ARTICLE I - GENERAL
Section I. Name
The association will be called the MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT FIREARMS INSTRUCTORS, hereinafter referred to as MALEFI.
Section II. Purpose
MALEFI shall be operated as a not-for-profit organization formed exclusively for research, education, and testing for public safety purposes; and to improve and elevate the quality, integrity, and public image of the law enforcement officer when he or she is forced into a deadly force confrontation.
The purpose of the MALEFI will be as follows:
A. Encourage the exchange of ideas and information within the field of law enforcement firearms and defensive tactics instruction through improved contacts between those engaged in the field.
B. Promote the improvement of professional expertise of persons working in the field of law enforcement firearms and defensive tactics instruction through education and training seminars.
C. Stimulate research and development of new and/or improved techniques for law enforcement firearms instruction and street survival.
D. To engage in the testing of firearms, ammunition, and related equipment for the benefit of public safety.
E. To make available to the courts, judicial tribunals, and legislative branches of the government, qualified expert witnesses in the areas of the use of firearms, law enforcement firearms training, and the law enforcement use of deadly force.
Section III. Dissolution
Should MALEFI be dissolved, none of the receipts or assets shall inure to the benefit of any member. The Executive Council shall dispose of any assets remaining after all existing liabilities have been paid. Such assets may go only to another organization with purposes as described in these Bylaws.
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Section I. General
Membership in MALEFI shall be limited to those persons of integrity with suitable education, training and experience in teaching law enforcement officers how to shoot and the proper use
of deadly force.
Section II. Definitions
A. Classes of Membership. The classes of membership will consist of Regular, Associate, Provisional, Emeritus, and Technical/Commercial (Advisor).
B. Charter Membership. Those accepted for membership between May 5, 1988, and May 5, 1989, will be listed as Charter Members.
C. Voting Member. Applies only to Regular and Emeritus members in good standing with the exception that Charter Members will be allowed to vote regardless of the number of years of firearms instructor experience.
D. Good Standing. A member shall be in good standing provided that dues and other fees assessed to the member are paid as prescribed.
E. Membership Period. The membership period will run from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
Section III. Qualifications
A. General. The person must be of good character. The person must show proof of attending a recognized instructors' course.The person must be a recognized peace officer assigned as their departmental firearms or defensive tactics instructor.
B. Regular Member.
1. The person must hold a full-time peace officer license from the state of Minnesota.
2. or, the person must be a full-time sworn federal law enforcement officer assigned as a firearms or defensive tactics instructor who is assigned by his/her agency to work within the state of Minnesota.
3. The person must have completed two years of experience as a firearms or defensive tactics instructor at the time of acceptance for Regular member status.
C. Associate Member.
1. The person must possess all of the requirements for Regular member status with the exception that they may have less than two years of experience as a firearms or defensive tactics instructor.
2. or, the person must be a licensed peace officer of a state other than Minnesota who other-wise meets the qualifications for a Regular member.
3. or, the person must be a full-time sworn federal law enforcement officer assigned as a firearms or defensive tactics instructor working in a state other than Minnesota.
4. or, the person must be a full-time sworn law enforcement officer assigned as a firearms or defensive tactics instructor working in a country other than the United States.
5. or, the person must hold a part-time peace officer license from the state of Minnesota assigned duties of a departmental firearms or defensive tactics instructor.
6. or, the person must be a civilian working as a law enforcement firearms or defensive tactics instructor and does not work as a representative of a company in a firearms related industry.
D. Provisional Member.
1. The person must possess all of the requirements for Associate member status with the exception of the two years experience as a firearms instructor and without the requirement for having attended a recognized instructor's course.
2. The person must be assigned the duties of a departmental firearms instructor without benefit of attending a firearms instructor's course.
3. This membership status will last two years from the date of acceptance of the membership application. By the end of the two years, the Provisional member must document completion of a firearms instructor course.
4. The Membership Committee may change Provisional membership status to that of Associate or Regular member status within the two years, upon documentation of completion of a firearms instructor course and upon written application by the Provisional member.
E. Emeritus Member. A candidate for the status of Emeritus member must be a Regular member in good standing at the time of application for Emeritus status and must be retired from peace officer firearms or defensive tactics instructor employment. The candidate for this status must be recommended in writing to the Membership Committee by a Regular member in good standing. The Committee shall determine if the candidate meets the criteria for Emeritus member. If the candidate meets the requirements, the general membership shall be asked to vote on the member status change. A majority vote of the voting members at a regular MALEFI business meeting is necessary for a change of membership to Emeritus status.
1. A person to be considered for Emeritus member must have been a member in good standing of MALEFI for a minimum period of 20 years prior to retirement.
2. A person who meets the requirements for Emeritus member with the exception of MALEFI membership length of time, may be considered for membership, if in the opinion of the Membership Committee, the person's contributions to the field of firearms instruction warrants it.
F. Technical/Commercial Advisor. The person must:
- work in the firearms industry as a manufacturer/distributor (or their designated representative);
- work in a firearms related field (such as medical examiner, psychologist or other mental health professional, etc.,);
- be a gunsmith or armorer who does work for the law enforcement community,
Technical/Commercial Advisors shall pay no dues and shall not be entitled to hold office. A fee may be charged to send the newsletter to a technical advisor.
Section IV. Application Form.
A. Form. The Application Form will be prepared by the Membership Committee with the approval of the Executive Council. Application for Regular, Associate, and Provisional membership will include an endorsement by a voting member.
B. Rejection of Application. An applicant rejected for membership need not be furnished with a reason for rejection nor shall any application be returned.
Section V. Maintenance or Termination.
A. Change in qualifications.
1. A regular member who changes law enforcement employment to an agency outside the state of Minnesota, will have their membership status changed to that of an Associate member.
2. With the exception of an Emeritus member, a member who gives up their POST license or has their POST license revoked will have their MALEFI membership terminated.
B. Maintenance. It is the responsibility of all members to notify the MALEFI Secretary in writing of all changes in name, address, employment, and/or telephone number as soon as they occur.
C. Termination. Termination requires approval of the Executive Council. Any member terminated may bring the matter before the voting members and such termination may be reversed by a 2/3rds vote of those voting at a regular meeting. Termination may be for:
1. Failure to pay dues.
2. Violation of the Code of Ethics.
3. Failure to comply with paragraph "A" above (Change in Qualifications).
4. Resignation of the member. The resignation must be submitted in writing to the MALEFI Secretary.
5. For not actively participating in MALEFI activities. Active participation is defined as:
i. Attendance at a regular meeting and training seminar of MALEFI.
ii. Participation and service as an officer of MALEFI.
iii. Participation and service on an official committee of MALEFI.
iv. Participation as a speaker on the training program of a regular meeting of MALEFI.
v. Publication of an article or paper in the MALEFI newsletter.
D. Reinstatement. With the exception of a Code of Ethics violation, any person whose membership has been terminated by MALEFI may have their membership reinstated by reapplying for membership. The reapplication for membership will be treated as a new application.
E. Any Regular member who through promotion, transfer, or retirement no longer teaches law enforcement the use of firearms or defensive tactics shall retain his or her same status and voting privileges.
Section VI. Meetings, Conferences, and Seminars.
A. Number, Date and Location. There shall be at least two regular meetings per year with the date and locations to be selected by the Executive Council. One meeting will occur during the cold weather months and one during the warm weather months. Other meetings my be called at the discretion of the Executive Council.
B. Registration. Shall be restricted to members, their invited guests, and those who have applied for membership.
C. Business Meetings. Shall be held in conjunction with each meeting of the members at which a quorum is present and may be attended by all members, but only voting members in good standing may vote.
1. Twenty (20) voting members shall be considered a quorum.
2. No proxy voting shall be allowed.
ARTICLE III. MANAGEMENT
Section I. General.
A. The affairs of MALEFI shall be managed by the Executive Council.
B. The Executive Council may authorize any officer(s) or agent(s) of MALEFI to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of MALEFI and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
C. MALEFI shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and also keep minutes of the proceedings of meetings of its members, Board, and committees having any of the authority of the Executive Council and shall keep at the registered or principal office a record of the names and addresses of the voting members.
D. No officer or member may make statements on behalf of MALEFI without the approval of the Executive Council.
E. Funds for meeting the expenses of MALEFI shall be raised by annual dues, assessments, voluntary contributions, and such income as may come to MALEFI through the collective efforts of its members. No financial obligations of MALEFI may be incurred by anyone or any group of members.
F. Upon approval of a majority vote by the membership at a business meeting, the positions of Secretary/Treasurer, or Editor, or Librarian/Historian may be filled by an Emeritus member, retired Regular member, or Associate member, or by a paid employees of MALEFI who is not a MALEFI member. In the event any of these three positions become paid employee positions, the contract of employment and compensation will be decided by the Executive Council.
Section II. Fiscal.
A. The fiscal year shall be January 1 through December 31 of each year.
B. All items for the payment of money, issuance of notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of MALEFI shall be signed by the Treasurer. No item shall be made payable to cash or to the person signing the item.
C. MALEFI funds shall be deposited to the credit of MALEFI in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Executive Council may direct.
D. Dues and Fees.
1. All dues and fees are to be paid in US currency. Any fees necessary to convert to foreign money into US funds shall be charged back to the member who paid in the foreign currency.
2. Emeritus members are exempt from paying dues.
3. All dues and fees paid with the exception of training seminar/meeting fees are non-refundable. Training seminar/meeting fees are refundable if written notification is received by the MALEFI Secretary at least ten (10) working days prior to the starting date of the seminar/meeting.
4. There shall be no fee for membership status changes.
5. The membership dues shall be set by the Executive Council at an amount no less than $5 nor more than $25 per year. With the exception of the first year of operation, the amount of dues voted by the Executive Council will go into affect in the fiscal year following the vote.
E. Legal. MALEFI shall defend and represent any member, officer, past or present, charter member, or incorporating officer for any liability whatsoever growing out of the incorporation, chartering, or forming of MALEFI, or the day to day operation of MALEFI.
Section III. Executive Council
A. Composition. Limited to the following:
1. Principal Officers
2. Board- of-Directors
B. Principal Officers and their duties.
1. President. The President shall have the final responsibility of running MALEFI. The President is the chair of the Executive Council and shall preside at all MALEFI and Executive Council meetings; conduct the business of MALEFI and promote the fulfillment of its objectives. To accomplish these duties the President may appoint necessary temporary committees to accomplish MALEFI goals.
2. First Vice-President. Chairs the Membership and Publications Committee. The First Vice-President is directly responsible to the President. Fulfills the duties of the President should the President be absent, leave office or become incapacitated.
3. Second Vice-President. Chairs the Training and Education Committees. Fulfills the duties of the First Vice-President should the First Vice-President be absent, leave office or become incapacitated. If the President, First Vice-President, and Second Vice-President are absent from a meeting, the voting members shall elect a meeting chairman. The Second Vice-President is responsible directly to the President.
4. Range Master. Acts as the Master-At-Arms of all Executive and MALEFI membership business meetings. Acts as primary Range Safety Officer during any classroom demonstrations/lectures and during any live-fire demonstrations/training sessions. Works with the Shoot Master(s) to assure the safety of the live-fire portion of the training seminar. Is responsible directly to the President. The Range Master may appoint as many assistant Safety Officers for the live-fire sessions as deemed necessary.
5. Secretary/Treasurer. Maintains a record of all Executive Council and MALEFI business meetings and shall read at each regular meeting the minutes of the prior meeting. Maintains a membership roster and notifies the Editor of any address/name changes. Maintains membership applications and copies of all written MALEFI business correspondence that concerns the running of MALEFI. Keeps financial records and safeguards its funds. Shall present a financial statement at meetings of the Executive Council and the first regular business meeting of the year. Is empowered to sign all checks. Publishes the membership roster, by-laws and Administrative Rules. The Secretary is responsible to the President. In the event the position of Secretary/Treasurer is filled by other than a regular voting member of MALEFI, the position will become a non-voting position on the Executive Council.
6. Editor. Is a non-voting member of the Executive Council appointed by the Executive Council. Is responsible directly to the President. Is responsible for the publication of the MALEFI members' newsletter.
7. Librarian/Historian. Is a non-voting member of the Executive Council appointed by the Executive Council. Is responsible directly to the President. Maintains reference library for MALEFI. Makes or has made the appropriate copies of the information in the library. Distributes any requested library reference information to the requesting members. Stores any photographs, correspondence or other documents no longer needed for the immediate running of MALEFI.
8. Shoot Master. Is a temporary, non-voting member of the Executive Council appointed by the Executive Council. Is responsible for putting on the training at a MALEFI training seminar--both classroom and live-fire portions. In any year, there may be more than one Shoot Master on the Executive Council. The Shoot Master may appoint as many assistants as necessary to host the training seminars. Works with the Range Master to assure that training scenarios are safe for participants and viewers.
9. Board-of-Directors. One representative from each of MALEFI's five (5) regions of the state; Northwest, Northeast, Metro, Southeast, Southwest and an additional At-Large Director from any region. Directors make up the Training and Education Committee with the 2nd Vice-President. Shall be responsible for any duties assigned them by the President. Are responsible directly to the President.
10. Additional Duties. Other duties may be assigned to any member of the Executive Council either by the President or by action of the Executive Council.
C. Election. The election of officers will take place at the last regular meeting of the year. A list of candidates for each open office will be provided by the Nominating Committee along with their qualifications. Those elected shall be determined by a majority of the voting members. Any ties shall be resolved by a run-off election of those tied.
1. Qualifications. Executive Council members shall be voting members in good standing.
2. Vacancies.
a. President. To be filled by the First Vice-President.
b. First Vice-President. To be filled by the Second Vice-President.
c. Second Vice-President. To be filled by the Range Master.
d. Other Executive Council members. To be filled by appointment by the Executive Council for the unexpired term.
D. Tenure. All terms begin on the first day of the fiscal year. The officers will serve until their successors have been elected and assume their office on the first day of the fiscal year.
1. President: Two year term.
2. First Vice-President: Two year term.
3. Second Vice-President: Two year term.
4. Range Master: One year term.
5. Secretary/Treasurer: Three year term.
6. Editor: Three year term.
7. Librarian/Historian: Three year term.
8. Shoot Master: Determined by Executive Council appointment.
9. Board Members: Three year staggered terms so that all are not elected in the same year.
E. Executive Council Meetings. The Executive Council will meet four times a year. Two of the meetings will be in conjunction with the regular MALEFI business meetings. A special meeting may be called by the President or any two Executive Council members with the location, date and time determined by the person(s) calling such meeting. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive Council members.
F. Compensation. Executive Council members shall receive no salaries for their services as Executive Council members. Executive Council members may receive reimbursement for actual expenses accrued while serving as an Executive Council member.
G. Recall. Recall is to be initiated by petition which will state the reason(s) for the recall and signed by at least 10% of the voting members in good standing. Final action on a recall is to be by a majority of the valid votes cast by voting members in a mail ballot or by a majority of the valid votes cast by voting members at a regular meeting.
Section IV. Committees.
A. Standing. Standing committees are to have duties as prescribed by the Bylaws, the Administrative Rules, and/or the Executive Council. Unless specifically designated by the Bylaws, members are to be appointed by the President from the members in good standing and to serve for a term of one year or until their successors are appointed.
1. Training and Education. The Training and Education Committee shall consist of the members of the Board-of-Directors. The Second Vice-President shall chair the committee. The Shoot Master(s)of the pending meetings shall be non-voting members of the committee. The Training and Education committee shall be responsible for the selection of scholarship recipients.
2. Publications. The Editor shall chair assisted by two members-at-large who will serve staggered two year terms.
3. Membership. The First Vice-President shall be the chair. Two regular members-at-large each serving staggered two year terms shall assist the First Vice-President. The Secretary shall be a non-voting member.
B. Temporary. The President shall appoint, as deemed necessary, the following committee(s)and any others.
1. Ethics. To consist of the President, two immediate past presidents and two additional Regular members who are not serving on the Executive Council. All committee members shall be in good standing and willing to serve. Should any of these become the subject of the review, that person shall withdraw from any deliberation concerning the matter and a temporary committee member shall be named by the Executive Council.
2. Audit. The committee shall be staffed by three members-at-large each serving staggered three year terms. The member in the final year of the term shall be the chair. The Treasurer shall be a non-voting member of the committee.
3. Nominating. Three Regular members-at-large serving staggered three year terms. The member in the last year of their term shall be the chair.
4. Member Recognition. Three members-at-large serving staggered three year terms. The member in the last year of their term shall be the chair.
5. Safety. The immediate past president shall chair assisted by the Range Master and Shoot Master(s).
C. Committee Operation. Unless otherwise provided, a majority of the whole committee shall be a quorum. Meetings may be conducted by telephone or mail, but in such instances a quorum shall consist of the whole membership of the committee. Each committee may adopt such operational rules as are not in conflict with the Bylaws or the Administrative Rules.
ARTICLE IV. AMENDMENT.
Section I. Deadline. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the President 30 days before publication.
Section II. Publication. Proposed amendments shall be delivered to the members at least thirty days prior to the next regular meeting of the membership of the calendar year.
Section III. Approval. Amendments to the Constitution and the Bylaws shall require approval by two-thirds of the voting members present.
Section IV. Changes. After a proposed amendment has been published, changes which alter the substance of the amendment may be made only by unanimous vote of those present and voting.
Section V. Effective Date. All amendments to these Bylaws will take effect at the close of the meeting at which they are passed.
ARTICLE V. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE.
Section I. Rules of Order. "Robert's Rules of Order, Revised" shall determine parliamentary practice and procedure except when inconsistent with these Bylaws or the laws of the state of Minnesota.
Section II. Parliamentarian. A parliamentarian shall be appointed by the president at each meeting of MALEFI.
Section III. Any of these Bylaws which are at variance with the article of incorporation of MALEFI or the laws of the state of Minnesota are repealed.