FEDERAL PROBATION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
PREAMBLE - Believing that it is to the public interest to improve a service, professionally and economically, by associating in an organized group in pursuit of a common interest with its own self-contained administrative structure and function; and believing that such an association can be both (1) an opportunity to strive for higher personnel standards and (2) an avenue of economic improvement of its members; We, the following Federal Probation Officers of the United States Courts, resolve to unite in common effort as stipulated herein. It is not the intent of this association to affiliate with any other organization or group or to assume union functions of collective bargaining but to provide a medium through which members might function together in matters of common concern. In this way the work of the federal probation officers gains that public recognition necessary to achieve professional acceptance and status.
ARTICLE I - NAME The name of this organization shall be "The Federal' Probation Officers Association."
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE The objective of the Association shall be –
Sec. 1 Professional Functions
1) To study and standardize methods of federal probation and parole work, by conferences, field study pre-and in-service training, schools and publications.
2) To promote a program of public relations in, order, to build and maintain an enlightened public interest in the proper administration of probation and parole.
3) To cooperate with similar associations in the correctional field and with all groups interested in the treatment of crime and its prevention.
4) To continually strive for higher personnel standards in conformity with the qualifications set forth by the Judicial Conference.
5) To stimulate interest and support in long range research.
Sec. 2 Legislative Functions To make studies and recommendations in matters pertaining to legislation.
Sec. 3 Economic Functions To support job-analysis studies as a basis for evaluating and determining fiscal and personnel needs and to work toward the improvement of salaries, travel allowances, group insurance, retirement and annuities.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Sec. 1 Membership The membership of the Association shall be limited to United States Probation Officers, and former U. S. Probation Officers.*
Sec. 2 Dues The dues shall be payable if and when needed and not to exceed ten ($10.00) dollars a member per calendar year. Non-payment of dues shall result in loss of membership after 60 days. **
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Sec. 3 Voting Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.
Sec. 4 Associate Membership All retired or former federal probation officers who have been members of the Federal Probation Officers Association for five consecutive years immediately preceding separation from active service shall be eligible for associate membership without further payment of dues. Associate members shall be entitled to all the privileges of membership except voting and holding office in the Association. This amendment to become effective January 1, 1961 and shall include current members of the Association who are retired. *****
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Sec. 1 Officers The interim officers presently acting shall continue to act until such time as an election of permanent officers can be held.
Sec. 2 The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, Executive Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer to be elected by mail ballot by the membership at large, to serve a term of two calendar years. The executive Vice-President shall serve in the absence of the President.
There shall be a regional vice-president elected by the membership residing in the particular conference area to represent the area for a term running until the next conference meeting in that area or until a successor is elected.
Sec. 3 Duties (a) The President, Executive Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer, and the Regional Vice-Presidents shall constitute the Executive Board of the Association and shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Association. ***
(b) The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep minutes of all Board meetings, carry on the necessary correspondence, receive all monies, and pay by check all expenditures authorized by the President of the Association. It is the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to keep the membership advised of the action of the Board;
*CONSTITUTION AMENDED DECEMBER I. 1956
**CONSTITUTION AMENDED JANUARY I. 1956
***CONSTITUTION AMENDED NOVEMBER 1, 1958
****CONSTITUTION AMENDED AUGUST 3. 1959
*****CONSTITUTION AMENDED NOVEMBER 10. 1960
(c) The Vice-Presidents shall serve as a nominating committee for the nomination of candidates for the office of President, Executive Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer, with the exception of the first nominations which shall be made by a committee appointed by the interim President.
ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES There shall be standing and special committees as may be authorized by the association. Such committees shall be appointed by the President.
ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS
1. Regular and special meetings of the Board shall be at such time and place as called by the president. The quorum shall consist of five members of the Board.
2. An agenda of the proposed business of the. regular meetings shall be submitted to the membership sixty (60) days prior to said meeting.
ARTICLE VII - ORDER OF BUSINESS At all regular meetings the order of business shall be as follows:
1. Reading of Minutes
2. Treasurer’s Report
3. Report of Committees
4. Election or appointment of officers.
5. Unfinished business
6. Communications
7. New Business
8. Adjournment
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Association voting.*
ARTICLE IX This organization shall become operative upon the ratification of this constitution by two hundred Federal Probation Officers of the United States Courts. Dues shall be due and payable upon such ratification.
* CONSTITUTION AMENDED NOVEMBER 1. 1958
