Section A
There shall be three (3) categories of membership: LIFE MEMBER, REGULAR MEMBER, and ASSOCIATE MEMBER. All memberships are sole and exclusive property of the WSPCA and may be suspended and/or revoked "for cause" by the Board of Directors.
(1) LIFE MEMBERS are defined as any person who is entitled to lifetime rights and benefits as defined infra in these By-laws of this Association as long as they remain members in good standing. LIFE MEMBERS are determined by the Board of Directors, and fees for membership are waived.
(2) REGULAR MEMBERSHIP is open to full-time or retired Federal, State, County, Municipal or Military law enforcement personnel dedicated to the professionalization and advancement of the law enforcement working dog.
(3) ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIPS are open to those persons who support the goals and purpose of the Association, but do not meet the criteria as outlined in paragraph (2) above. A decision as to eligibility of ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP rests with the Board of Directors. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS have voting and office rights, but may not earn points toward any of the annual awards.
Section B
Every applicant for membership shall apply on a form approved by the Board of Directors. Members must pay the annual fee to retain membership in good standing.
(1) A twenty-five dollar ($25) initiation fee shall be charged to all first time members.
(2) Annual dues in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25) per member are due on the first day of January.
(3) Annual dues in the amount of fifteen dollars ($15) per Associate member are due on the first day of January.
Section C
Each member of the Association will be issued a WSPCA membership card and membership number. This card will be renewed annually.
Section D
Suspension / Termination of Membership in the Association
(1) Suspension or termination of membership can result from nonpayment of dues
(2) Suspension or termination of membership can result from any action deemed contrary to the best interests of the Association.
(A) A suspension hearing may be held by the Board of Directors. Findings from this hearing will be brought before the full membership in the most reasonable expedient manner. A recommendation from the Board of Directors will accompany the findings. Final disposition shall rest with a vote of the membership.
(3) Any membership terminated for nonpayment of dues may be reinstated with no loss of privileges provided said dues are paid in full within sixty days from the date they were due.
Section E Voting Rights
(1) Each member shall have one vote for each matter which is under consideration by the membership.
(2) In order to be eligible to vote, persons must have been a member in good standing of the Association for at least 60 days prior to the vote.
(3) Ballots by proxy will be accepted if such ballot bears the voting member's printed name and signature