GULF COAST CRIMINAL INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION

 

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

 

 

ARTICLE  I

Name

 

The name of this organization shall be the “Gulf Coast Criminal Investigators Association”, herein identified as the “Association”.

 

 

ARTICLE  II

Purpose

 

The purpose of the Association shall be to promote a closer coordinated relationship between all Houston area law enforcement agencies and local businesses in an effort to enhance criminal investigation case solutions and improve crime prevention techniques.  In addition to the exchange of information, the Association will occasionally recognize and present awards for meritorious work by members of law enforcement, corporate members, and citizens.

 

 

ARTICLE  III

Membership

 

Section 1 – Corporate Members

Any company or business having an office or conducting business in the greater Houston area who has an interest in assisting, developing, and promoting the purpose and goals of the Association may submit an application for membership.  The Executive Board of the Association will review the application and make a recommendation to the members in attendance at a regular meeting.  The new Corporate Member will be accepted upon approval of those members in attendance.  Annual dues for corporate sponsors are $200.00 or $295.00.  These dues are based on the number of sites the company maintains in the greater Houston area.  Companies with eight (8) or more separate locations will pay the $295.00 amount.  Companies with fewer than eight (8) separate locations will pay the $200.00 amount.  These dues are used to defray law enforcement attendees’ luncheon costs as well as printing, postage, and other related expenses.

 

Section 2 – Law Enforcement

Any law enforcement officer in the greater Houston area may join the Association.  There is no fee for a member of law enforcement to join.

Section 3 - Special Provision for Continued Membership

Any member who entered the Association under the membership qualifications above who shall subsequently change employment or position to an area outside of that scope may continue to be a member of the Association so long as they continue to comply with Article II and maintain the integrity of the Association.

 

Section 4 – Lifetime Membership

Lifetime Membership in the Association shall be a special classification of membership, conferred at the sole discretion of the members of the Board of Directors.  Such lifetime members shall be exempt from the payment of membership dues and shall be entitled to all privileges accorded to dues-paying members including the right to vote and hold office within the Association.

 

Current officers of the Board of Directors shall have the authority to cancel any lifetime membership if, in the opinion of a simple majority of those directors, the lifetime member engages in any activity inconsistent with the requirements for continued membership in the Association as set forth in Article III, Section 3, engages in any activity inconsistent with the stated purpose of the Association as set forth in Article II, or fails to maintain the integrity of the Association.

 

There shall be no appeal from such cancellation of lifetime membership.

 

 

ARTICLE  IV

Officers of the Association

 

The Association is a non-profit, all volunteer group governed by an Executive Board of Directors composed of members from law enforcement and corporate members described as follows:

 

Co-Chairman from Law Enforcement – to facilitate the exchange of information at the meetings and represent the Association in all ways.

 

Co-Chairman from the Business Community – to facilitate the general membership meetings with an emphasis on business / corporate relationships and matters.

 

Vice-Chairman from Law Enforcement – will assist the Co-Chairman from Law Enforcement in all matters, preside in the absence of that officer, and assist in the coordinating and planning of meetings including selection of catering service providers.

 

Treasurer from the Business Community – shall collect all dues and fees and make a proper accounting of all funds.  A reputable bonding company will bond the treasurer (paid for by the Association).

 

Secretary from Law Enforcement – will keep complete and accurate minutes of the meetings and maintain a membership roster for the Association.

 

Communications Director from the Business Community – will assist in the coordinating and planning of meetings including selection of catering service providers and will perform other duties as requested by the Board of Directors.

 

Membership Chairman from the Business Community – will enhance and coordinate the efforts to attract and retain corporate members.

Director At-Large - will represent the Greater Houston Loss Prevention Alliance in all matters relating to promoting a closer, coordinated relationship between law enforcement and local businesses to enhance criminal case solutions and prove crime prevention techniques.

 

The Board of Directors is elected in an annual general membership meeting and serves for one year beginning on January 1.  They are not compensated for their time or service.

 

 

ARTICLE  V

Meetings

 

General membership meetings are scheduled and held at approximately six (6) week intervals.

 

 

ARTICLE  VI

Changes to the Constitution / Bylaws

 

 

Any changes to the constitution / bylaws shall be made by a two-thirds vote of the membership in a general meeting.  Members desiring to recommend any changes should submit the proposed changes in writing to the Executive Board of Directors at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting date.