Article I

Name and Objectives

 

 

This organization shall be known as the Tennessee Division of the International Association for Identification (TNIAI), a non-profit organization, shall itself be a non-profit organization, and is formed for the following purposes:

 

 A. To bring persons who are actively engaged in the profession of identification and scientific investigation into an organized body so that the     profession in all of its branches may be standardized and effectively and scientifically administered.

 

B. To encourage the improvement of the science of fingerprints and all other branches of scientific identification and investigation.

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C. To encourage research in scientific investigation of crime.

 

D. To keep its members apprised of the latest techniques and discoveries in scientific investigation and to encourage standardization where possible.

  

E. To raise the standards set by law enforcement officials having charge of crime detention facilities.

 

F. To employ the collective knowledge of the profession to advance the scientific techniques of identification and investigation through wide dissemination by an official publication whenever possible.

  

G. To use the knowledge of this association to encourage bureaus of identification and investigation to adopt modern methods.

 

H. To endeavor to elevate the personnel of the membership in this association, inspire a just pride in their profession, and by their united efforts, reduce crime by making identification certain and swift, and to aid society in general.

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I. By cooperation between the several states of this and other countries, make more effective the work of the identification expert, and to promote and advance in science and research in one locality, so that it can be disseminated in other places through the medium of its members in conference assembled, and by other means of communication.

 

Article II

A Non-Profit Organization

 

A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the organization is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under IRC (c) (3) or corresponding provision of any subsequent tax laws.

 

B. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall insure to the benefit of any member, trustee, director, officer of the organization, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the organization), and no member, trustee, officer of the organization or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the organization’s assets on dissolution of the organization.

 

C. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation (except as otherwise provided by IRC 501 (h) )or participating in, or intervening in (including the publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidates for public office.

 

D. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the organization shall after payment of necessary expenses thereof be distributed to such organizations as shall qualify under section 501 (c) (3) of the IRC of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws, or to the Federal government or State or local government for a public purpose, subject to the approval of a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee.

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1. E. In any taxable year in which the organization is a private foundation as described in IRS 509 (a), the organization shall distribute its income for said period at such time and manner as not to subject it to tax under IRC 4942, and the organization shall not engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in IRC 4941 (d), (b) retain any excess business holdings as defined in IRS 4943 (c), (c) make any investments in such a manner to subject the organization to tax under IRS 4944, or (d) make any taxable expenditures as defined in IRS 4945 (d) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

 

Article III

Memberships

 

 

Section 1

Membership of this association shall consist of active, associate, life, sustaining, student and honorary members.

Section 2

Active Membership: The active membership of the association shall consist of persons who are engaged in the science of identification and who are bona fide employees of, and are receiving salaries from national, state, county, or municipal governments, or some sub-division thereof. Active Members may hold office, shall be entitled to one (1) vote with respect to each matter presented to the membership of the TNIAI, obtain access to the TNIAI Membership Directory, as well as each of the issues of the TNIAI newsletter.

Associate Membership: All reputable persons, wholly or partially engaged in any of the various phases of the science of identification, and who are not qualified for active or student membership, are eligible to be become associate members. They shall in all respects be subject to the same rules, fees, and charges to the same rights and privileges as active members, except that they shall not be eligible to hold the office of President or Vice- President.

Associate Members shall be entitled to one (1) vote with respect to each matter presented to the membership of the TNIAI, obtain access to the TNIAI Membership Directory, as well as each of the issues of the TNIAI newsletter.

Student Membership: Any student of an accredited college or university who is currently enrolled as a full or part-time student and who is
taking courses in order to pursue a career in the various phases of the science of identification or law enforcement is eligible to be a student member.
Student members are permitted to attend meetings, but are not entitled to vote on association business or hold any office.

Life and Sustaining Memberships: Life and Sustaining Memberships shall be forever exempt from the payment of dues and assessments and shall be eligible to vote and be entitled to all regular privileges of an Active or Associate Member. These memberships will be granted as follows:

(a.) Life Members:

• Past Presidents
• Active and Associate Members who have paid their membership dues and assessments for the past consecutive twenty-five (25) years.

(b.) Sustaining Members:

• Active or Associate Members of the Division who pay a one-time nonrefundable sum of money equal to ten (10) times the yearly amount.

Honorary Membership: Honorary Membership of the Tennessee Division shall consist of persons who have performed some particular service for the Division, assisted the Forensic Science Community, or who have, in some way, performed a meritorious act for law enforcement. Honorary membership can be bestowed by the Board of Directors upon recommendation by any member in good standing. Honorary Membership will be awarded for one year or for the member’s lifetime as determined by the Board of Directors at the time of the award.

(a.) Honorary Life Membership:

• Shall be excused from lifetime payment of dues and fees. Voting rights and office holding eligibility shall be determined by the recipient’s membership status at the time of the award.

(b.) Honorary Annual Membership:

• Shall be excused from payment of dues and fees for the period of one year. Voting rights and office holding eligibility shall be determined by the recipient’s membership status at the time of the award.

Section 3

Good Standing: A member is determined to be in good standing so long as all dues are current and there are no charges of improprieties under investigation or pending.

Section 4

Only active members, in good standing, shall be eligible to become President or Vice-President of this association. Active and associate members, in good standing, shall be eligible for all other offices of this association.

Section 5

Active and life members in attendance that represent at least 25% of the total members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at all annual business meetings of the association.

A quorum must be established in order to conduct any new business of the association.

Section 6

All members of this association shall be encouraged to join the parent body, International Association for Identification, but will not be required to do so to hold membership in this association.

 

 

Article IV

 

Dues and Assessments

 

 

Section 1

 

There shall be a $25.00 annual membership fee for Active and Associate members payable in full and due to the Treasurer prior to March 31st.

There shall be a $10.00 annual membership fee for student members. Life members shall pay no annual dues.

 

Section 2

 

The fiscal year shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st.

 

Section 3

 

All applications for new membership must be accompanied by payment of the annual membership fee. All applications for membership will be on a form devised by the board of directors. The board will have the option of requesting a full set of fingerprints together with a color photograph of the applicant with the membership application form. Student members may also be asked to demonstrate proof of enrollment, course schedule, and/or student identification from an accredited college or university.

If necessary, it shall be the duty of the New Membership committee, under the direction of its chairman, to recommend a background check and report the findings to the board of directors with their recommendation for either approval or disapproval of membership. The board must then act within 10 business days of notification by the committee to vote on the

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membership application. If the applicant is refused, a letter of explanation will be mailed to the applicant by the President within 10 days.

If the applicant is accepted, a letter from the President will be sent welcoming the new member, along with a membership card.                            Any arrest, for any crime, and any conviction of any crime shall be considered along with the disposition of charges before a decision on membership is made.

Conviction of a crime may be considered an adequate reason for denying membership. All original applications will be maintained by the Secretary.

 

Section 4

 

Being current in payment of dues is required for members to be in good standing. Any member who is delinquent in payment of dues as of March 31st of the current year shall be notified of this fact by the Treasurer. Should the member remain delinquent after April 30th of the current year, the Treasurer is to notify the member of the fact, suspend his/her membership, and remove such member’s name from the mailing list of the association.

 

Section 5

 

In the event a member is not in good standing for nonpayment of dues or has otherwise withdrawn their membership while in good standing, they may be reinstated and restored to their original membership status, including their former member number and eligibility for life membership. In order for this to occur, the member shall pay all of the accumulated arrears due at the time of suspension, and back dues, that have accrued against them between the date of suspension and the date of such payment.

 

Section 6

 

Former members wishing to rejoin the TNIAI, but not electing to apply for reinstatement, must submit a membership application as a new member.

 

 

Section 7

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Reinstated members will be subject to the type of membership for which they qualify under Article 1, Section 2 at the time of their reinstatement.

 

Article V

 

Executive Officers and Board of Directors

 

 

Section 1

 

There are hereby created the following offices of the association: President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Board of Directors consisting of five members, current President, and a chairperson.

These offices will comprise the Executive Committee.

 

Section 2

 

 

Office of the President

 

The President shall preside at all meetings of the association and shall preserve order and decorum. The President will supervise the affairs of the association and labor for its usefulness and efficiency. The President will appoint all standing and special committees, unless otherwise provided, and will fill all vacancies among the officers and committees caused by death, resignation, or for other causes during the recess of the association.

The President shall appoint the following standing committees to act during the annual business meeting and during the recesses of the association: Public Relations, Nominating Committee, New Membership Committee, Conference Committee, Certification Committee, By-Laws Committee, Scholarship Committee and any other special committees which are deemed necessary. The President will appoint active or associate members, in good standing, to serve as committee heads.

The President is a voting member of the Board of Directors and shall ascend to the position of Chairperson of the Board of Directors upon completion of his/her term.

The term of the President is for two years. The President shall not succeed himself/herself except in the case where he/she is appointed to complete the term of the previous President.

 

Section 3

 

 

Office of the First Vice-President

 

The First Vice-President will act as presiding officer of the association during the absence of the President.

The First Vice-President shall automatically succeed to the office of the President in the event of death, disability, resignation, or removal from office of the President, and shall serve the unexpired term thereof. The First Vice President shall not be a voting member of the Board of Directors

Section 4

 

 

Office of the Second Vice-President

 

The Second Vice-President will act as presiding officer of the association during the absence of the President and First Vice-President.

The Second Vice President shall automatically succeed to the office of First Vice-President in the event of the death, disability, resignation, or removal from office of the First Vice-President and shall serve the unexpired term thereof. In the event of the First Vice-President automatically succeeding to the office of President, the Second Vice-President shall automatically succeed to the office of First Vice-President. The Second Vice-President shall automatically succeed to the office of President in the event of the death, disability, resignation, or removal from office of the President and First Vice-President, and shall serve the unexpired term thereof.

The Second Vice-President will not hold a voting position on the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5

 

 

Duties of the Secretary

 

The Secretary shall keep the records and minutes of the association and forward these to the appropriate committee or officer for publication in the official publication of the association. The Secretary shall also submit

 

an official report of the association activities conducted since the last annual business meeting at each annual business meeting. It is intended that the Secretary and Treasurer serve as the conduit for all business conducted by the association, its officers, and members during the year.

Section 6

 

 

Duties of the Treasurer

 

The Treasurer shall issue each member, upon payment of fees, a membership card to bear the imprint of the year for which it is issued and the official association logo. The cards will be sequentially numbered and a list of members will be maintained by member name and number in the files of the Treasurer. This list will be kept up to date and will be provided to the Sergeant-at-Arms for use in verifying membership during the election of new officers at the annual business meeting.

The Treasurer shall draw all warrants, sign the same for the expenses of the association when directed by the association’s Board of Directors, and such warrants are to be countersigned by the President. The Treasurer will also prepare and file any state and/or federal tax reports that may be required and is to submit any such report to association officers and board of directors for review and approval before the form(s) are filed.

 

Section 7

 

 

Duties of the Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors shall act as the governing body of the association. The elected members will serve as committee heads as appointed by the President.

The Board of Directors shall consist of a Chairperson who is the immediate past President, five elected members, and the President. The Chairperson, the President, and the elected members of the Board of Directors serve two year terms. The Board of Directors positions will have staggered terms. Three members will be elected for two consecutive years and will terminate in odd years. The other two positions will also be for two years, but will terminate in even years.

 

In the event of a vacancy on the Board of Directors between meetings, the President shall fill the vacancy or vacancies, and the newly appointed member(s) of the Board shall serve the unexpired term(s) thereof.

The Board of Directors shall also have the power to appoint an Ethics Review Board to investigate any member of officer of the association upon any charge affecting their honor ,or conduct unbecoming a member or officer, provided the charges are made in writing, signed by the person making the charge, and submitted to the President or Chairperson of the Board of Directors. In the absence of a complaint, the President is authorized to initiate a complaint to the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.  Any such written charges against any officer or member shall first be placed in the hands of the President, who shall, within ten days, lay the matter before the Board of Directors for consideration, and the board shall thereupon send a copy of said charges to the accused by registered mail. The accused shall have thirty days in which to answer in writing such charges. After a hearing on the said charges, the board shall have the power, if the accused is found guilty (by a majority vote), to expel, censure, or admonish said member or officer, such decision to be ratified by the association at the next annual business meeting.

 

 

Section 7a

 

All officers shall be elected at the annual business meeting of the association to be held during the educational conference sponsored by the association. All office terms shall begin and end at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the educational conference.

 

Section 7b

 

All officers and board members will be required to meet as called or scheduled by the president to conduct business of the association.

Any board member or officer who does not attend a minimum of 50% of the called or scheduled meetings will be dismissed unless otherwise excused by the President.

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Article VI

 

Dissolution of Association

 

Upon dissolution of the TNIAI, the Treasurer will forward a financial statement with full disclosure of all assets and liabilities to all officers, board members, and members within 30 days of the dissolution. Any member may question the accuracy of the statement, but must do so in writing to the Board of Directors within 15 days of the receipt of the statement from the Treasurer. The President, or any officer succeeding him/her, must call a special meeting of the Board of Directors to resolve any question of accounting accuracy and/or improprieties within 15 days of receipt or written notice from any member.

 

An attempt will be made at this special meeting to resolve the problem within 15 days and instructions relayed to the Treasurer. The Treasurer will have 15 days to comply with the instructions. The accounts of the association should be closed and resolved at the end of this 90-day period.

Any assets remaining in the association treasury after completion of this process are to be forwarded to the Chief Operations Officer of the parent body, International Association for Identification. A cover letter which thoroughly explains the circumstances of the dissolution and the transference of assets shall accompany these assets. Additionally, the division charter is to be returned to the International Association for Identification by the President or their designee.

 

Article VII

 

State Districts

 

The state of Tennessee, for the purpose of conducting the affairs and business of this association, shall be divided into three (3) districts, each comprised of the following counties:

 

West District: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Houston, Humphreys, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Stewart, Tipton, Wayne, and Weakley.

 

Middle District: Bedford, Cannon, Cheatham, Clay, Coffee, Davidson, DeKalb, Dickson, Franklin, Giles, Grundy, Hickman, Jackson, Lawrence, Lewis, Lincoln, Macon, Marion, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Overton, Putnam, Robertson, Rutherford, Sequatchie, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van Buren, Warren, White, Williamson, and Wilson.

 

East District: Anderson, Bledsoe, Blount, Bradley, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hamilton, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Pickett, Polk, Rhea, Roane, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, and Washington.

 

 

 

Article VIII

 

Meetings and Elections

 

 

Section 1

 

The meetings, educational conferences, and annual business meetings of this association shall be held at a time and place to be selected by the association from recommendations made by the Conference committee and the President.

All meetings conducted shall be guided by the most current version of Robert’s Rules of Order and proper minutes should be taken.

 

Section 2

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Individuals seeking nomination for election to any office shall be afforded the opportunity to meet with the nominating committee as outlined in Article X, Section 8. Individuals may also be nominated from the floor by themselves or by other members in attendance at the business meeting. Nominations can also be submitted by email to the President.

 

Section 3

 

The election of officers shall take place during the annual business meeting. The election shall be by paper ballot, and the candidate receiving the majority of all votes cast shall be elected. No person shall be allowed to vote until the sergeant-at-arms has verified that the persons is an eligible member, in good standing, with the association.

In the event the annual business meeting must be cancelled, the election of officers shall take place in accordance with Article 11, Electronic Voting

 

Section 4

 

All members are entitled to recognition to speak from the floor of the annual business meeting or other deliberative assemblies of the association or the board of directors, but only those holding active or associate membership in good standing are entitled to vote upon motions before the annual business meeting or in the election of officers.

 

Section 5

 

The president shall act as presiding officer at the annual business meting of the association and shall be guided by the most recent version of Robert’s Rules of Order. The order of proceedings at the annual business meeting shall be as follows:

 

Calling the meeting to order by the president Invocation

Address of welcome

Reports of committee on credentials and seating of members Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting Appointment of committees

Report of officers Report of committees Election of officers

Presentation and reading of papers Unfinished business

New business

 

Notification of place of next meeting Good of the association

Installation of officers Adjournment

 

 

 

Article IX

 

By-Law Changes

 

Any member may submit in writing any constitutional amendments to the by-laws which they feel may benefit the association. The written amendment must be submitted to the President. The proposed amendment will then be forwarded to the By-Law committee to be researched. This committee will then report their findings and recommendation to the President. If the amendment is found to be valid, the President will then present the amendment at the next board meeting to be voted upon by the board.

If approved, the President will instruct the Secretary to notify all voting members in good standing via email of the proposed amendment and request a response via email. Each member will then be allowed time to review the proposed change and then cast a vote to accept or reject the change. Any member having questions about the proposed change will contact the President for clarification. Any response not received by the deadline indicated will not be counted. A majority vote of the membership will determine approval or disapproval. The Secretary will notify the general membership of the results of the vote. If approved, the changes will be made to the constitution and be distributed to the membership.

 

Article X

 

Elected Positions and Committees

 

 

Section 1

 

 

Duties of the Editor

 

The editor shall receive all articles and items of interest to the Association, edit them when necessary, and prepare them for inclusion in the Association’s official publication. The editor shall secure such other beneficial publicity of the organization as may be possible, and perform such other duties as may be designated by the President or the Board of Directors. The Treasurer upon presentation of proper receipts shall pay any expenses incurred by this office, in connection with its duties.

The editor shall also ensure that the names and department affiliations of new members be published in the official publication. A full and correct list of all members in good standing, including their addresses and official position shall be published annually.

 

Section 2

 

 

Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms

 

The sergeant-at-arms shall have command of the outer door of the conference hall and board room, and shall prevent unauthorized entry as determined by the President or Board of Directors. The sergeant-at-arms shall assist the President in preserving order and shall perform other such duties as the President may direct.

The sergeant-at-arms shall maintain the flags of organization and shall be responsible for the presentation of these flags at the Annual Conference.

The sergeant-at-arms shall receive from the Treasurer, prior to the annual business meeting, a list of all members in good standing. The sergeant-at-arms shall then call roll and ensure that only members in good standing are voting on association business.

 

Section 3

 

Duties of the Historian

 

The Historian shall search for, collect, and have custody of all items of historical interest to the Association. The Historian shall identify and mark each item, acknowledge the donor of each, and maintain an inventory of all materials on hand, and shall advise the membership of new acquisitions and other pertinent matters on an annual basis.

The Historian shall collect and maintain copies of all parent body publications, as well as the minutes of the General Membership, Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings.

The Historian shall provide for the safe keeping of all materials in a safety deposit box. The safety deposit box shall be provided by the Association.

 

Section 4

 

Conference Committee

 

This committee shall recommend the time and place of the annual business meeting and submit same to the membership for confirmation. If for any reason it becomes necessary to change the location of the meeting place, it shall be their duty to select a different location and complete all necessary arrangements, and to notify the membership of such change prior to such meeting. The Conference Committee shall, with the President, outline the program of activities for the annual conference of the association.

 

Section 5

 

New Membership Committee

 

This committee shall be responsible for the solicitation of new membership. The Treasurer shall forward all applications of candidates for membership in the Association to this committee. This committee will be responsible for conducting background investigations of new candidates to determine the candidate’s character and qualifications for membership. This committee’s background findings will then be presented to the Board of Directors. All investigational findings will be handled as confidential and will not be released outside the Board of Directors

 

Section 6

 

Certification Committee

 

This committee is responsible for administering all testing for discipline certification for the Parent body.

 

Section 7

  

Public Relations Committee

 

This committee is responsible for promoting interest in the association with municipal, county, state and federal agencies,businesses, other associations, and the media.

 

Section 8

  

By-Laws Committee

 

This committee is responsible for maintaining and updating the by- laws as required. As directed by the President, this committee will also research proposed amendments to the by-laws. They will report and submit their findings and recommendations to the President for presentation to the Board of Directors.

 

Section 9

  

Nominating Committee

 

The purpose of the Nominating Committee is to organize and interview candidates seeking elected office of the association. The committee shall issue a report or recommended nominees that will be presented at the general membership meeting during the conference. The

 

Nominating Committee meeting time shall be advertised on the conference schedule.

 

Section 10

  

Scholarship Committee

 

The association desires to support education in the fields of forensic identification. To this end, the association shall offer financial scholarships to qualified college and university students when possible. This committee is responsible for overseeing the Scholarship Program. Their duties will include updating program criteria, receiving student applications, reviewing applications, presenting applications to the Board of Directors for approval, and the awarding of scholarships.

 

Article XI

 

E-mail Voting

 

In the event the President believes an action has become essential for the membership to consider and vote prior to the annual business meeting, the following guidelines shall be followed.

 

1. The President shall make a motion and e-mail this to the entire voting membership.

 

2. Second to the motion:

Any voting member who is in agreement and supports the motion can second the motion should be made by replying to the original e-mail by “replying to all.” Only one second is needed.

 

3. Discussion period:

Once there is a second, there will be a forty-eight (48) hour discussion period. This is the time when the motion can be questioned or any suggestions can be made to amend the motion. During this time, replies should be made by selecting “reply to all” so that the voting membership will be aware of the discussion. At the President’s discretion, the discussion period may be extended for the purpose of consideration of amendments.

 

4. Amendments (if any):

If a suggestion has been made to amend the motion, then the President decides whether to accept or decline the proposed changes. The President has twenty-four (24) hours to respond to the voting membership.

 

5. Call for the vote:

At the end of the discussion period, the president will call for the vote. The voting members of the association must vote within twenty-four (24) hours of the call for the vote. A vote of yes, no, or abstain should then be cast. If a voting member chooses to abstain from a vote,the vote will be counted with the majority of the votes.

 

6. The secretary will monitor and tabulate the results of the vote and notify the membership of those results.

 

7. At the next meeting of the board, a vote will be taken to accept all e-mail votes and the votes will be made part of the official board meeting minutes.