Constitution and By-Laws
Federal Probation Officers Association
[Adopted 1955]
PREAMBLE – Believing that it is to the public interest to improve a service, professionally and economically, by associating as 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 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 –
Section 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.
Section 2. Legislative Functions.
1. To make studies and recommendations in matters pertaining to legislation.
Section 3. Economic Functions.
1. 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
Section 1. Membership. The membership of the association shall be limited to United States Probation Officers.
Section 2. Dues. The dues shall be payable if and when needed not to exceed three (3) dollars a member per calendar year. Non-payment of dues shall result in loss of membership after 60 days.
Section 3. Voting. Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS AND DUTIES
Section 1. Officers. The interim officers presently acting shall continue to act until such time as an election of permanent officers can be held.
Section 2. The officers of the Association shall consist of (a) a President to be elected by mail ballot by the membership at large for a term of two calendar years, (b) An Executive Vice-President who shall serve in the absence of the President, to be selected by a mail ballot by the membership at large; (c) Five Vice-Presidents, one from each of the 5 regional conference areas, to be elected by the membership residing in the particular conference area, namely, 1 Vice-President from the northeast conference area; 1 Vice-President from the north-central conference area; 1 Vice-President from the southeast conference area; 1 Vice-President from the western conference area; and 1 Vice-President from the southwestern conference area; (d) There shall be a Secretary-Treasurer elected by the membership at large by mail ballot for a term of two years with the added provision that he serve until his successor takes office.
Section 3. Duties. (a) The President, Executive Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer 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; (c) the five 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
1. There shall be such 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 vote of the members of the association by mail ballot.
ARTICLE XIX
This organization will become effective upon ratification of this constitution by two hundred Federal Probation Officers of the United States Courts. Dues shall be due and payable upon such ratification.
