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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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