(Revised March 2017)

ARTICLE 1

This Association shall be known as the Oregon Police Canine Association.

ARTICLE 2

OBJECTIVES

To unite in a common cause all law enforcement agencies utilizing the services of the canine as a police tool.

To promote friendship and brotherhood among all those interested in the training and use of the canine in police work.

To improve the abilities of the canine, thereby rendering better service to the community.

To coordinate the exchange of any techniques of training or utilization of the police service dog.

To improve the image of the working police dog to the populace in general through improved public service in the prevention and detection of crime.

To aid and assist those law enforcement agencies making application for information concerning the establishment of canine sections within their respective governmental agencies.

To have a skilled organization available and open for consultation by any government agency.

To pass proposals, resolutions, amendments, etc. submitted by an Executive Board for the good of the Association.

To coordinate the plans for and the execution of seminars and police canine trials.

To promote and encourage police service dog teams to pass OPCA performance standards on a yearly basis.

ARTICLE 3

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1:

Regular membership in this Association shall be open to any active, commissioned law enforcement officer of a federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, including the Department of Corrections, who has a canine assignment as part of their duties.

Reserve Officers of any federal, state, county or municipal law enforcement agency may be considered for regular membership upon application in writing to the executive board.  The application by a reserve officer shall be accompanied by a letter of support from the agency head or his/her designee.  The letter of support shall also outline the "canine assignment" being filled by the reserve officer.

Reserve Officer applications will be reviewed during the Executive Board meeting that occurs during the annual fall seminar.  A vote on each application will be called for and upon approval of 2/3 majority of the executive board, the applicant will be accepted as a regular member. 

Section 2:

Any regular or charter member who retires from his/her department may continue as an associate member, provided s/he remains in good standing.

Section 3:

Charter membership was open from October 8, 1982 to October 31, 1982 for regular members only.

Section 4:

Other classifications for associate membership may be granted provided the membership request is made in writing to the Executive Board and is accompanied by a letter detailing the qualifying reasons for membership. Such classification must be approved by a two thirds vote of the Executive Board and will be subject to review on an annual basis.

Section 5:

Associate members shall neither hold any elective office in this association nor have a vote at any membership meeting.

Section 6:

Honorary membership in this Association shall be open to any person who has rendered a valuable service to the Association, its members, or a member law enforcement agency.

Section 7:

An honorary member may attend the regular meetings and may be heard at the discretion of the President. Honorary members may neither vote nor have any other privileges that pertain to the regular membership of this Association. Payment of dues by an honorary member may be suspended by a two thirds vote of the Executive Board.

Section 8:

A regular member may submit a person for honorary membership. This candidate must then be approved by a two thirds vote of the Executive Board. Such honorary membership will be in effect for one (1) year from the date of approval, unless the person is resubmitted and approved for subsequent one year terms of honorary membership.

Section 9:

Organizational membership is open to any government agency and has the same privileges as an associate member. Any person appointed by the member government organization shall similarly have all the privileges of an associate member.

Section 10:

All applications for membership shall be submitted via the OPCA website and accompanied by a fee.

Section 11:

A list of members will be accessible to all current members inside of the secure area of the OPCA website.  Any member who has objections to the membership of a person listed as a member shall make such objection known in writing to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will investigate and make a recommendation within 45 days as to whether the person should remain a member.

Section 12:

Any member (regular, associate, or honorary) may be dropped from the Association for nonpayment of dues, upon final conviction of any criminal charges, for any act(s) that might bring discredit to the Association, or if found to be using the Association or its name for personal profit or gain. Upon notification in writing by at least two regular members in good standing of allegations of any of these circumstances, an investigation by and a majority of the Executive Board will be required for dismissal.

Section 13:

No member(s) of this organization shall present themselves as a representative of this organization without prior approval of the Executive Board (e.g., giving speeches or demonstrations, or dissemination of written material). Violators shall receive disciplinary action by the Executive Board.

Section 14:

Life Member.  Any person elected to the office of President, Vice President, Treasurer,  Secretary, Webmaster or Trainers Chair shall be granted, without assessment, a Lifetime Membership with the full privileges of a regular member for the remainder of his/her lifetime.

ARTICLE 4

DUES

Section 1:

The yearly dues of this Association shall be $25.00.

Section 2:

Yearly dues will be assessed and included as part of the tuition for the annual Fall Seminar of each year. Any member who has not paid their dues by November 1st of the same year shall be subject to dismissal.

Section 3:

Any member dismissed for non-payment of dues may reapply for membership via the OPCA Website. 

ARTICLE 5

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1 – President:

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association.

The President shall:

Preside at all regular and special meetings and enforce a due observance of the laws of the Association;

Decide all questions of order without debate, subject to appeal to the Association;

Cast the deciding vote in case of a tie at meetings of the general membership;

Be familiar with the constitution, by laws, rules and regulations of the Association so as to be able to decide all questions promptly and impartially;

Have the power to appoint committees and be an ex officio member of said committees;

Appoint officers pro tempore in the event of absence;

Authenticate by signature all official documents that are authorized by the Association; and

Perform other duties that are usual and incidental to the offices of  Association Presidents.

Section 2 - Vice President:

The Vice President shall:

Actively assist and support the President in performing the duties of that office; and

In the absence of the President, become President Pro Tempore, assuming all duties and responsibilities of that office.

Section 3 – Secretary:

The Secretary shall:

Keep an accurate record of the minutes of meetings of the Executive Board and of general membership meetings and forward those minutes to the Webmaster for posting and retention on the OCPA Website. Minutes should include, at a minimum, the roll call of officers present and absent, election results, committee appointments, summary of the treasurer’s report, and other pertinent items of old and new business to include those items approved or denied by the vote(s) of the Executive board.

Take the roll of officers at the beginning of a meeting, and note the absentees;

Notify all members of the Executive Board and the general membership of all regular and special meetings via posting on the OPCA Website;

Conduct correspondence for the Executive Board.

Section 4 – Treasurer:

The Treasurer shall:

Keep an account of Association funds in books and/or computer/programs provided for that purpose;

Pay all proper orders authorized by the President from Oregon Police Canine Association funds;

Maintain and routinely check the Association’s post office box for correspondence related to the Association.

Coordinate the transfer of monies from electronic payment sources into the Association’s account.

Complete the annual tax returns for the Association;

Present, at all general meetings, a detailed report of all monies received and disbursed, with a general explanation of the Associations financial condition to the Executive Board;

Keep the books open to inspection at all times;

In case of resignation, retirement, or removal from office, turn over all monies, books, papers, records, and all other items belonging to the Association to the President, who shall report their condition to the Executive Board.

Section 5 - Sergeant At Arms:

The Sergeant At Arms shall:

Be the official keeper of time at all meetings, keep meetings organized and orderly, and be the keeper, or in control of, all property of the Oregon Police Canine Association:

Keep an accurate inventory of all OPCA property, logo items, and related property for presentation to the Executive Board upon request.

Carry out the assignments or duties as directed by the President or the Executive Board.

Section 6 – Webmaster:

The Webmaster shall be a voting member of the Executive Board;

Shall be responsible for maintaining the website on the computer assigned to them for that purpose;

Will receive, coordinate and process requests for membership through the website as designed;

Will maintain the current membership list inside the secure area of the website;

Will ensure seminars, training and certification opportunities get posted on the website and that emails advertising them get disseminated from the website;

Create registration pages for the annual seminars and assist the Secretary and the Treasurer as needed in maintaining the current membership list, receiving payments and registering members for OPCA events;

Will maintain a list of OPCA certified teams in the open area of the website for consultation by the membership and the public.

Will generate group emails as directed by the Executive Board to the membership or portions of the membership;

Will maintain the OPCA bylaws on the open area of the website for review of the membership and the public;

Will be responsible for managing electronic voting and the announcements of pending votes.

Will maintain the certification rules and related forms as directed by the Trainers  Board Chairman.

Will maintain the posting of the Trainer Application Process on the secure area of the website.

Section 7 - Regional Representatives:

The state shall be divided into regions, each of which shall have two representatives, one being a patrol dog handler, and the other a detection dog handler.

Each shall be a voting member of the Executive Board, and shall:

Be responsible for coordinating the activities of the police service dogs within his/her region;

Gather and disseminate training information;

Be responsible for receiving requests for and coordinating Certification testing opportunities for the handlers in their areas.

Send information to the Webmaster for posting on the OPCA website, including training and certification opportunities;

Maintain and recruit membership; and

Carry out the assignments or duties directed by the President or Executive Board.

Section 8 - Executive Board:

The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant At Arms, Chairman of the Trainer's Board, Webmaster and Regional Representatives from the regular membership, with each member having one vote. The management and administration of the affairs of the Oregon Police Canine Association shall be vested in the Executive Board. Vacancies in any office of the Executive Board, except that of the President, shall be filled for the remainder of the term by a vote of the Executive Board.

Section 9 - Chairman - Trainer's Board:

The Chairman - Trainer's Board shall:

Coordinate all the activities of the OPCA Trainers, coordinate training and seminars, and establish up to date Certification Standards for the Association.

Carry out assignments or duties as directed by the President or the Executive Board.

Section 10 - First Past President:

It shall be the duty of a First Past President to perform all duties of the Vice-President during his/her absence. First Past Presidents shall serve to assist the executive board through and transition in administration through the exchange of information, training and mentoring as needed. The intent of this position is to keep the institutional knowledge alive for future administrations. Service in the position of First Past President is for two years, following retirement from the position of President.

Section 11 - Second Past President:

It shall be the duty of a Second Past President to perform all duties of the First past President and or the Vice-President during his/her absence. Second Past Presidents shall serve to assist the executive board through and transition in administration through the exchange of information, training and mentoring as needed. The intent of this position is to keep the institutional knowledge alive for future administrations. Service in the position of Second Past President is for two years, following retirement from the position of First Past President.

ARTICLE 6

AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, DELETIONS.

Section 1:

Any proposed amendment, addition, or deletion to the bylaws may be submitted to the Executive Board, provided that it be in writing and signed by at least two regular members. Such proposal shall be posted within the members only area of the OPCA website. The Webmaster will ensure an email to all active members is sent from the website advising members of the proposed changes.

In the event the OPCA can offer electronic voting to the members, multiple emails will be sent to all current members advising them of the proposed changes and the deadline to vote. Voting deadlines will be set by a majority vote of the Executive Board. A majority vote of a quorum of the general membership shall be required to pass changes to the bylaws. A quorum of the general membership shall be defined as the number of voting members upon the passing of the deadline for voting.

Section 2:

Only regular members of this Association shall be eligible to vote on policy making rules of this Association.

Section 3:

Any amendment, addition, or deletion passed shall be null and void of it is in direct conflict with the articles of the Oregon Peace Officers Association.

ARTICLE 7

ELECTIONS

Section 1:

All members of the Executive Board shall be elected by a majority (51%) of the voting membership of this Association present after the membership has been duly notified of all elections for said office(s).

Section 2:

Elections to fill offices of the Executive Board shall be held at the fall Seminar general membership meeting of each year. The term of office shall be two years. The President, Secretary, Region 2 & 4 Representatives, Webmaster and Patrol Trainer's Chairman will be elected in the even numbered years the Vice President, Treasurer, Sgt. at Arms, Region 1 & 3 Representatives, and Detection Trainer's Chairman will be elected in the odd numbered years.

Section 3:

Only regular members of the Association shall be eligible to run for elective offices on the Executive Board.

Section 4:

Installation of elective officers on the Executive Board shall be at the time of election.

Section 5:

Recall of officers.

Any elective officer of the Executive Board may be recalled or replaced;

1) For nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance of office; or

2) When the office holder is no longer a regular member in good standing.

If an elected officer has two consecutive unexcused absences from meetings, that officer is considered to have vacated the office.

Recall of officers may be accomplished in one of two ways:

1) At a meeting of the Executive Board by a two thirds vote; or

2) By a two thirds vote of the membership at a general membership meeting, provided that adequate advance notice of the meeting and of the proposed recall election has been provided to the membership.

Section 6:

Vacancies which occur in an office (other than that of the President) of the Executive Board through resignation, death, or other reason shall be filled by the Executive Board, and shall expire at the next elective term.

Section 7:

No department shall have more than two persons sitting on the Executive Board. No member shall hold more than one Executive Board position at one time. Nominations shall come from the floor. Voting shall be done in order of office priority. Voting shall be counted and announced for each office before nominations shall be accepted for lower priority offices.

ARTICLE 8

MEETINGS

Section 1:

General membership meetings shall be held twice every year at such place and time as the Executive Board may determine.

Section 2:

Notice of such meetings shall be emailed to the membership, specifying the place, day, date, and hour. Those members present at the meeting shall constitute a quorum to conduct business, pass amendments, additions, or deletions to the bylaws, and vote on all matters presented by the Executive Board.

Section 3:

The Executive Board may meet for business meetings as needed. Either the President or two Executive Board members may call such a meeting.

Section 4:

A member who is unable to attend an Association meeting may authorize any other Association member in good standing who will be in attendance at the meeting to vote for him/her by proxy.

The proxy must:

1) Be in writing;

2) Name the person authorized to exercise the proxy vote;

3) Specify whether the proxy is general (for any matters to come before the meeting) or specific (to vote only on a specific issue or issues); and

4) Be signed by the member authorizing the proxy.

A proxy vote may not be exercised on behalf of a member of the Executive Board at an Executive Board meeting.

ARTICLE 9

ORDER OF BUSINESS

The Order of Business of this Association shall be as follows:

1. Calling the meeting to Order.

2. Roll call of Officers.

3. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting.

4. Report of the Officers.

5. Report of the Committees.

6. Unfinished business.

7. New business.

8. Good of the Association.

9. Adjournment.

ARTICLE 10

TRAINERS BOARD

Section 1:

The Association will have a Trainers Board made up of the Associations Patrol and Detection Trainers. The Board will be led by the Chairman of each discipline. The Board Chairman will bring forward to the Executive Board those issues that require Executive Board approval for implementation;

The Board and Chairman will meet before, during or after each Executive Board meeting and coordinate, update and share information regarding developments in their disciplines;

Section 2:

The Chairman will implement and oversee the Trainer application and approval process for their respective disciplines.

The Chairman and board will receive and review the applications for probationary Trainer positions each Fall Seminar;

Section 3:

The Chairman and Board will conduct a review and oral board for all probationary Trainers upon the conclusion of their probationary year during the annual Fall Seminar. The Board will vote for approval, denial or extension of the applicant’s probationary status.

For more information regarding The Trainer Application Process please see the specific instructions and requirements posted inside the secure portion of the OPCA website.

ARTICLE 11

AWARDS AND MEDALS

Section 1:

The Corporal Kory Wiens Heroism Medal

HISTORY

This medal was created to honor, recognize and memorialize US Army Corporal Kory Duane Wiens of Albany Oregon for his supreme sacrifice during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Wiens was a canine handler assigned to the 94th Mine Dog Detachment, 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade deployed to Iraq. On July 6th 2007 while searching out firearms, ammunition and explosives near Muhammad Sath Iraq, Cpl. Wiens and his canine partner Cooper were killed by an improvised explosive device. Cpl. Wiens was 20 years old. Cpl. Wiens had wanted to become a police dog handler upon his return from the war. The OPCA has awarded him membership status and endeavors to memorialize him with this medal. 

The guidelines for awarding the Oregon Police Canine Association’s Corporal Kory Wiens Heroism Medal are:

 1.  The Medal may be awarded to any Charter, Regular, Associate or Honorary member for action(s) in the line of duty which demonstrate, in great degree, the qualities of selflessness, exceptional courage, devotion to duty and personal sacrifice in the service to others. 

2.  The medal may be given posthumously, if necessary, to the nearest immediate family member. 

3.  Prior to awarding the medal, the history of the medal and of Cpl. Wiens will be read to those present. 

4. When presented in a public forum, all those present will be asked to stand at attention and observe a moment of silence in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by Corporal Kory Wiens and his K9 partner Sgt. Cooper in the performance of their duty in service to others. 

5.  A list of those receiving this medal and the circumstances meriting the award will be kept by the OPCA Secretary and posted on the OPCA website. 

6.  A second moment of silence will also be called for in recognition of other dog handlers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. 

7.  A unanimous vote of a quorum of the executive board is required for awarding this medal.

Section 2:

The Police K9 Star

HISTORY

US Army Sgt. Cooper was a four year old yellow Labrador retriever trained to detect firearms, ammunition and explosives. Sgt. Cooper and his handler, Cpl. Kory Wiens of Albany Oregon, were both killed on July 6th 2007 in Muhammad Sath Iraq by an improvised explosive device. The OPCA wishes to memorialize this team and specifically this dog by creating the Police K9 Star. 

The guidelines for awarding the Oregon Police Canine Association’s Police K9 Star are:

1.  The medal may be awarded to any Charter, Regular, Associate or Honorary member’s canine partner for death or serious physical injury sustained during the performance of duty. 

2.  The medal may be given posthumously, if necessary, to the Canine’s Handler or the handlers nearest immediate family member. 

3.  A unanimous vote of a quorum of the executive board is required for awarding this medal.

Section 3:

Distinguished Service Award

The guidelines for the Oregon Police Canine Association Distinguished Service Award are:

1. The action for which the award is received will be the direct result of an "In the Line of Duty" action by a sworn officer operating in the State of Oregon.

2. The award may be given for:

Outstanding contributions to furthering the field of police canines in the State of Oregon and/or;

Outstanding canine deployment involving:

a. Heroic actions by dog and handler such as saving lives, or 

b. Action by a detection dog and handler that far exceed the normal routine.

Section 4:

Letter of Commendation

The guidelines for the Oregon Police Canine Association Letter of Commendation are:

1. Action by Charter, Regular, Associate or Honorary member(s) not necessarily in the line of duty. 

2. The Letter of Commendation may be given for: 

Special contributions to the field of police canine in the State of Oregon and/or;

Actions by an individual deemed worthy of special consideration by the Executive Board.