Bylaws
Iowa Death Investigators Association
June 11, 2004 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Contents
I. Name, Purpose, Principle Office
II. Board of Directors
III. Officers
IV. Duties and Powers of Officers
V. Removal of a Member of the Board of Directors
VI. Other Rules Governing the Board of Directors
VII. Compensation
VIII. Membership Allowed
IX. Equipment
X. Storage
XI. Not for Profit Corporation
I. Name, Purpose, Principal
Office
1.0 – Name
The name of this organization is the Iowa Death Investigators Association,
herein referred to as “IDIA” or the “Association”.
1.1 – Purpose
1. The primary purpose of IDIA is to provide high quality training
in the fields of homicide investigation, death investigation, evidence
collection and analysis, prosecution, victim services and support,
as well as other closely related areas.
2. The IDIA exists to promote and increase constructive relationships
between investigators throughout the state in order to form contacts
and liaisons to further assist in the apprehension of offenders
and the effective investigation and prosecution of death cases.
3. The IDIA advocates effective relationships between investigators
and members of related disciplines (see 1, above) for the purpose
of improving the team approach to cases to assure that offenders
procure the maximum measure of the law and victims receive the highest
level of service and sensitivity.
4. The IDIA encourages the ongoing development of progressive training
for death investigators and members of related disciplines to assure
the continuing improvement of effectiveness in the field.
1.2 – Principal Office
1. The principal office for the transaction of business of the
IDIA shall be located in the County where the Treasurer resides,
within the State of Iowa.
2. The Board of Directors shall have the power to change the Association’s
principal office to another location within the State of Iowa. Any
change shall not require an amendment to the Bylaws, and shall be
noted by the Secretary of the Association in the minutes of the
meeting when the change occurs. Proper notification of such a change
of location shall be made by the Secretary of the Association to
the appropriate State agency.
II. Board of Directors
2.0 – General Management
The general management of the IDIA’s business shall be under
the control, supervision and direction of the Board of Directors.
The initial Board of Directors shall serve until the first annual
meeting.
2.1 – Directors
1. The authorized number of Directors shall be no more than nine
(9). The Board of Directors shall determine when additional positions
will be added to the Board of Directors until the authorized number
(9) is reached to allow board positions to be staggered. The Board
of Directors positions shall be selected in a general membership
election where all members in good standing may vote. This election
process shall be completed no later than the first day of December
for those positions which are open for election.
2. All members in good standing of the Association are eligible
to submit their name for election to the Board of Directors. The
Board of Directors positions shall be selected in a general membership
election where all members in good standing may vote.
3. The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the
Association shall be ex-officio members of the Board of Directors.
2.2 – Terms of Office
The term of office for a member of the Board of Directors shall
be two (2) years, with the term ending at the general election of
the second year. There is no limit to the number of terms that an
association member may serve on the Board of Directors.
2.3 – Board of Director Elections
1. The Board of Directors shall be elected by a simple majority
of those members of the Association that are eligible to vote. The
votes shall be counted by the President and Vice-President.
2. All Board of Director positions are elected during a general
membership election, with the exception of the Association Officers.
2.4 – Board Vacancies
1. If, at the time of the general membership election, the number
of vacancies on the Board of Directors is greater than or equal
to the number of nominees, the Board of Directors may cancel the
election and install the nominees to the vacant Board positions
without prior notice to the general membership of the Association.
2. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors or among the officer positions
caused by death, disability, resignation, or removal shall be filled
by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
3. Any member appointed by the Board of Directors to a position
on the Board due to a vacancy will serve out the remainder of the
term.
2.5 – Resignation from the Board of Directors
Members of the Board of Directors who resign their position on
the Board are ineligible to run in the next general election without
the approval of the current Board of Directors.
2.6 – Limitations of Board Membership
Membership on the Board of Directors is limited to Iowa domiciliaries.
III. Officers
3.0 – Officers, defined
The Board of Directors shall have four officers. The officers shall
consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.
Each officer shall be a member of the Board of Directors.
3.1 – Term of Officer Positions
The term of all officer positions is one (1) year. There is no
limit on the number of terms that the officers of the corporation
may serve. The officers will be elected by the Board of Directors.
IV. Duties and Powers of
Officers
4.0 – President
1. The President shall be the Executive Officer of the Association
and, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, will supervise,
direct and control the activities of the Association.
2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the membership
and the Board of Directors. The President will also be responsible
for preparing the agenda for the meetings of the Board of Directors.
3. All official correspondence of the Association and any documents
that express the position of the IDIA shall be signed by the President.
4. The President shall make the nomination for the President Elect
to the Board of Directors.
4.1 – Vice President
1. The Vice-President shall assume all powers and duties of the
President in the President’s absence, and relinquish those
powers and responsibilities upon the President’s return.
2. In the event of the President’s departure from the Board
of Directors prior to the completion of his/her term, the Vice-President
shall complete the balance of the one-year term as President, and
thereafter serve a consecutive one-year term as President. Consequently,
a new Vice-President shall be elected by the Board of Directors
when the current Vice-President assumes the position of the departing
President. The new Vice-President shall also serve the remaining
portion of the term and serve for the following term as Vice-President.
4.2 – Secretary
1. The Secretary shall take and maintain the minutes of the Board
of Directors, and shall include in them the time and place of the
meetings, names of Directors and members present, and the proceedings
of the meetings.
2. The Secretary shall be the keeper of the records for the IDIA.
During his/her term, the Secretary shall collect all minute records,
correspondence, financial records, training records, and all relevant
documentation of the activity of the Board of Directors and IDIA
during that term. The Secretary shall cause to be stored all of
the records in the
Association’s designated storage facility.
3. The Secretary shall keep the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
The Secretary shall also provide a copy of the Bylaws to any newly
installed Board member.
4.3 - Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall keep and maintain accounts showing the receipts
and disbursements of the Association and an account of its cash
and other
assets.
2. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies of the Association in
an institution insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
in amounts
not exceeding the maximum amount insured.
3. The Treasurer shall disburse funds of the Association as ordered
by the Board of Directors and as such, delegated to the Treasurer’s
discretion by the Board. The Treasurer will open the books of the
Association, with reasonable notice, at reasonable times and locations,
to the inspection by any member of the Association.
4. The Board of Directors may elect to hire a bonded accountant
or bookkeeper to assist the Treasurer. In that eventuality, the
Treasurer will be responsible for the supervision and monitoring
of that position. Under no circumstances shall a hired accountant
or bookkeeper have any discretionary power over the Association’s
monies.
5. The Treasurer shall submit a written financial report at the
end of his/her term. This report shall be presented to the Board
of Directors at the first meeting of the new year.
V. Removal of a Member of
the Board of Directors
5.0 – Cause
Any member of the Board of Directors may be removed for cause by
a simple majority vote of the Board, with the Board member in question
abstaining from the vote. Cause shall include but is not limited
to the following: malfeasance, sexual harassment, criminal conduct,
failure to perform duties or participate in Board functions, wanton
disobedience of the Bylaws of the Association, or conduct which
brings disrespect to or is unbecoming of a member of the Board of
Directors.
5.1 – Reporting Cause
Any member of the Board of Directors, the Association, or the general
public who become aware of information which may tend to indicate
that a member of the Board of Directors is not fit for the position
as stated in section 5.0, above, or that a Board member’s
continued service may not be in the best interest of the Association,
may bring that information and any supporting documentation to the
President of the Association. The reporting person may remain confidential
unless they are a principle witness.
5.2 – Investigation
The President shall, as soon as possible, conduct an investigation
into any allegations of misconduct. The involved Board member shall
be advised of any allegations against him/her and be allowed to
view all materials.
If the President finds that the allegations are false or unfounded,
he/she may drop the matter only with concurrence of the Vice-President.
In any other situation, the matter shall be the first item on the
agenda for the next meeting of the Board of Directors. The President
shall advise all members of the Board of Directors of the agenda
item prior to the meeting-taking place.
5.3 – Removal of Board Member, Vote
At the next meeting of the Board of Directors, the President shall
make a motion to remove the Board member in question, and the Vice-President
shall second the motion, regardless of the Vice-President’s
personal opinion. This action shall require a discussion and a vote
before the matter is resolved. The President will then report the
allegations and findings of the investigation. The involved Board
member will be allowed to respond. At the conclusion of the discussion,
the Board member in question will be asked to leave the room, and
a secret ballot will be taken. The votes will be counted by the
President and the President Elect. They will only announce if the
motion carried or not, and the breakdown of the votes shall remain
confidential.
5.4 – Removal of President or Vice-President
If the President or Vice-President are the subject of the removal
inquiry, the next highest-ranking officer shall take their respective
duties in the order of: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer.
VI. Other Rules Governing
the Board of Directors
6.0 – Compensation
The IDIA is a not-for-profit organization. No member of the Board
of Directors may receive any compensation for his/her services.
Members of the Board of Directors or members who have been authorized
to perform duties for the Association shall be reimbursed for reasonable
expenses incurred during those activities. In the event that a non-member
of the Board of Directors requires reimbursement, that request shall
be made to the Treasurer through the member of the Board who is
supervising the non-member. In the absence of such a member, the
request shall be made through the President. The Treasurer shall
make a record of the reimbursements available to all members of
the Board of Directors.
6.1 – Financial Transactions
It is recognized that numerous financial transactions are executed
by all members of the Board of Directors in conducting training
seminars, producing and mailing publications, obtaining and storing
merchandise, and other functions performed by the Board for the
Association. To this end, the Board of Directors may elect to issue
credit cards to the members of the Board for the purpose of conducting
these transactions in an expeditious manner. Only members of the
Board of Directors may be issued or use Association credit cards.
The Treasurer shall provide copies of all charges made by each Board
member to all of the members of the Board of Directors for review
and to ensure the validity of the charges.
6.2 – Use of Association Monies
No Association monies may be used to purchase any personal item
even if the intent of that purchase is a reimbursement for expenses
incurred as a result of conducting official Association business,
or if the member of the Board of Directors who made the purchase
intends to reimburse the Association.
6.3 – Inappropriate Purchases
In the event a purchase is made that is deemed inappropriate, the
purchasing Board member shall be asked to reimburse the Association,
and the Board member may be subject to removal of office.
6.4 – Contract Authorization
The Board of Directors may authorize, by a majority vote, any officer
or agent to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in
the name of the Association. Unless so authorized, no member shall
have the power or authority to bind the Association to any contract
or render the Association contractually liable for any purpose whatsoever.
6.5 – Endorsements
1. No member, Director or officer of IDIA may publicly express
an opinion or endorsement of any action, political candidate, or
public office holder, in which that opinion or endorsement purports
directly or inferentially to represent the views of the IDIA, its
members, officers, or the Board of Directors, unless that member
has been specifically authorized, in writing, to do so by the Board
of Directors.
2. IDIA shall not endorse or oppose any person running for election
or seeking appointment to any public office.
VII. MEETINGS
7.0 – Quorum
Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President
of the corporation. A majority of the authorized number of Directors
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
7.1 – Annual Meeting
An annual meeting of the IDIA shall be held at a time and location
selected by the Board of Directors.
7.2 – Members Allowed
Board of Directors’ meetings are open to all members of the
Association, except, when for good cause, the Board meets in exclusive
session.
7.3 – Robert’s Rules of Order
The meetings of the Board of Directors shall be conducted under
the guidelines established by Robert’s Rules of Order
7.4 – Special Meetings
All business of the Board of Directors shall be conducted at meetings
of the Board, unless exigent circumstances exist. In that situation,
any member may call for an item on the agenda to be heard between
meetings, with an explanation as to why the item cannot wait until
the next regular Board meeting, with the President and Vice-President
concurring. The item shall require a motion, a second, a discussion,
and a vote. A quorum vote will be needed in order to carry the motion.
This type of voting should be conducted via E-mail or other similar
technology, where all members of the Board have access to all correspondence
on the item. The Secretary shall print all records of this transaction
of business, and incorporate those records into the minutes of the
next Board meeting.
VIII. Membership
8.0 – Membership Allowed
IDIA membership is limited to the following people:
1. Sworn law enforcement personnel.
2. Civilian employees of law enforcement agencies
whose duties relate to death investigations.
3. Retired law enforcement personnel.
4. Prosecutors
5. Medical Examiners
6. Medical examiner investigators.
7. Membership may also be granted, by a simple
majority vote of the Board, to persons who work in disciplines
not listed in categories 1 through 6 noted above.
Prospective members must complete a membership application and
submit it to the IDIA along with their payment of membership dues.
A prospective member becomes an active member after being approved
by a simple majority vote of the Board.
8.1 – Cancellation of Membership
1. The Board of Directors has the right to cancel any membership,
deny membership or deny attendance at any training to any person
whose mission, purpose, agenda, conduct or occupation are in conflict
with the best interests and objectives of the IDIA as set forth
in section 1.1 of these Bylaws.
2. The Board of Directors has the right to cancel any membership
when a member has displayed any behavior that is disruptive, offensive,
and destructive or criminal at any IDIA sponsored event. The member
may be asked to leave the event.
8.2 – Membership Dues Refund
Any member who is expelled from IDIA or any event shall be given
a pro-rated refund of his/her membership dues and/or registration
fee at the convenience of the Secretary/Treasurer.
8.3 – Term of Membership
Membership shall run from January 1st through December 31st of
each calendar year. Annual membership dues shall be established
by the Board of Directors by simple majority vote.
8.4 – Member Voting Rights
All members in good standing shall be entitled to vote in any general
election and benefit from the activities of the IDIA. Memberships
are non-transferable.
8.5 – Lifetime Members
Past Presidents of IAHI automatically become lifetime members upon
completion of their terms of office and are thereafter exempt from
payment of annual membership dues and conference registration fees.
Past Presidents are subject to having this status revoked under
the provisions set forth in section 8.1, above.
8.6 – Bylaw Revisions
The Board of Directors may submit bylaw amendments or revisions.
Any changes to the existing bylaws shall require a vote of the general
membership, with a simple majority of the voting members being required
to approve the changes.
8.7 - Meeting
The annual meeting of the members shall be held on such date (not
a legal holiday) as the Board of Directors shall by resolution specify
within a period commencing on January 1, 2004 and ending on December
30 in each year, and beginning with _______ 2004. There shall be
a minimum of one (1) meeting held each year. At each annual meeting,
election of the directors may take place if appropriate and such
other business shall be transacted as may be properly presented.
IX. Equipment
9.0 – Equipment Purchases
The Board of Directors may purchase equipment, as it deems necessary
for the purpose of conducting IDIA business. Purchase of equipment
shall require a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
9.1 – Use of Equipment
Equipment purchased by the IDIA shall be used only to conduct IDIA
business.
9.2 – Inventory
The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep an inventory of all IDIA equipment,
and a record of who has possession of that equipment. Any IDIA equipment
that is not currently in use shall be stored in the IDIA designated
storage facility.
9.3 – Disbursement of Equipment
Equipment that has become obsolete or is no longer needed by the
Board of Directors may be sold for fair market value, with the funds
being returned to the general fund of IDIA. In the event that an
item has little or no value, it may be donated to a worthy non-profit
organization as decided by the Board of Directors. Equipment that
has become worthless may be discarded.
X. STORAGE
10.0 – Purpose of Storage Facility
The storage facility is for the purpose of maintaining IDIA’s
archives, records, equipment, and other items as designated by the
Board of Directors. A designated member of the Board of Directors
shall be responsible for the maintenance of the storage facility
and for the retrieval of items.
10.1 – Designated Storage Facility
The Board of Directors shall maintain a designated storage facility.
The mechanism for this arrangement will be left to the discretion
of the seated Board members.
XI. Not for Profit Corporation
This corporation is organized and shall operate as a not-for-profit
corporation for the purposes stated above. Any income received shall
be applied only for the non-profit purposes and objectives of the
corporation, and no part of the income shall inure to the benefit
of any director, officer, Advisory Board member, member or any person
associated with the corporation.
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