of Directors as to their opinions on how the State Trustee shall vote.
SECTION 4. He shall submit a written report on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 to each state board meeting representing the activities of the Lodge.
SECTION 5. He shall give a report at the meeting of the Board of Directors and the Annual Meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, on the activities of the State Lodge.
ARTICLE XVIl
ATTENDANCE AT BOARD MEETINGS
SECTION 1. All elected members of the Board of Directors the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 are expected to attend board meeting on a regular basis.
SECTION 2. If a board member is absent from three (3) consecutive board meetings and the absences are deemed to be unexcused by the Board of Directors, the board shall remove from office that board member for poor attendance.
ARTICLE XVIIl
SUFFICIENCY OF VOTES
SECTION 1. Any issue brought before members for vote at the Board of Directors meeting shall be determined by a plurality of those in attendance.
ARTICLE XlX
OFFICERS NEEDED TO CONDUCT MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. There shall be a majority of elected officers required to conduct a meeting of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XX
STANDING COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. Immediately after confirmation of their election, the President and Vice President shall make appointments to the standing committees specified in this article. Such appointments shall be made in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. The members of each such committee shall serve until their resignation, their removal by the Board of Directors, or their replacement by the President and Vice President.
SECTION 2. The President and Vice President shall determine Standing Committees.
ARTICLE XXl
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Only regular members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may propose an amendment to these By-Laws. Such proposal shall be in resolution form, stating the reason for the amendment; be attested by the signature of the member and state the date when it was submitted.
SECTION 2. Proposed amendments to these By-Laws shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the next Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall mail to each member a copy of such proposed amendments at least thirty (30) days prior to the next Annual Meeting. Upon adoption by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the members in attendance at the Annual Meeting, the proposed amendment shall become part of these By-Laws.
ARTICLE XXIl
EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall have the power to authorize reimbursement of expenses that an officer or member incurred while performing the duties of, or service for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. An officer or member must have prior approval of the Board of Directors before incurring and applying for reimbursement of expenses.
SECTION 3. An officer or member applying for reimbursement of expenses shall furnish to the Secretary, a detailed itemized statement of expenses incurred and paid by the member in the performance of such duties or service. The Secretary shall submit the statement to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled board meeting for approval.
The President may approve the reimbursement between meetings of the Board of Directors and present the statement to the Treasurer for payment. At the following meeting of the Board, a report of such approvals shall be made by the President to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. The expenses of the State Trustee while attending meetings of the State Lodge or other State Lodge Committee work will be paid by the State Lodge as outlined in the State's Constitution and By-Laws. Expenses for worked performed for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 will be paid by the Lodge.
SECTION 5. When possible, up to two members of the Board of Directors may attend other meetings of the Fraternal Order of Police at Lodge expense. These meetings may include a National Board Meeting, National State Lodge Presidents Meeting or Western States meeting. The President shall select those attending these meetings.
ARTICLE XXIIl
RULES OF ORDER
SECTION 1. The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, revised, shall govern all members meetings or directors meetings of the lodges, except in instances of conflict between Robert's Rules of Order and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Lodge or provisions of the law. Robert Cortez Tony Givens President Secretary
PREAMBLE
LAW ENFORCEMENT CODE OF ETHICS
As a Law Enforcement Officer, My fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all men to liberty, equality and justice.
I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all; maintain courageous calm in the face of danger, scorn or ridicule; develop self-restraint; and be constantly mindful of my personal and official life; I will be exemplary in obeying the laws of the land and regulations of my department.
Whatever I see or hear of a confidential nature or that is confided to me in my official capacity will be kept ever secret unless revelation is necessary in the performance of my duty.
I will never act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendship to influence my decision. With no compromise for crime and with relentless prosecution of criminals, I will enforce the law courteously and appropriately without fear or favor, malice or ill will, never employing unnecessary force or violence and never accepting gratuities.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held as long as I am true to the ethics of the police service. I will constantly strive to achieve these objects and ideals, dedicating myself before God to my chosen profession. . . . Law Enforcement.
Wherever, in these Constitution and By-Laws, "man" or "men" or related pronouns appear either as words or as parts of words (other than with obvious reference to named male individuals), they have been used for literary purposes and are meant for their generic sense (i.e., to include all human kind both female and male sexes).
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
NAME
SECTION 1. This corporation shall be known as the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. It shall conform to all the rules and regulation of the State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and those of the National Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police.
SECTION 3. The right to authorize, controls, and restrict the use of the name and insignia of the Order shall lie exclusively with the Board of Directors of the Grand Lodge.
ARTICLE ll
CHARACTER
SECTION 1. Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 is a corporation consisting of Law enforcement officers of the United States or any State or political subdivisions thereof.
SECTION 2. The Lodge Is formed for the purpose of bettering the existing conditions as they affect law enforcement officers.
SECTION 3. The Fraternal Order of Police is strictly non-sectarian, and shall have no affiliation directly or indirectly with any Labor Union, congress, federation or committee of like nature, or political action committee or similar organization by whatever name known. The Fraternal Order of Police shall not strike or by concerted action cause the cessation of the performance of police duties, or induce other members or lodges to do likewise. The penalty for such action by any member shall be grounds for immediate expulsion from the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 4. Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may not as a collective body endorse or support a political candidate thru public endorsement, or monetary contributions. Los Angeles County Lodge No. 1 or any of its facilities may not be used by any organization for the sole purpose of promoting political candidates or activities endorsing but not limited to bargaining of wage or labor contracts.
SECTION 4a. The Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 not as a collective body will establish a Political Action Fund separately from the Lodge.
SECTION 5. This Constitution shall be the fundamental law of the Order and, together with the By-Laws enacted in conformance therewith and the Rituals adopted at National Conferences, shall govern the conduct of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Any regularly appointed and full time employed law enforcement officer of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof, shall be eligible for membership in the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, subject to provisions of this Constitution and by By-Laws of the Order.
SECTION 2. No person shall be denied membership at this lodge on account of race, sex, color, creed, age, religion, ancestry, national origin, handicap or physical disability.
SECTION 3. The Fraternal Order of Police shall deny membership to anyone who is, or has been, a member of the Communist Party, or of any party regardless of what name known which advocates the abolition or destruction of our Government, either by force or subversive means.
SECTION 4. The term, "regularly appointed," law enforcement officers shall include law enforcement officers heretofore and hereafter retired from active duty in the service of the United States or any of the states or political subdivision thereof.
The term, "full time employed," shall mean law enforcement officers that are engaged in such employment as their principal source of livelihood.
SECTION 5. There shall be four (4) classes of membership: Active, Honorary, Non-voting Associate and Sponsor.
The Active membership shall be comprised of regularly appointed law enforcement officers, or retired law enforcement officers, of the United States or any of the states or political subdivisions thereof.
The Honorary membership shall be comprised of retired regularly appointed law enforcement officers, who withdraw from Active membership after retirement.
The Non-Voting Associate membership shall be comprised of non-law enforcement persons who are employed by law enforcement agencies whose qualified law enforcement officers are either Active or honorary members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
The Sponsor membership shall be granted to those individuals who in their personal and professional endeavors, represent and support the same standards established for the Active, Honorary and Non-voting Associate members of Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
An application for Sponsor membership must be submitted in writing by the first day of the month to the Admission Committee together with a $38.00 dollar membership fee. Fee may be returned or waived by the Board of Directors.
A Sponsor membership must be recommended by an Active member in writing.
The applicant will be voted on by name at the second meeting of the month following submission of the application.
The Board of Directors shall be notified of all applicants in writing by the Secretary not later than ten (10) day prior to the meeting date, to allow each member a chance to voice their opinion to the Admission Committee.
The application will be voted on by the general membership, after discussion and will be accepted by a majority vote of the Active members present.
SECTION 6. Any member, who may resign from active police duty, may retain his membership as long as he remains in good standing, voted upon by name, approved by majority vote of the members present at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 7. No person shall be simultaneously a member of Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 and any other lodge.
ARTICLE IV
ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1. The Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 is of and for full time law enforcement officers sworn to obey and enforce all laws and ordinances impartially and under all circumstances from law enforcement agencies of the United States or any of the states or political subdivisions thereof. Members must be in good standing in the agencies to which they belong.
SECTION 2. The Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall hold a general membership meeting every year to be known as the Annual Meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. The Annual Meeting shall be held during the month of May.
SECTION 3. A Department of Defense Police Officer can be the only candidate that can be elected President of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. The Officers of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall consist of President, Past President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Second Vice President, Sgt.-at-Arms, Chaplain, State Trustee and the members of the Board of Trustees. No Officer shall hold more than one office at any time. The Officers of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall be elected and take office on July 1, the beginning of the corporate year.
ARTICLE Vl
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected officers, President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Second Vice President, Sgt.-at-Arms, Chaplain, State Trustee and the members of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Directors shall have and exercise all administrative powers of the Order during the period between elections.
Any Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 officer or member of the Board of Directors who resigns from active duty for any reason other than to retire on pension, either for length of service or disability, or otherwise becomes ineligible as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, shall automatically forfeit the office as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. The Board of Directors of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall have the power to fill by nomination and election at any meeting, regular or special, by majority vote, any vacancies which may occur by reason of death, resignation, disability, failure to qualify, recall, suspension, expulsion or transfer from among its own membership.
SECTION 3. The term of office shall be for two (2) years or until the successors are elected. There are no term limits for any office within the lodge. Each elected officer shall begin his new term on July 1.
SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall meet at least bi-monthly. The Board shall keep minutes of the meetings and present them to the Annual Meeting for consideration or action. All meetings of the Board are open to the general membership.
SECTION 5. The majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
SECTION 6. In the event of an emergency meeting which requires a decision by all members of the Board of Directors, the President shall be authorized to call an emergency meeting.
ARTICLE VII
PRESIDENT
SECTION 1. The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Order. He shall preside at all general membership meetings and at all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall have general management of the business of the Order and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors are carried into effect.
He shall execute any and all contracts that may be authorized by the Board of Directors.
He shall be ex-officio, a member of all standing committees.
He shall have the power with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors to appoint a majority of any committee or committees, to inquire into any affair or matter affecting or concerning the Order.
He shall call special meetings of the Board of Directors when he deems it necessary or upon petition of seven (7) members of the Board of Directors. He shall call special meetings of general membership when he deems it necessary or upon petition of 75 members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. Notice of such special meetings shall be mailed by the Secretary to members of the Board of Directors at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meetings.
He shall at each session of the Board of Directors submit a full and complete report of the official business transacted by him subsequent to the last meeting of the Board, together with such recommendations as he may deem advisable. At the Annual Meeting, he shall make a report of the general business conducted during past the year of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
He shall convey to his successor within 30 days of leaving office all unfinished business of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
Together with the Treasurer, the President shall attest all warrants or vouchers for disbursement from any fund of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
The President shall have the ability to spend up to $500 dollars on issues he deems important to the lodge without prior Board approval. He shall make a full report to the Board of Directors on any such expenditure at the next meeting.
ARTICLE Vlll
VICE PRESIDENT
SECTION 1. The Vice President shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors in the absence of the President and shall otherwise generally perform the duties of the President during his absence. He shall also perform such duties as shall be ordered by the Board of Directors. He shall, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, appoint the minority of all committees.
ARTICLE lX
OTHER OFFICERS
SECTION 1. The Secretary, Treasurer, Second Vice President and Sgt.-at-Arms, Chaplain and State Trustee shall each perform the duties prescribed for their respective offices by the By-Laws hereof.
ARTICLE X
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 1. The Trustees shall constitute a Board which shall be known as the Board of Trustees. There shall be five (5) Trustees and one (1) Trustee-at-Large. The Trustee-at-Large is selected by the incoming President. All Trustees shall perform the duties prescribed for them in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE XI
LEGAL COUNSEL
SECTION 1. There may be a general legal counsel designated by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors to handle any litigation in which the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may become involved.
ARTICLE Xll
DISCIPLINE
SECTION 1. The membership of any member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may be canceled, suspended, or revoked for good and sufficient cause after notice and hearing by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. A member who has been disciplined by the Board of Directors, the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, shall have the right of appeal to the California State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police. Appeal must be made in compliance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the State Lodge.
ARTICLE XIll
ASSOCIATE LODGE
SECTION 1. The Fraternal Order of Police recognizes, acknowledges and validates Associate Lodges. Such Associate Lodges shall be known as Fraternal Order of Police Associates and may function as the Fraternal Order of Police Associates. Such Associate Lodges shall be subject to the control and supervision of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 The Associate Lodges shall conform to and be governed by this Constitution and the By-Laws thereof.
ARTICLE XlV
LADIES AUXILIARY
SECTION 1. The Fraternal Order of Police recognizes, acknowledges and validates Ladies Auxiliaries. Such Auxiliaries shall be known as Fraternal Order of Police Ladies Auxiliary and may function as the Fraternal Order of Police, Ladies Auxiliary. Such Auxiliary shall be subject to the control and supervision of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. The Ladies Auxiliary shall conform to and be governed by a Constitution and By-Laws that they shall adopt and which at all times shall be subject to approval of the Board of Directors of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
ARTICLE XV
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Only a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may propose an amendment to this Constitution. Such proposal shall be in resolution form, stating the reasons for the amendment; be attested by the signature of the member and state the date it was submitted.
SECTION 2. Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted at least sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the next Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall mail to each member a copy of such proposed amendment at least thirty (30) days prior to the next Annual Meeting. Upon adoption of a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members in attendance at the Annual Meeting, the proposed amendment shall become a part of the Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE XVI
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
SECTION 1. Except as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws, the latest edition of "Roberts' Rules of Order", shall govern the conduct and deliberations of the Annual Meeting, general meeting, meetings of the Board of Directors and committees of the Order.
ARTICLE XVII
OFFICIAL RITUAL
SECTION 1. There shall be an official Ritual of the Order which shall be known as the Fraternal Order of Police Ritual.
SECTION 2. The Ritual of the Fraternal Order of Police shall be that which is current and attested to by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall be the judge of its membership, subject to the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 2. "Member in good Standing" is hereby defined to be a member who has paid all dues and assessments due and payable to or for the Grand Lodge, State Lodge, and the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 or who is not more than thirty (30) days in arrears of such payments as of the date specified for the payment thereof and; who has not violated the sacred oath as contained in the Fraternal Order of Police Ritual and; who has not been convicted of a felony crime.
SECTION 3. Any member in good standing for a period of one (1) year or more immediately preceding the holding of any election and who has attended at least three (3) meetings of the Board of Directors during that time and who has met all other requirements of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 Constitution and By-Laws shall be eligible for election to any office and for appointment to any committee. Any member not so qualified shall be ineligible for election to any office. Signatures on the meeting attendance form, verified by the Secretary, shall be the official attendance record for purposes of this Article.
SECTION 4. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than thirty (30) days and less than ninety (90) days shall be deem to be delinquent and not in good standing.
SECTION 5. Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than ninety (90) days shall be and is hereby automatically suspended. S
SECTION 6. Any member delinquent or suspended, as provided in Section 4 and 5 of this Article, may be reinstated and restored to good standing by payment of all amounts due, and, in addition thereto, the payments of dues for the whole of the current year in which such reinstatement is made. Member shall not be entitled to receive benefits until thirty (30) days after his reinstatement.
SECTION 7. Members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 who are no longer members of law enforcement must be voted upon by name at the Annual Meeting to retain their membership. Such members must be accepted by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. Such members shall have no voice or vote in the affairs of the lodge.
SECTION 8. Any member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, who is delinquent or has been suspended for any reason, shall not be eligible for membership in any other local lodge until suspension has been lifted. Such persons are not eligible to hold office, vote, attend lodge meetings, utilize lodge facilities or participate in lodge functions.
However, any member suspended by the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 for any reason, except for non-payment of dues, shall have the right to appeal to the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 Board of Directors. Such appeal must be filed in writing with the lodge President within thirty (30) days of the suspended member's receipt of official notice of his suspension. Such appeal shall be heard by the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, Board of Directors at the next board meeting after the lodge President's receiving same and a decision must be rendered in writing within ten (10) days after such board meeting, unless said time limit shall have been waived in writing by both the suspended member and the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. Both the suspended member and the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall have the right to be heard with witnesses and records at the hearing of such appeal.
The Board of Directors may either sustain or modify the suspension, or order the immediate reinstatement of the suspended member. The suspended member shall be notified immediately in writing of the decision of the Board of Directors.
If either party involved is aggrieved by the decision of the Board of Directors, an appeal to the California State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police may be made in accordance with the State Lodge Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 9. Any person employed in any position having peace officer status as defined in the penal code of the State of California shall be eligible for membership.
SECTION 10. Any person employed by Federal Government Agency whose primary duties are enforcement of Federal Laws shall be eligible for membership.
SECTION11. Any person who has retired from a position as defined in sections 9 and 10 shall be eligible for membership providing such retirement was for longevity or for a job occurred medical disability.
SECTION 12. Any Active member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 in good standing at the time of their retirement from duty may retain membership in the Lodge. All members in good standing shall retain their rights and privileges as active members.
SECTION 13. Application for membership shall be on prescribed forms in writing to the Secretary and shall include the status of the applicant in the agency in which he belongs. The application shall be accompanied by initiation fees and dues.
SECTION 14, The application for membership will then be referred to the Admission Committee which will verify employment and other qualifications for membership as contained in the Constitution and By-Laws. The Admission Committee shall report the application and their findings in a report to the Board of Directors at a regular meeting within forty five (45) days after application. All such applicants upon filing application for membership shall be voted upon and initiated at the earliest meeting. A favorable vote of fifty one (51) percent of members present and voting will admit the prospective member to Active Membership. A majority of members voting negative shall prevent the Lodge from accepting such applicant for a period of six (6) months. At the expiration of six (6) months, the applicant may re-apply.
SECTION 15. Applications for transfer of membership from other lodges to this lodge shall first be cleared by the Secretary through the applicant's home lodge to ascertain if the applicant is in good standing. The applicant then will be voted upon as prescribed; a simple majority voting either accepts or rejects the applicant.
SECTION 16. Any member wishing to be dropped from the membership rolls may do so; however no dues shall be refunded. The same member, still being employed by an agency entitling him to membership in the lodge, at a later time request to be reinstated to membership, shall make a written application and be accepted by a simple majority vote by the members in good standing. Any member wishing to be dropped shall not be permitted any benefits or use of the lodge.
ARTICLE ll
SECRETARY
SECTION 1. The Secretary shall have custody of books, reports, documents, the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, and office paraphernalia and equipment, under the general authority and orders of the President and Board of Directors. He shall make a record and transcribe minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors, the Annual Meeting and submit the same for approval at the next succeeding meeting.
He shall conduct the general correspondence of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
He shall attest, under the Seal of the Order, all duly authorized contracts of the Fraternal Order of Police federal Lodge #12.
He shall be the official custodian of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, which shall be authenticated by the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, and the signatures of the President and Secretary. He shall keep a record of the official amendments adopted at the Annual Meetings amending the Constitution and Bylaws, duly authorized by the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 and the signatures of the President and Secretary in a book to be known as the book of amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws.
He shall be responsible for the purchase, inventory and sale of all Grand Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police merchandise.
At the expiration of the term of office and within thirty (30) days thereafter, he shall deliver to his successor the Official Seal of the Order and all books, documents, records, paraphernalia and equipment in his possession, and shall require and receive a receipt thereof.
SECTION 2. A petty cash fund in the amount of $200 dollars may be allowed the Secretary for the purpose of paying emergency and current office expenses. The Secretary must file a report of expenditures to the President prior to obtaining any new funds from the Treasurer.
SECTION 3. The Secretary shall keep at the principal office of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, a book of minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and members. Any member in good standing shall be allowed to review the minutes of any meeting. A request to review minutes shall be made to the President or Secretary.
SECTION 4. The Secretary shall maintain a membership list for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 showing the names, addresses, membership numbers of all members and such other information as necessary for the good of the Order.
He shall not release the mailing list of the names and addresses of members to anyone unless it is approved by the Board of Directors.
Any officer or member of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, who violates this section by giving the membership mailing list to anyone, or who uses the membership list for any purpose other than official Fraternal Order of Police business, shall be ordered to appear before the Board of Directors. If it is found that the violation occurred, such officer or member shall be suspended from the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, for a period of not less than one (1) year.
SECTION 5. The Secretary shall provide the State Lodge Secretary with two copies of the Constitution and By-laws and a current Officer Roster of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, whenever a change is made by 1this lodge.
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall be responsible for sending in all per capita forms in a timely manner as outlined by the State Lodge. He shall obtain from the Treasurer, those funds needed to complete the per capita payment.
ARTICLE III
TREASURER
SECTION 1. The Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
He shall sign all checks, duly authorized by the President, for disbursement of funds.
He shall keep an itemized record of all receipts and disbursements.
He shall insure that all funds collected are deposited in a bank approved by the Board of Directors.
He shall set up special accounts as necessary for special funds and allocate to each, respectively, the amounts allocated or collected therefore.
He shall perform such other duties as are usual and incident to the office.
SECTION 2. The Treasurer shall make a monthly report to the President, Secretary and Fund-raising Chairman of the condition of the lodge funds. He shall make a written report to the Board of Directors at the regular scheduled meetings of the Board.
He shall make a yearly report at the Annual Membership meeting that details all monies received and spent by the lodge since the prior annual meeting. He shall make available to any member in good standing all such reports for review upon request.
SECTION 3. The monthly Treasurers report shall include a ledger sheet showing: check number, date issued, payee and reason for disbursement.
SECTION 4. At the expiration of his term of office and within thirty (30) day thereafter, he shall deliver to his successor, all moneys, record books, documents, records, paraphernalia and equipment in his possession and shall require and receive a receipt therefore.
ARTICLE IV
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
SECTION 1. The Second Vice President shall examine dues cards of Officers and members ascertaining that all present at meetings are in good standing take up the password and make a report to the President. He shall perform such other duties as the President may require.
SECTION 2. The Second Vice President shall conduct candidates through the initiation ceremony and introduce them to the members of the lodge.
ARTICLE V
SGT.-AT-ARMS
SECTION 1. The Sgt.-at-Arms shall have charge and control of the lodge hall or meeting place and shall permit only qualified persons to enter or remain. He shall keep an accurate record of the individual members attending each meeting and shall provide the Secretary with a record thereof. He shall assist the Second Vice President in the execution of such duties as the President may require.
ARTICLE VI
CHAPLAIN
SECTION 1. The Chaplain shall perform any duties as outlined by the President or Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SECTION 1. Trustees shall be elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting in May. They shall serve a term of two (2) years commencing June1.
SECTION 2. Nomination of Trustees shall be made by members in good standing at the Annual Meeting of the Lodge in May.
SECTION 3. Election of Trustees shall be by written ballot and voted upon by members attending the Annual Meeting and who are members in good standing of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 4. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. In case of a tie between candidates, a run-off election shall be held.
SECTION 5. The Board of Trustees shall have charge of and be responsible for all property of the Order. The Board of Trustees shall:
I. Take charge of all physical property of the Order.
2. Annually make a complete and itemized, inventory. Annual Meeting.
3. Within thirty (30) days after the Annual Meeting, file with the Board of Directors, a copy of such inventory.
4. Conduct an annual audit of all funds and financial book and records for the Order and make a report thereof to the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days of the Annual Meeting.
5. Ascertain that all moneys received have been allocated to the credit of the proper accounts and so deposited in the name and to the credit of the Order.
6. Upon order of the Board of Directors, purchase any equipment or supplies necessary.
7. Make a full and complete report to the membership at the Annual Meeting of all business transacted since the last Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE Vlll
REPORTS
SECTION 1. Reports of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 officers and chairman of all standing committees shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary, thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
The Secretary shall prepare said reports in printed form and furnish one (1) copy to each member of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE lX
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1. All Officers shall be nominated from the general membership.
SECTION 2. No member shall be eligible to be a candidate for office unless they are in good standing, have been a member for one (1) year and have attended at least three (3) meetings during the corporate year. Signatures on the meeting attendance form, verified by the Secretary, shall be the official record for the purpose of this Article.
SECTION 3. Nominations of Officers shall be made by members in good standing at the Annual Meeting of the Lodge in June.
SECTION 4. No member shall be nominated or be a candidate for election to more than one office at a time.
SECTION 5. Election of officers shall be in June at the Annual Meeting by written ballot. Results shall be announced at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 6. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. In case of a tie between candidates with the highest number votes, a run off election shall immediately be held between those candidates.
SECTION 7. An Election Committee of not less than five (5) members in good standing shall be appointed by the President and Vice President to monitor the election process and canvass the votes. The Election Committee shall adopt rules and regulations for conduct of elections subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. At the close of the election, the committee shall count the votes, determine how many have been cast for each candidate and shall report the results to the President. The President shall announce the results and declare those candidates receiving a plurality of the votes cast for each office.
SECTION 8. Officers-elect shall be installed by a past officer of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 or State Lodge Officer or National Officer and shall take office July 1, in accordance with the regular order of business.
SECTION 9. Any officer of the lodge, duly elected, whose services are unsatisfactory or who neglects the duty of his office, shall be subject to recall at any election that shall be called, upon a petition being signed by twenty-five (25) percent of the members of the lodge. Said officer shall be considered recalled upon a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes of the entire membership being cast against him.
ARTICLE X
OFFICIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION 1: The Order of Business shall be:
1. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
2. Roll call of officers
3. Reading of rough minutes of previous meeting
4. Officers reports
5. Report of trustee
6. Report of committees
7. Unfinished business
8. New business
9. Good of the order
10. Adjournment
ARTICLE Xl
STATE LODGE TRUSTEE AND DELEGATES TO STATE OR NATIONAL CONFERENCE
SECTION 1. During the Annual Meeting, selection of delegates to the Biennial State and National Conference shall be made by the Board of Directors. Names of qualified delegates of the number to which the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 is entitled by the provisions of the California State Lodge, National Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police Constitution and By-Laws shall be sent to the California State Lodge Secretary or Grand Lodge Secretary by the Lodge Secretary. The report shall also contain the seal of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, and be signed by the President and Secretary.
SECTION 2. The State Lodge Trustee shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by those delegates to the State Lodge Biennial Conference.
SECTION 3. The term of office of State Lodge Trustee and delegates to the conference shall commence with the assembling of the Biennial Conference and terminate upon the election of successors.
ARTICLE XIl
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
SECTION 1. Dues shall be $30.00 dollars per pay period each month for all active members. The Board of Directors may waive collection of dues.
SECTION 2. All dues are payable annually on January 1. New members who join in any other month other than January shall pay prorated dues for the remaining months of the first year of membership in the amount of 1/12 per month of the amount set in Section 1 of this Article.
SECTION 3. There shall be a $62.50 dollar initiation fee, unless waved by a Board Member.
SECTION 4. All Past Presidents shall receive paid up life membership in the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 as long as all other eligibility requirements are met as defined in the Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 5. Assessments for improvement or financial necessity may be levied by majority vote of the Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed twenty ($20.00) dollars annually per member, provided, however that two thirds (2/3) of the general membership may overrule the decisions of the Board of Directors as to any assessments at the Annual Meeting.
SECTION 6. Non-payment of dues for a period of thirty (30) days shall result in the member being delinquent. Such member shall not be a member in good standing. Nonpayment of dues for a period of ninety (90) days shall result in suspension of membership. Such member shall be dropped from the membership rolls. Upon suspension of a member, the Treasurer shall notify the Sgt.-at-Arms, who will immediately obtain from the suspended member his membership card and other lodge property. To achieve reinstatement, any member suspended shall be assessed a five ($10.00) dollar reinstatement fee, must pay all amounts due for the whole of the current year in which reinstatement is made. The Treasurer shall notify members of the possible suspension not less than thirty (30) days before expiration of the ninety (90) day period.
SECTION 7. If a membership is allowed to lapse by a member due to departmental transfer of that member, that member may later petition the Board of Directors for reinstatement.
ARTICLE
XIIl MEETINGS
SECTION 1. There shall be regular bi-monthly meeting of the Board of Directors for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. The meeting of the Board of Directors shall be open to all members of the lodge in good standing.
SECTION 3. Special meetings may be called by the President, or by the President at the request of 75 members of the lodge or by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. Notice of Annual Meetings, recall election and meetings concerning amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be given in writing by mail to all members by the Secretary.
SECTION 5. All special meetings shall be announced to the Board of Directors by written notice at least fifteen (15) days in advance of the time and date of the scheduled meeting.
ARTICLE
XIV AUDIT
SECTION 1. The fiscal year of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall be from July I to June 30, inclusive, of each year. In addition to the annual audit to be made by the Board of Trustees, said Board of Trustees shall annually cause a complete audit and report of all funds and financial books and records of the Order to be made for the fiscal year by a certified public accountant.
ARTICLE XV
RULES OF PROCEDURE PERMITTING MEMBER TO SPEAK AND VOTE DURING BOARD MEETINGS
SECTION 1. Every member in attendance at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 shall have a right to speak and vote upon any subject on the meetings business agenda or on any subject which is introduced as new business, subject to the following limitations and conditions.
The President, before any subject is opened to discussion at the board meeting shall have the right to set down reasonable time limitation, which shall be applied uniformly, on each member who desires to speak. Consideration shall be given to the importance of the subject matter raised for discussion, its complexity and pertinent factor's in fixing such time limitations.
ARTICLE XVl
STATE TRUSTEE
SECTION 1. The State Trustee of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 has voice and vote at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2. The State Trustee shall submit to the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 the original of all correspondence between the State Trustee and all members of the State Lodge. These records shall be on file at the main Lodge office. The trustee may keep copies for his files.
SECTION 3. The State Trustee shall report the Board of Directors any issues that will be voted on at state lodge meeting, allowing for discussion by the Board of Directors as to their opinions on how the State Trustee shall vote.
SECTION 4. He shall submit a written report on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 to each state board meeting representing the activities of the Lodge.
SECTION 5. He shall give a report at the meeting of the Board of Directors and the Annual Meeting of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12, on the activities of the State Lodge.
ARTICLE XVIl
ATTENDANCE AT BOARD MEETINGS
SECTION 1. All elected members of the Board of Directors the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 are expected to attend board meeting on a regular basis.
SECTION 2. If a board member is absent from three (3) consecutive board meetings and the absences are deemed to be unexcused by the Board of Directors, the board shall remove from office that board member for poor attendance.
ARTICLE XVIIl
SUFFICIENCY OF VOTES
SECTION 1. Any issue brought before members for vote at the Board of Directors meeting shall be determined by a plurality of those in attendance.
ARTICLE XlX
OFFICERS NEEDED TO CONDUCT MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. There shall be a majority of elected officers required to conduct a meeting of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XX
STANDING COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. Immediately after confirmation of their election, the President and Vice President shall make appointments to the standing committees specified in this article. Such appointments shall be made in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12. The members of each such committee shall serve until their resignation, their removal by the Board of Directors, or their replacement by the President and Vice President.
SECTION 2. The President and Vice President shall determine Standing Committees.
ARTICLE XXl
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Only regular members of the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 may propose an amendment to these By-Laws. Such proposal shall be in resolution form, stating the reason for the amendment; be attested by the signature of the member and state the date when it was submitted.
SECTION 2. Proposed amendments to these By-Laws shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least sixty (60) days prior to the convening of the next Annual Meeting. The Secretary shall mail to each member a copy of such proposed amendments at least thirty (30) days prior to the next Annual Meeting. Upon adoption by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of the members in attendance at the Annual Meeting, the proposed amendment shall become part of these By-Laws.
ARTICLE XXIl
EXPENSES AND COMPENSATION
SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall have the power to authorize reimbursement of expenses that an officer or member incurred while performing the duties of, or service for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12.
SECTION 2. An officer or member must have prior approval of the Board of Directors before incurring and applying for reimbursement of expenses.
SECTION 3. An officer or member applying for reimbursement of expenses shall furnish to the Secretary, a detailed itemized statement of expenses incurred and paid by the member in the performance of such duties or service. The Secretary shall submit the statement to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled board meeting for approval.
The President may approve the reimbursement between meetings of the Board of Directors and present the statement to the Treasurer for payment. At the following meeting of the Board, a report of such approvals shall be made by the President to the Board of Directors.
SECTION 4. The expenses of the State Trustee while attending meetings of the State Lodge or other State Lodge Committee work will be paid by the State Lodge as outlined in the State's Constitution and By-Laws. Expenses for worked performed for the Fraternal Order of Police Federal Lodge #12 will be paid by the Lodge.
SECTION 5. When possible, up to two members of the Board of Directors may attend other meetings of the Fraternal Order of Police at Lodge expense. These meetings may include a National Board Meeting, National State Lodge Presidents Meeting or Western States meeting. The President shall select those attending these meetings.
ARTICLE XXIIl
RULES OF ORDER
SECTION 1. The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, revised, shall govern all members meetings or directors meetings of the lodges, except in instances of conflict between Robert's Rules of Order and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Lodge or provisions of the law. Robert Cortez Tony Givens President Secretary
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