Ohio Tactical Officers Association

Presence

Purpose

The Ohio Tactical Officer Association has been established to advance the education and professionalism of law enforcement officers involved in Special Operation functions through the transfer of ideas and information sharing related to tactics, techniques and to further improve the networking of departments and personnel involved in critical incident/high risk operations.

Goals of the O.T.O.A.:

Provide an effective means for the exchange of current and relevant issues and information,  

Establish a secure “online” web site, through which information can be rapidly dispersed to its members,

Establish liaison with tactical units throughout the state and country to improve on communication and relevant information exchange,

Stimulate the research and development of innovative techniques, methods, of operation and equipment related to tactical operations

Provide assistance and support in the development of training programs,

Providing top notch training and conference programs,

Membership is open to all law enforcement officers with an emphasis on special operations team members, negotiators, tactical medics and K9 personnel involved in law enforcement or military operations.

Functioning as a nonprofit organization within the state furthering the performance of the highly trained teams of professionals involved in tactical special operations(501(c)(3) tax exempt status pending)

Bylaws and Organizational Document

Art. I-Title

This association will be known as the Ohio Tactical Officers Association(O.T.O.A.)

Art. II-Principal Office

The principle office location address is : 5237 Wilkes Rd. Atwater, Ohio 44201

Correspondence should be directed to O.T.O.A. PO Box 411 Kent, Ohio 44240

Art. III-Objective

This association is a nonprofit public benefit association and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Non profit Public Benefit Assoc. Law for public purposes. The public purposes are as follows:

1. To promote friendship and cooperation among those involved in training and utilization of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Teams in police work.

2. To improve the technical abilities of SWAT personnel, thereby rendering better services to the communities they serve.

3. To improve the image of SWAT Teams to the populace in general through the improved public service provided by the safe and expeditious handling of critical incidents within the community.

4. To aid and assist those law enforcement agencies making application for information concerning the establishment of SWAT Teams within their respective departments.

5. To act as a clearing house and facilitate the exchange of information concerning philosophy, training, and operations involving SWAT Teams within the State of Ohio.

6. To provide a unified voice of representation on issues pertaining to the appropriate use of SWAT Teams and the well being of SWAT personnel.

Art. IV- Charitable Purpose

This association is organized exclusively for the charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of these Articles, the association shall not carry any other activities, not permitted to be carried on(a) by an association exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986(or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) or (b) by any association contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provisions of a future United States Internal Revenue law).

Upon winding up and the dissolution of this association, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the association, the remaining assets, what is distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporations, which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and/or scientific purposes and which has established its tax exempt status under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Art. V Membership

1. Full membership in the association will be open to any member of a special operations unit employed by a Governmental agency (including Military) who is a current member of a SWAT Team.

2. Associate membership in the association will be open to law enforcement and medical personnel employed by a governmental agency interested in advancing the association and its goals, pending approval of the Board.

3. Corporate membership in the Association will be open to businesses that are interested in advancing the association and its goals.

 4. Team membership in the association will be open to any special operation unit employed by a Governmental agency (including military) who function in a law enforcement tactical/SWAT operations.

Rights and Privileges of Members

1. Full membership may vote, attend all meetings and functions, and be elected to all positions within the Association.

2. Associate members shall be non-voting Members who may attend meetings and Functions unless otherwise restricted.

3. Corporate Members, shall be non-voting Members who may attend meeting and functions unless otherwise restricted and have access to publications of this Association, as determined by the Board of Directors.

Application of Membership

Any person seeking membership shall complete an application prescribed by the Board of Directors. Any willful misrepresentation by the applicant on the application will be grounds for removal from the Association. Removal will be by the majority of the Board of Directors.

Termination of Membership

The Board of Directors may take disciplinary action against any member and any membership may be terminated for cause by affirmative vote of the majority of the Board of Directors, subject to appeal to the said Board at an open meeting, after reasonable notice at which the accused members will have the opportunity to confront and cross examine witnesses and refute all charges. A resignation of a member will be made by letter to the President and will be effective upon receipt provided that no resignation will discharge any indebtedness or other obligation due the Association.

Membership Dues

1. Membership dues shall be the sum fixed by the Board of Directors. Failure to pay dues within 60 days of expiration of membership shall result in removal of the membership from the Association. Current dues amount for full and associate memberships is $25.00 per year effective May 2, 2000.

2. Special assessments may be levied by the Board of Directors and said sum payable within thirty days. No special assessments shall be levied except upon the majority vote of the Board of Directors.

3. The dues paying period shall cover that period from January 1 to December 31 of the same year.

Art. VI- Officers and Terms of Office

The officers will be composed of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Additionally, the Board of Directors shall include representatives (Regional Director(s) at Large) who may from time to time m be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors.

1. President:

It will be the duty of the President to call and preside at all regular and special meetings. He will see the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations are respected and obeyed. He will cast the deciding vote in the case of a tie, he will have the power to appoint committees and designate their chairman. He will appoint officers Pro Tempore in the event of absence. He will perform such other duties as are usual and incidental to the office of President.

2. Vice President:

The Vice President will actively assist and support the president in his duties, and will be President Pro Tempore in his absence, during which time he will assume all the duties and responsibilities of that office. He will be required to attend, with the President, all meetings, etc., to which the President is required to or expected to attend in the interest of and/or in the behalf of the membership of this Association in order that he may be informed of all matters concerning the Association as President. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President during elective term, he will succeed to that office for the remainder of the un-expired term. It will also be the duty of the Vice president to keep the President informed of the activities of the Association and distribute information concerning the Association in the behalf of the President.

3. Treasurer:

The Treasurer will collect all money due to this Association, giving receipt thereof. He will keep a suitable set of books of record of same. He will deposit all monies of this Association in a bank designated by the Board. He will draw all checks or other obligations authorized by the Board. His account books as well as all papers will be open for inspection and examination by the Board. He will not lend or invest any of the Association funds except when duly authorized by the Board. He will distribute a quarterly financial report to the Board.

4. Secretary:

The secretary will keep or cause to be kept at the office a book of minutes of all meetings and consents to action without a meeting of Directors with the time and the place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at committee meetings, and the proceedings thereof. The Secretary will give, or cause to be given, notice of all the meetings of the Board and any committees thereof required by the Bylaws or by law.

5. Regional Directors

A minimum of two regional Directors shall sit on the Board. This number may increase from time to time. At least one Director shall come from and represent the area of Ohio north and south of Franklin County. Regional Director areas are as follows NW, NE, SW, SE, and Central.

Terms of Office

Current terms of Office for the Board of Directors will run from May 2, 2000 until the May 1, 2001 or the next scheduled election.

Art. VII- Elections

1. The first election shall take place after January 1, 2001. During that year positions for Board of Directors shall be up for election.

2. Nominations for elected positions will be solicited commencing the release of the Winter 2001 Issue of the O.T.O.A. newsletter. Nominations will close July 1 of the election year. Individuals nominated must be full members in good standing and must meet the qualifications set forth in the Bylaws. Nominations must be in writing and include a one page resume on the candidate. All nominations must be submitted to the Association’s registered office. Candidate statements of qualifications shall appear in the Summer Issue of the O.T.O.A. newsletter, which will include Official Ballot sent to all the voting membership.

3. In the event that no qualified nominations are received, the Board of Directors shall appoint a qualified member to such position for the term of office stated.

4. The President will appoint a committee of two(2) members, not included in the current election, to count, verify and attest to the ballots correct total.

5. A write-in candidate space will be placed on the ballot

Art. VIII-Impeachment

1. Any officer may be impeached for any violation of the provisions of the Bylaws or for any personal conduct which occurs while the officer is representing the Association at any Association function that may bring discredit upon the Association

2. Charges for impeachment of any officer may be initiated by any two members in good standing or a complaint committee appointed by the President, and will be presented in writing before the Board at a regular meeting of final action. The Board Member will be given a copy of the charges against him and be notified of the meeting at which his accusations will be reviewed not less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. The accused will be given the right to present evidence on his behalf at the meeting.

3. Upon the order of two-thirds(2/3) of the Board of Directors hearing the charges against the officer, the accused will be removed from office and may never hold any office in the Association. The same evidence may be used later for suspension or revocation of membership.

Art. IX- Meetings

Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the Directors may be held twice per year as determined by the Board of Directors. At the discretion of the President or any two Directors, meetings and Association business can be conducted via the Internet and/or by Email.

Special Meetings

Special Meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President, the Vice President, the Secretary or by any two Directors. Such meeting shall be held at the principal office of the Association or a designated location specified by the Board of Directors.

Quorum of Meetings

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors.

Except as otherwise provided under the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, or provisions of law, no business shall be considered by the Board at any meeting at which the required quorum is not present, and the only motion which the Chair shall entertain at such meeting shall be at motion to adjourn.

Majority Action as Board Action

Every act of decision done or made by a majority of the Directors present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Boards of Directors, unless these Bylaws, or provisions of law require a greater percentage of different voting rules for the approval of a matter by the Board.

Conduct of Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be presided over by the President of the Association, or, in his or her absence, by the Vice President of the Association or, in the absence of each of these persons by a Chairperson chosen by a majority of the Directors present at the meeting. The Secretary of the Association shall act as secretary of all meetings of the Board, provided that, in his absence the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act as Secretary of the meeting.

Meetings shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order, insofar as such rules are consistent with or in conflict with these Bylaws, or with provisions of law.

Art. X- By-Laws

1. It will be the duty of the Board to codify all proposed amendments, additions and deletions to the By Laws. All proposed changes must be submitted to the Board in writing. A majority vote of the Board will confirm adoption.

2. Only Full members of this Association will be eligible to propose changes to the By-Laws of this Association.

3. These initial bylaws will become effective on July 27, 2000, and remain in effect until such changes are made, as outlined in paragraph 1, of this article.

4. Pending a complete written revision, any amendments, additions or deletions to the bylaws which are adopted, will be documented in an addendum entitled” Article XI-Amendments/Additions/Deletions.”

Art. XI-Order of Business

The order of business of the Association will be as follows:

1. Call of the meeting to order.

2. Reading of the minutes of the prior meeting

3. Report of the Treasurer.

4. Report of Committees.

5. Unfinished business.

6. New Business.

7. Good of the Association.

8. Adjournment.