1. The San Diego Association of Public Safety
Dispatchers, hereby referred to as APSD, will work in conjunction with
existing law enforcement associations and resources to bring the needs
and concerns specific to communications to the forefront. The APSD is an
independent organization made up of fire and law enforcement
communications center managers, supervisors, phone and radio dispatchers
in San Diego County
II. PURPOSE
1. A platform from which to plan, organize and
implement dispatcher training for San Diego County law enforcement and
fire agencies.
i. While this training may be in conjunction with
existing resources, the unique needs of local agencies are the
APSD’s primary focus.
ii. Sharing development and teaching responsibilities among agencies
is strongly encouraged.
iii. Developing classes that are not dependent upon size for
effectiveness is a must.
iv. Law enforcement training will be done in conjunction with the
Training Managers Association.
2. A conduit of information that facilitates the
exchange of ideas and open dialogue between members.
3. A forum for the analysis of technological advancements as they
pertain to police and fire communications.
4. A resource for communications administrators concerning policy
development.
i. Establish an avenue by which
multi-jurisdictional incidents are handled with some degree of
consistency.
5. A means of influence to shape future department
policies and decisions that will have a direct effect on communications
staff.
6. To share staffing and retention concerns and solutions.
Top^
III. MEMBERSHIP
1. Membership is available to all San Diego County
dispatchers who are actively involved in public safety communications.
2. The APSD may, by majority vote, award honorary membership to an
individual for distinguished service in public safety communications.
3. All persons joining this organization are subject
to the approval of the Board of Directors. Any member who places the
APSD in an embarrassing light may have their membership revoked and dues
refunded upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
4. Associate Membership is available to anyone who would like to support
the efforts of the APSD. Associate Members are not entitled to
scholarship or certification benefits or the right to vote.
Top^
IV. OFFICERS
1. The Officers of the APSD shall be:
i. President
ii. Vice President
iii. Secretary
iv. Treasurer
2. The duties of the President include:
i. Presiding at all meetings of the APSD.
ii. Exercising control of all Officers and operations of the APSD.
iii. Appointing committees as needed for furtherance of APSD
business.
3. The duties of the Vice President shall be:
i. Preside over all regular meetings of the APSD
in the absence of the President.
ii. To assume the position of President in the event the President
is unable to continue his/her duties, for the duration of the
unexpired term.
iii. To act as a liaison between this Association and other
associations whose business may have an impact on public safety
communications.
iv. As the Audit Committee Chair, the Vice President will audit the
treasurer’s reports for the previous year and submit a written
report at the January meeting of the APSD.
4. The duties of the Secretary shall be:
i. Taking minutes at all meetings of the APSD and
distributing them to the members.
ii. Maintaining a current roster of all members.
iii. To collect membership dues.
iv. Providing notice to all members of all regular meetings at least
seven days prior to each meeting.
v. To ensure the APSD webpage is maintained with current
information.
5. The duties of the Treasurer are:
i. To maintain an accurate accounting of the
collection and disbursement of all APSD funds and submit a written
report at each regular meeting, which shall be included in the
minutes of that meeting.
ii. To schedule classes, prepare invoices and maintain course credit
lists for agencies.
Top^
V. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. The Board of Directors shall be made up of the
Officers of the APSD, which are comprised of the President, Vice President,
Secretary, Treasurer, and no fewer than three Directors at Large and no more
than 20 Directors at Large.
2. Each agency represented is entitled to one Director at Large. Once
elected, Directors at Large shall serve for a period of two calendar years
beginning January 1st.
3. Upon missing the third consecutive regularly scheduled meeting, a
Director at Large may be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of Board
Members present.
5. All members of the APSD in good standing are eligible to become Directors
at Large and Officers of the APSD.
6. Officers of the APSD are expected to make Association business a
priority. Upon missing the second consecutive regularly scheduled meeting,
an Officer may be removed from office in accordance with paragraph six of
Section VI.
Top^
VI. ELECTIONS
1. There is no limit to the number of consecutive terms for any office.
2. Nominations for election of Board Members and Officers will be
received from the floor at the October meeting. In order to be elected
to office, a member must be duly nominated and the nomination seconded.
The nominated members shall either accept or decline the nomination
prior to the vote being taken.
3. Board Members shall be elected by a majority of votes cast by Members
present during the December board meeting.
4. Board Members will serve for 24 months, commencing on the first day
of January 1st following the elections.
5. Elections for the positions of Vice President and Treasurer shall be
staggered so as not to coincide with the election of the President and
Treasurer.
6. Officers may be removed by a two-thirds vote of Board Members,
provided that the officer being removed is given written notice of the
cause of action at least ten days prior to the vote.
Top^
VII. VOTING
1. Each Board Member shall be entitled to one vote on
issues before the APSD.
2. A vote may be taken verbally, by a show of hands, or by secret ballot
if requested by a majority of the Board Members present.
3. When two or more Board Members request a roll call vote, the
secretary shall call the roll and record the vote.
4. A majority vote of Board Members present is required for a vote to be
successfully carried.
Top^
VIII. CONDUCT of MEETINGS
1. Meetings of members shall be presided over by the
President of the APSD, or in his/her absence, by the Vice President of
the APSD or, in his/her absence, by the Treasurer.
2. Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern meetings.
Top^
IX. BY-LAW AMENDMENTS
1. These By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of Board Members
provided that 30 days notice be provided to all Board Members describing
the amendment and its intended impact.
Top^
X. DUES
1. The annual dues are $25.00 for each member and are
due by the first regular meeting of each calendar year.
2. The annual dues may be waived if the member is prohibited from
contributing financially by his/her department. The waiver is subject to
a vote by the Board of Directors.
3. Associate Membership dues are $15.00 for each associate member and
are due by the first regular meeting of each calendar year.
Top^