THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

SHELBY COUNTY KENTUCKY METRO LODGE # 51

MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE

CHARTERED DECEMBER 15, 1980

FORWARD 

ON DECEMBER 15, 1980 A CHARTER WAS GRANTED TO THE SHELBY METRO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF SHELBY COUNTY KENTUCKY BY THE GRAND LODGE OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE INCORPORATED IN PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA ON MAY 14, 1915. 

UNDER THE EXISTING CHARTER, SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 WAS CHARTERED AS A FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CONSTITUTED TO WORK THEIR JURISDICTION IN THE 30TH DISTRICT IN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY. THE GRAND LODGE AND THE KENTUCKY STATE LODGES CONSTITUTIONS AND BY-LAWS ARE HEREBY MADE A PART OF THE SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 OF THE SHELBY COUNTY KENTUCKY FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AS OF DECEMBER 15, 1980. 

PREAMBLE 

WE, THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE SHELBY METRO LODGE NUMBER # 51 OF SHELBY COUNTY KENTUCKY DECLARING OURSELVES TO BE SUBSERVIENT TO AND ASSOCIATED WITH THE KENTUCKY STATE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE AND THE GRAND ORDER OF FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE, DO HEREBY UNITE UNDER THE NAME OF SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 OF SHELBY COUNTY, KENTUCKY OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE. WE SHALL DEDICATE OURSELVES TO SUPPORTING AND DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, TO PROMOTE AND NURTURE THE ENFORCEMENT OF LAW AND ORDER. WE WILL PROMOTE TO REAPPLY OURSELVES TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM, EFFICIENCY,  DISCIPLINE, AND LOYALTY TO POLICE SCIENCE. 

WE SHALL ENCOURAGE SOCIAL, CHARITABLE, AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AMONG THE POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR DEPARTMENTS. THE ADVOCATION AND STRIVE FOR UNIFORM APPLICATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM FOR APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS AND TO CREATE A TRADITION OF SPIRIT DE CORPS. IT IS THE PURPOSE TO CULTIVATE A SPIRIT OF FRATERNALISM AND HELPFULNESS AMONG OUR RESPECTIVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE WE ARE TO PROTECT AND SERVE. WE SHALL CONSTANTLY REDEDICATE OURSELVES TO THE PROTECTION OF LIFE LIBERTY AND PROPERTY. WE SHALL ALWAYS STRIVE FOR RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR PROFESSIONAL WORK ENVIRONMENTS. 

SHELBY METRO FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE # 51 OF SHELBY COUNTY, KENTUCKY

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 

ARTICLE I

NAME 

SECTION ONE: 

Shelby Metro Lodge # 51 shall be known as the SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE (Lodge # 51), and it shall be located in Shelby County and the City of Shelbyville, Kentucky, or within the immediate vicinity of Shelby County Kentucky. 

SEAL 

SECTION TWO: 

The SEAL shall consist of the chart of the EMBLEM of the 

FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE. 

ARTICLE II 

OFFICERS 

SECTION ONE: 

The elected officers of this lodge shall consist of a President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Conductor, Inter Guard, Outer Guard, Chaplain, 3 Local Trustees, 1 State Lodge Trustee, and such number of delegates as may be permitted by the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Police Grand Lodge. 

ARTICLE III 

PRESIDENT 

SECTION ONE: 

The PRESIDENT shall at all meetings, communicate the password to all members of the Lodge, preserve and insist upon proper decorum when meetings are in session, enforce the constitution and by-laws of Lodge # 51, sign all papers requiring his signature, appoint members thereof, appoint all officer's pro-tem in case of absentees and appoint any member from the floor to fill any during initiation. 

SECTION TWO: 

The PRESIDENT shall as Chairman of the Grievance Committee, immediately take recognition of a grievance brought before this committee by an active member of this Lodge. 

SECTION THREE: 

The PRESIDENT shall be the first to inspect and report the ballot when, at a regular meeting, the members have voted upon a petition for membership after the VICE PRESIDENT has inspected the same. 

SECTION FOUR: 

The PRESIDENT shall notify the Kentucky State Lodge and the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police of any change of the RECORDING SECRETARY, giving the name, address, and signature of the RECORDING SECRETARY. 

SECTION FIVE: 

The PRESIDENT shall call special meetings of the Lodge. 

SECTION SIX: 

The President may, at his/her discretion, use expenditures of 500.00 or less monthly as the need arises.

ARTICLE IV 

PAST PRESIDENT 

SECTION ONE: The PAST PRESIDENT may advise and assist the PRESIDENT at 

their request and shall execute such assignments that may be requested by the PRESIDENT. 

ARTICLE V 

VICE PRESIDENT 

SECTION ONE: 

The VICE PRESIDENT shall assist the PRESIDENT in the 

performance of the presidential duties. In the absence of the PRESIDENT, the VICE PRESIDENT shall assume the duties of the office of the PRESIDENT, handle all the necessary transactions of the Lodge, and assist the PRESIDENT in the selection and appointments of members of all committees. 

ARTICLE VI 

RECORDING SECRETARY 

SECTION ONE: 

The RECORDING SECRETARY shall have general custody of the SEAL and all books, documents, papers, and records of the Lodge not otherwise entrusted temporarily or permanently to the other officers or other committees and shall transcribe the minutes of all the minutes of the Lodge to submit the same for approval and or amendment at the next regular scheduled meeting. This person shall give due notice of all such meetings and shall conduct the general correspondence of the Lodge. The RECORDING SECRETARY shall along with the PRESIDENT, attest to and seal all duly authorized and approved contracts of the Lodge and will keep copies thereof in the Lodge file. 

SECTION TWO: 

At the expiration of their tour of office, they shall deliver to the successor, the SEAL, and all books and papers of the Lodge. 

ARTICLE VII 

TREASURER 

SECTION ONE: 

The TREASURER shall have general charge of all dues, fees, fines, assessments, and the monetary earnings of the Lodge. The TREASURER shall deposit and maintain all such funds in a bank account and accounts in the name of the SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 of the FRATERNAL ORDER of POLICE. 

SECTION TWO: 

The TREASURER shall have the power, when countersigned by the PRESIDENT or SECRETARY, to draw, sign, and issue checks, drafts, and money orders for withdrawal of all lawful obligations of the SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 as approved by the LODGE'S members. 

SECTION THREE: 

The TREASURER shall keep accurate records of all receipts 

and disbursements which shall be always available for examination by the TRUSTEES. The TREASURER shall render a report of the financial condition of the Lodge at each monthly meeting. 

SECTION FOUR: 

The TREASURER shall maintain proper vouchers and records to verify the needed expenses for examination by the local TRUSTEES. 

SECTION FIVE: 

The TREASURER shall retain general custody of all bonds and securities in which the Lodge's monetary funds may, from time to time, be invested and shall maintain such items in a safety deposit box of a financial institution in the name of the Lodge and persons allowed to be authorized to enter the box and maintain the box. 

SECTION SIX: 

At the expiration of the TREASURER'S term of office, the TREASURER shall deliver to the successor of the position all monies and securities, books, and records within the position of the office to the successor. The successor shall give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties to the Lodge # 51 membership. 

ARTICLE VIII 

LOCAL TRUSTEES 

SECTION ONE: 

The LOCAL TRUSTEES shall from time to time or when deemed necessary by the PRESIDENT or RECORDING SECRETARY, said LOCAL TRUSTEES or Officers of the Lodge Shall examine the bank books, documents, ledgers, papers, and all other papers pertaining to the business and property of the Shelby Metro Lodge # 51 of the Fraternal Order of Police. 

SECTION TWO: 

The LOCAL TRUSTEES shall inspect and account for all equipment and property of the Lodge and report any discrepancy or misappropriation to the members of this Lodge. The LOCAL TRUSTEES and RECORDING SECRETARY will have the responsibility to file any claims or misappropriated property of Lodge # 51. They shall also report the need for replacement or repairs of equipment and property to the members. 

SECTION THREE: 

The LOCAL TRUSTEES shall have the responsibility to recommend to the members any stocks, bonds, securities, and properties for security and increase of all investments, subject to the approval of the members of the Lodge. 

SECTION FOUR: 

The LOCAL TRUSTEES shall conduct an audit or have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) conduct an audit at the end of each fiscal year, of the TREASURER'S books, bank accounts, and so forth, and report the results of such audit to the membership of the Lodge. A copy of this report shall be filed with the RECORDING SECRETARY and made a part of the records of the Lodge. 

SECTION FIVE: 

The TRUSTEES shall elect one member of the TRUSTEES to be 

Chairman of the BOARD of TRUSTEES. 

ARTICLE IX 

STATE LODGE TRUSTEE 

SECTION ONE: 

The STATE LODGE TRUSTEE shall represent SHELBY METRO LODGE # 51 of The FRATERNAL ORDER of POLICE for Shelby County, Kentucky, and attend all regular and special meetings of the Kentucky State Lodge Executive Board and the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police conferences for the good of the order. The said STATE LODGE TRUSTEE shall have the full authority as a member of the Kentucky Lodge Executive Board. The TRUSTEE shall furnish in duplicate to the SECRETARY a detailed itemized statement of expenditures incurred and paid by the TRUSTEE in the performance of such duties or services. Upon approval by the members of LODGE # 51, the TRUSTEE shall be reimbursed by the LODGE # 51. The STATE LODGE TRUSTEE shall report to the PRESIDENT on regular, special meetings of the Kentucky State Lodge Executive Board upon his/her return from said meetings, and shall report upon all and any matters pertaining to the welfare of Lodge # 51.

ARTICLE X 

DELEGATES 

SECTION ONE: 

All DELEGATES to the Biennial Conference of the Kentucky Lodge and the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police conforming to the stature and guidelines set forth in the Kentucky and Grand Lodge constitutions and by-laws shall be expected to attend all business sessions of the conference and to cast their votes on matters before the lodge as they have been directed to do so by Lodge # 51. 

Upon their return from said meetings, they shall report upon all and any matters pertaining to the welfare of Lodge # 51. 

ARTICLE XI 

CONDUCTOR 

SECTION ONE: 

The CONDUCTOR shall receive the Password, determine that all the people present at the Lodge meeting belong at the meeting and then the CONDUCTOR will report to the PRESIDENT that the meeting is ready to start. The CONDUCTOR shall present all members with the initiation and introduce them to the members of the Lodge. The CONDUCTOR shall perform such other duties as the PRESIDENT may assign as needed. 

ARTICLE XII 

CHAPLAIN 

SECTION ONE: 

The CHAPLAIN shall open the meeting and close the meetings of the Lodge with prayer. 

SECTION TWO: 

The CHAPLAIN shall assist the PRESIDENT in notifications and burial services of members and shall further assist the PRESIDENT and members as requested. The CHAPLAIN shall also report to the membership about all members under physical or mental distress as properly deemed appropriate. The CHAPLAIN shall visit with members of the Lodge and family members as matters concerning the members may arise. The CHAPLAIN shall keep The PRESIDENT informed concerning all matters.

  ARTICLE XIII 

COMMITTEE 

SECTION ONE:

All Committees, except the Grievance Committee and the Trustees of the Elections Committee, shall be appointed for a period not to exceed two (2) years, the newly elected PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT. The PRESIDENT shall name the chairperson of each committee. 

SECTION TWO: 

The PRESIDENT shall have the authority to dismiss or replace a committee or any member thereof and shall have the authority to limit or restrict any committee in their activities and expenditures. 

SECTION THREE: 

There shall be standing committees of Lodge # 51 as follows: 

1. Public Relations 

2. Membership 

3. Grievance

   4. Election 

5. House and Rules 

6. Constitution and By-laws and Resolutions 

7.Ways and Means 

8. Projects  

ARTICLE XIV 

UNAUTHORIZED PUBLICATIONS 

SECTION ONE: 

No member of Lodge # 51 shall print or cause to be printed any item concerning the affairs of the Lodge without the item being favorably recommended by the Public Relations Committee or The PRESIDENT. No active member of Lodge # 51 shall use the Lodge's Seal or identity, or utilization of their association with Lodge #51 or national recognition with the Fraternal Order of Police for personal gains or favors. Shelby Metro Lodge #51 has taken the stance of No political endorsements. 

ARTICLE XV 

GRIEVANCE 

SECTION ONE: 

It shall be brought to the written attention of the Lodge's PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT of Lodge # 51; any grievance letters any time a member of the Lodge feels that one of his brothers and sisters has acted in an unethical manner toward the lodge it's members and the Fraternal Order of Police institutions. 

SECTION TWO: 

Any member may become suspended or expelled by the members of Lodge # 51 after a hearing on complaints, dismissals, or resignations from Lodge # 51 from Lodge # 51 convictions of a felony or a grievous misdemeanor, failure to pay dues, fees, fines, and assessments. Willful disobedience of any By-laws and for acts of conduct deemed injurious to or reflecting discredit upon Lodge # 51. Any physical and mental capabilities of the member, may or may not be used for or against the person. 

SECTION THREE: 

This letter of grievance shall be presented to the PRESIDENT and/or VICE PRESIDENT within ten (10) days of the unethical charge. Once advised of the grievance by the PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT, the PRESIDENT will then preside over a committee consisting of the PRESIDENT, the VICE PRESIDENT, and the CHAPLAIN. These officers will determine the seriousness of the charge and if further action is needed within ten (10) days decide if further action is needed. In the event further investigation may seem warranted, the officers shall speak with the accused and the accuser, individually or together. If the situation dictates further action by the officers may be needed, charges may dictate a warning, probation, and or dismissal from the Lodge. If the recommendation requires possible temporary suspension and or dismissal from Lodge # 51 the recommendation shall be enforced by members of the Lodge with fifty-one (51) percent of a majority vote of the members of the Lodge in favor of such. 

SECTION FOUR: 

Upon recommendation by the grievance committee, the PRESIDENT, if requested by the accused, shall set a date for a hearing. The RECORDING SECRETARY shall give notice to the accused, members of Lodge # 51 and all witnesses concerned. The accused may be represented by a member in good standing as counsel, and the accused shall not be required to testify against themselves. If accused, this member of Lodge # 51 shall be ineligible to vote or participate in Lodge # 51 business. 

SECTION FIVE: 

The RECORDING SECRETARY shall give written notice to the suspended member of the decision of the members of Lodge # 51. The members of Lodge # 51 within six (3) months of the suspension, shall reinstate and restore the member to good standing or will expel the member from the lodge. 

SECTION SIX: 

Any member, while under suspension shall continue to pay dues and shall not suffer loss of any benefits afforded the members of Lodge # 51 to its active members with the exception that the member shall not have any voice of votes in affairs concerning Lodge # 51. 

SECTION SEVEN: 

Any member who is expelled or resigns from Lodge # 51 shall lose all rights and benefits to which the person was entitled, together with dues and fees paid by the person to Lodge # 51. 

SECTION EIGHT: 

Any member who has been expelled shall continue to pay dues, and all other fees required of members of Lodge # 51 for a period of ten (10) days allowed for appeal and or for the final judgment of the appeal. 

SECTION NINE: 

Any member who is expelled or resigns, shall not be allowed to again petition for membership until the expiration of six (3) months unless the person is restored to active duty by the respective police organization, such person must again petition for membership within six (6) months. 

ARTICLE XVI 

UNAUTHORIZED FUNDRAISING 

SECTION ONE: 

Shelby Metro Lodge # 51 will not under any circumstances become involved in any fund-raising activity with any of the associated police organizations or entities and will not enter any contracts, verbal agreements, and or implications where the Lodge would receive nothing less than one hundred (100) percent of the project's donations or receipts. This excludes the current telethon project.

SECTION TWO: 

No active member of Lodge # 51 will at any time use the name, emblem, or national publicity of the Lodge for personal monies or gains. All fundraising ideas or opportunities shall be presented to and researched by at least two board members. The two board members, if agreed may give the findings to the PRESIDENT for review.

ARTICLE XVII 

MEETINGS 

SECTION ONE: 

The active members of Lodge # 51 shall hold their stated meeting on the last Tuesday of each month. The said meeting will start at 7:00 P.M. and shall end no later than 11:30 P.M. Any meeting date that conflicts with a holiday, work, or other emergency or situations, the PRESIDENT may be authorized to select an alternate date. 

SECTION TWO: 

The PRESIDENT may call a special meeting at any time. The PRESIDENT must call a special meeting of the Lodge when requested by Ten (10) or more members of the Lodge. The RECORDING SECRETARY shall attempt to give notice to all members within twenty-four (24) hours of the date, time, and location of the special meeting. The RECORDING SECRETARY shall give either written, electronic, or verbal notice to the members of the meeting. 

SECTION THREE: 

No business other than the matter the special meeting was called for shall be discussed or acted upon. 

SECTION FOUR: 

The amendments to these by-laws shall only be acted by members at regular business meetings. At any regular meeting or special meetings of the Lodge, three (3) or more active members, of which one (1) of those present must be an elected officer of the Lodge shall constitute a quorum. 

ARTICLE XVIII 

ORDER OF BUSINESS 

SECTION ONE: 

All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the order of business heretofore described as: 

1. Call The Meeting to order and Roll Call

2. Chaplin opening prayer

3. The pledge of allegiance

4. Reading of Minutes

5. Acceptance of new applications for members

6. Members committee report

7. Outstanding bills

8. Unfinished business

9. Communication

10. New Business

11. Treasure Report

12. Secretary Report

13. President Closing

14. Chaplin ending prayer

15. Adjournment

SECTION TWO:

Any and all correspondence pertaining to Lodge # 51 shall be forwarded to and conducted through the office of the RECORDING SECRETARY. 

SECTION THREE: 

The majority vote shall govern all matters fifty-one (51) percent except balloting on appeal of suspension or expulsion of a member or when a member has resigned in which a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote is required. 

SECTION THREE: 

The majority vote concerning the balloting on the election of officers shall be as follows: 

1. No more than three (3) nominees for any office

2. The candidate that receives the most votes shall win the said office

3. The candidate that receives the most votes shall win the said office

4. No new nominees will be allowed to enter this race.

SECTION FOUR: 

All balloting shall refer to those members present and voting. 

SECTION FIVE: 

At all meetings of the general body of the Lodge, a register shall be kept by the guards of those members who are present. All members shall sign the register in their own handwriting. At the close of the meeting, the guards shall sign their names last under the last signature of those attending the meeting. The inter-guard will then forward the register to the RECORDING SECRETARY, who will make it a part of the minutes of that meeting. The inter-guard can keep a copy of this register for their records. 

SECTION SIX: 

The meetings and business transactions of this Lodge shall be governed in all cases and circumstances by the Constitution and By-Laws of Lodge # 51. The same shall be governed by the Robert's Rules of Order. However, in no case shall anything be done that will conflict with the standard Constitution and By-Laws of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police Lodge and the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police. No purchase of real property without sufficient funds already available. Lodge will not expend more than 20% of the total lodge fiscal assets within one calendar year.

ARTICLE XIX 

MEMBERSHIP 

SECTION ONE: 

The active membership shall be comprised of regularly appointed law enforcement officers or retired law enforcement officers of Shelby, Spencer, Anderson, Franklin, and Henry counties or are retired law enforcement officers, expectations on the county location may be made on a case-by-case review by the PRESIDENT. The candidates are current active-duty officers or retired law enforcement officers dedicated to the police profession. Race, creed, religion, or sex shall not derail your active membership. 

SECTION TWO: 

A member in good standing is a member who has paid all dues and assessments due and payable to Lodge # 51 or who is not more than sixty (30) days in arrears in such matters. 

SECTION THREE: 

Petitions for membership in Lodge # 51 shall be submitted on prescribed forms located at www. Shelbymetrolodge51.com, and approved by an active member in good standing. The petition shall be referred to the membership committee which shall investigate the petitioner's qualifications. The membership committee upon the completion of its inquiry shall recommend to the members of Lodge # 51 in favor of acceptance and or rejection of said petition. The majority (51) percent of the members present shall accept or reject the petition. If the candidate is rejected, the decision of the members of Lodge # 51 is final and any renewal of said petition for active membership shall not be received until at least the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of notice of rejection. The RECORDING SECRETARY shall give notice to the petitioner of his acceptance or rejection and that a new petition may be filed within twelve (12) months. 

SECTION FOUR: 

Any candidate having been notified of his selection to active membership status within Lodge # 51 and said candidate fails to present themselves for admittance to membership within twelve (12) months of the date they were notified by the RECORDING SECRETARY and through no fault of Lodge # 51, that person shall forfeit all rights acquired under said needs to be satisfactory to the Lodge and depending upon the circumstances a continuance of time extension may be granted by a majority fifty-one (51) percent vote of the Lodge membership. No more than one (1) extension of time will be voted on this membership for each candidate, and if the candidate cannot present themselves for initiation in the (1) year then the petitioner will not be eligible to reapply for membership for a period of two (3) years. 

SECTION FIVE: 

Petition for affiliation must be accompanied by a regular form of demit from the Lodge so permitting, and the same must be presented to this Lodge within one (1) year from its issuance. 

SECTION SIX: 

No person shall carry a demit from this Lodge and remain unaffiliated as a member of the Fraternal Order of Police for a period not in excess of one (1) year from the date such demit was issued. No person who carries a demit shall be permitted to visit this Lodge or to join in the processions of its members. 

ARTICLE XX 

FEES, DUES, FINES AND ASSESSMENTS 

SECTION ONE: 

The initiation fee for active membership shall be fifty ($50.00) dollars and this fee shall be accompanied by the petition. The initiation fee for a demit membership shall be five ($50.00) dollars and such fees shall accompany the petition or demit. All payments and petitions are processed on the Lodge # 51 website at www.Shelbymetrolodge51.com

SECTION TWO: 

Dues for active membership shall be forty ($ 40.00) dollars per year for retaining continuing active membership in good standing. These dues shall be payable on October 1st or before October 16th of each year. A ten ($10.00) dollar late fee will apply if you pay after October 16th. The Fiscal Year for this Lodge will be from October 1st to September 31st of each year. All payments and renewal applications are processed on the Lodge # 51 website at www.Shelbymetrolodge51.com

SECTION THREE: 

The PRESIDENT or members of Lodge # 51 may suspend the dues of a member for a specified period at the member's discretion, provided the delinquent member becomes delinquent or suspended for non-payment of dues because of severe 

personal hardship including illness or enlistment into the Armed Forces of the United States. 

ARTICLE XXI 

SUSPENSION FOR NON-PAYMENT OF DUES 

SECTION ONE: 

Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments for more than thirty (30) days and less than sixty (60) days shall be deemed to be delinquent and not in good standing. 

SECTION TWO: 

Any member in arrears of payment of dues or assessments more than sixity (60) days shall be and is automatically suspended without any further action of Lodge # 51. The RECORDING SECRETARY will notify the suspended member of this action by letter or email and request they return all property of the Fraternal Order of Police to the Lodge # 51 to the RECORDING SECRETARY. 

SECTION THREE: 

Any member delinquent or suspended, as provided in ARTICLE XX, may be reinstated and restored to good standing by which such reinstatement is paid in full and made without any further action of Lodge # 51. 

ARTICLE XXII 

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS 

SECTION ONE: 

The PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, RECORDING SECRETARY, TREASURER, LOCAL TRUSTEES (3), STATE LODGE TRUSTEE (1), CONDUCTOR, CHAMPLAIN, INTER-GUARD, OUTER GUARD, and CONFERENCE DELEATES shall be elected from the membership at large and shall hold their respective Lodge # 51 offices for a term of two (2) years or until their respective successors have been qualified and inducted. (3) consecutive years of prior Lodge membership required, before running for any office within the lodge executive board.

SECTION TWO: 

Nominations will be solicited from the floor of the members of Lodge # 51. If no nominations are received from the floor the PRESIDENT shall appoint a NOMINATING COMMITTEE, consisting of three (3) active members which will nominate at least two (2) and not more than three (3) nominees for each respective office. No member shall be a nominee for more than three (3) offices. 

SECTION THREE: 

In the event of elections by the members of Lodge # 51, the PRESIDENT shall nominate three (3) members of Lodge #51 to act as a temporary ELECTION COMMITTEE. The ELECTION COMMITTEE will be responsible for setting up the voting polls and for the proper conduct of the voting procedures. The COMMITTEE shall hold nominations and elections at the regular meeting of Lodge # 51 on the November meeting. If a NOMINATION COMMITTEE is formed to initiate nominations for offices of Lodge # 51, the election shall be held at the next regular meeting after the November regular meeting. 

SECTION FOUR: 

Upon completion of the voting for a respective office, the PRESIDENT shall notify the winner. 

SECTION FIVE: 

The PRESIDENT shall appoint a tabulation committee of three (3) when the written ballot is secret. If the ballot is not secret balloting the RECORDING SECRETARY, the PRESIDENT and the VICE PRESIDENT tabulate the votes for each office. Those seeking office shall have the votes received for that nominee and the person with the highest number of votes for the nominee for the office shall be installed as office holder. The runner-up shall be elected as an alternate delegate in the event the elected officer cannot fill the responsibilities of the office. 

SECTION SIX: 

Any Candidate may protest the election results of any office, provided it pertains to the office to which the candidate was seeking. The candidate must take the protest on writing, distinctly stating the reason for the protest and presenting valid proof there was misconduct, a miscount, dishonesty, or fraud to the candidates taking office. This protest must be made to the Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge within ten (10) days of the election. The State Lodge will investigate the validity of the election claim filed. The State Lodge shall determine the final outcome of the election. The protest shall be read, and the decisions of the State Lodge will be made known to the members of Lodge # 51. 

SECTION SEVEN: 

Any officer who wishes to resign from their office must present a resignation that may be accepted by a majority vote of Lodge # 51._ 

ARTICLE XXIII 

DISCIPLINARY APPEALS TO THE GENERAL BODY OF THE 

LODGE # 15

SECTION ONE: 

Any member who is censored, suspended, or expelled may appeal, in writing and must be filed with the RECORDING SECRETARY, addressed to the GENERAL BODY of the LODGE # 15 of the FRATERNAL ORDER of POLICE providing the appeal shall be made within ten (10) days of receipt of notice of the decision of the members of Lodge # 51. 

The GENERAL BODY, with Counsel, may hear arguments thereon by the accused and council. The decision of the GENERAL BODY shall be final, subject to the right of appeal granted to members under the Constitution and Bylaws of the KENTUCKY STATE FRATERNAL ORDER of POLICE LODGE and the FRATERNAL ORDER of POLICE GRAND LODGE. 

ARTICLE XXIV 

LEGAL MATTERS 

SECTION ONE: 

The members of Lodge # 51 shall select and retain legal counsel for the protection and handling of legal affairs. Legal counsel may be replaced at any time during the fiscal year by members of Lodge # 51. 

SECTION: TWO: 

Any active member, in good standing, who shall as the result of the proper performance of their police duties. 

1. Should the officer be threatened with arrest, actually arrested, or sued; 

2. The officer will be directed or summoned to appear before any legislative body or 

government committee or body, grand jury, magistrate, investigative police board, or other investigative body that has disciplinary power; 

3. The member must believe that the member is being deprived or about to be deprived of the member's legal status in correlation with the duties as a law enforcement officer for job tenure, salary, pension, other benefits or privileges accruing to the member as a result of their employment; the member will be allowed to apply to the Lodge # 51 for legal assistance and bail, assuming that such deprivation shall jeopardize the welfare of all active members of Lodge # 51. 

SECTION THREE: 

Request for legal assistance of this nature shall be submitted in writing, giving full details to the RECORDING SECRETARY, PRESIDENT, and VICE PRESIDENT, who shall refer it to the Legal Aid Committee. The Legal Committee shall act thereon as promptly as possible with the paperwork and contact the Legal Counsel of Lodge # 51. 

SECTION FOUR: The Legal Aid Committee shall make a full written report to the members of Lodge # 51 for their approval. The legal assistance given shall be considered confidential, and no one beyond the members involved shall make such a public notice of the legal assistance required. 

ARTICLE XXV 

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP LODGE 

SECTION ONE: 

Lodge # 51 recognizes, acknowledges, and validates an Associate Lodge. The Associate Lodge of Lodge # 51 shall be known as the Associate Lodge of the SHELBY METRO # 51 FRATERNAL ORDER of POLICE. The Associate Lodge shall be under the control of the Lodge # 51. The Associate Lodge shall abide by the Constitution and By-laws of Lodge # 51. Any member in good standing of GRAND LODGE or KENTUCKY STATE LODGE shall be allowed to attend all meetings of the Associate Lodge upon presentation as a member in good standing. Said members may have a voice in the meeting but will not have a vote in the Associate Lodge discussion. 

SECTION TWO: 

An Associate candidate is any respectable citizen of the community who has petitioned and been voted upon by the members of the Associate Lodge and a member in good standing of Lodge # 51. The candidate shall not have been convicted 

of a felony nor shall the candidate have been convicted of a misdemeanor of violence. No Associate Member shall have a voice in Lodge # 51 unless the Associate Member is asked to speak by the PRESIDENT of Lodge # 51. 

SECTION THREE: 

The initiation fee for an Associate membership shall be fifty (50.00) dollars and shall accompany the petition. Should the petition be rejected the initiation fee shall be refunded. The dues shall not be less than forty (40.00) dollars per year, payable in advance to Lodge # 51. 

SECTION FOUR: 

The wife, mothers, sisters, and daughters eighteen (18) years of age may be members of the Associate Lodge and will not be charged an initiation fee or yearly dues. These ladies shall be in good standing as their relatives remain in good standing with Lodge # 51. 

ARTICLE XXVI 

AWARDS, CEREMONIES, POLICE MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK 

SECTION ONE: 

The PRESIDENT of Lodge # 51 will observe and appoint a "Police Week" Committee every year consisting of the VICE PRESIDENT of Lodge # 51 and three (3) active members to Honor all Police Officers during "Police Week", which will include the relative date for PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY. 

SECTION TWO: 

The following suggestions may be followed for public knowledge. 

1. Deliver posters to local stores

2. Arrange speakers for local organizations

3. Contact local news media and arrange for interviews 

4. Have the County Judge Executive and Mayor for issuance of a proclamation

5. Make a public display of police skills

6. Cite a citizen each day during the week for support 

7. Ask for flags to be flown at half mast for local government buildings

and private buildings for PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY. 

ARTICLE XXVII 

AMENDMENTS 

SECTION ONE: 

All amendments to the Constitution and By-laws of this Lodge must be submitted in writing, signed by three (3) members of Lodge # 51 in good standing. The petition will be read by the RECORDING SECRETARY at the next regular meeting and referred to the Constitution and By-laws Committee. The Committee shall report back at the next regular meeting with the approval or disapproval of the proposed amendments as written. 

SECTION TWO: 

Upon approval of the proposed amendment by the Constitution and By-laws Committee, the RECORDING SECRETARY shall notify all active members that the proposed amendment will be voted on at the next regular meeting of Lodge # 51. Upon a vote of two-thirds (2/3) majority, the proposed amendment will be adopted. The adoption of the amendment(s). Disapproval of the proposed amendment shall be made to the signers of the amendments by the RECORDING SECRETARY. 

FRATERNALLY SUBMITTED: