Mid-American Regional Crime Analysis Network (MARCAN) hereby organizes to create a new sense of cooperation, communication and unified standards for improved education, training and awareness within the crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis fields.

Article I: Name

Article II: Purpose, Vision, and Function

Article III: Affiliations

Article IV: Executive Board

Article V: Advisory Board

Article VI: Membership

Article VII: Election of Officers

Article VIII: Meetings

Article IX: Committees

Article X: Provisions of Governance

Article XI: Amendment of By-laws

The name of the organization is the Mid-American Regional Crime Analysis Network, hereinafter referred to as MARCAN or the Organization.

Section 1: Articles of the Organization

• The Mid-American Regional Crime Analysis Network is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• The organization shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (of the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

• No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation of services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not partake in, or intercede in (to include publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

• Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future tax code), or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations’ as said Court shall determine.

Section 1: Purpose

• Enhance the effectiveness of both crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis nationally and internationally through training, networking and education.

• Provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas in support of the development for analysts to share information, strategy, and technique/s.

• Promote the professionalization and recognition of the field of crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis as an effective law enforcement tool.

• Support and enhance the professional development of the members of the Organization.

• Provide training to enhance the skills/knowledge/development of the members of the Organization.

• Educate law enforcement and the public’s (colleges/universities/citizen groups) understanding of the role of crime and crime intelligence analysts.

• Research and distribute information regarding crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis.

Section 2: Vision

The future success of MARCAN is contingent on a shared vision in which all interested parties believe and invest.

1. The advancement of a regional intelligence exchange system;

2. The acquisition and use of progressive training technology;

3. The advancement of policing and analytical techniques;

4.To provide quality professional training courses;

5. To maintain the professionalization of MARCAN’s organizational structure.

Section 3: Functions:

A. To create and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base which will provide, among other things, points of contact for technical, legal, and crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis policy issues;

B. To provide a leadership role in the training community for crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis.

C. Support high standards for professionalism, education and achievement within fields of crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis;

D. To actively support critical and progressive research and writing on crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis topics;

E. To promote the integration of data systems across jurisdictions;

F. To enjoin as many cities and community agencies to a collaborative process;

G. To advocate crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis as a professional field;

H. To foster multi-agency collaboration; and

I. To utilize print, radio, television, and internet mediums to advance the image of the crime analysis and crime intelligence analysis fields and to disseminate information as needed.

• With a majority approval of its membership, MARCAN may be empowered to establish affiliations with other organizations espousing compatible goals and doctrines.

• No member shall use the name of the Organization/Logo in written or verbal correspondence that would imply that the person is speaking on behalf of or being endorsed by the Organization without the approval of the Executive Board.

• MARCAN shall not align itself or publicly support any one political party or its candidates to achieve its goals.

Section 1: The Executive Board

The Executive Board shall be composed of a President, a Vice President of Administration, a Vice President of Membership, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Training Coordinator, as elected under the MARCAN electoral process. All Executive Board Members are asked to attend a majority (70%) of the monthly meetings. This can be by physical attendance or phone/face-time attendance. 3 members of the executive board constitute a quorum.

Section 2: The President

The President shall be the chief executive officer of MARCAN. The President shall preside at meetings of the Organization and of the Executive Board. The President shall call all special meetings of the Executive Board by notice to the Secretary. The President will hold an ex-officio membership in all committees and boards of MARCAN. The President will appoint all committee members, except those mandated by other provisions in these by-laws. The President shall manage the goals, projects, and priorities of the organization.

Section 3: The Vice President of Administration

The Vice President of Administration shall assume the office and powers of the President in the event that the President is unable to perform. The Vice President of Administration shall preside at meetings of MARCAN in the absence of the President and will perform all other duties assigned to this position by the President. The Vice President of Administration will conduct elections, except for the position of Vice President of Administration when that position is up for re-election.

Section 4: The Vice President of Membership

The Vice President of Membership shall hold the primary responsibility for recruitment and maintenance of the membership of MARCAN. The Vice President of Membership shall chair the Membership Committee, if formed, and perform all other duties assigned to this position by the President. The Vice President of Membership will conduct elections in place of the Vice President of Administration if needed and for the position of Vice President of Administration when that position is up for re-election.

Section 5: The Secretary

The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence of MARCAN and the transcription and distribution of the minutes of all meetings of MARCAN and the Executive Board.

Section 6: The Treasurer

The Treasurer shall receive and process membership dues and distribute the Annual Financial Report no later than January 31 of each year. The Treasurer will present a monthly financial report at each monthly meeting. The Treasurer will chair the Financial Committee, if formed, and be responsible for the distribution of funds as approved by the executive board or the general membership. Any distribution of funds requires consent of at least two board members.

Section 7: The Office of Training Coordinator

The Training Coordinator is responsible for all training, in-house or outside the organization, on subjects relating to crime and/or crime intelligence analysis.

Section 8: Board Member Dues & Fees

All members of the Board will have their dues waived and IACA membership covered so long as they continue to hold and represent their office. As well, any and all fees for MARCAN sponsored training is waived during their tenure. This is a benefit given to Board members to help compensate and thank them for their time and efforts as well as to reward their respective agencies for allowing them to spend work time doing MARCAN related tasks.

Section 9: Terms and Succession of Office

In the event that the President (permanently or for individual meetings or tasks), leaves his or her position through resignation, removal, suspension, or other means, the office shall be assumed by the Vice President of Administration, followed by the Vice President of Membership. Vacancies in either of the Vice President positions shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board for the remainder of the term of office.

Section 10: Resignation or Removal from Office during Term

Elected Board Members may be removed from their positions through the following means:

• The Board Member may resign his or her position by submitting his or her resignation, in writing, to the Secretary or, if the resigning officer is the Secretary, to the President;

• The Board Member may be suspended from his or her duties by a 4/5 vote of the Executive Board, under the grounds listed; subject to review and ratification by the membership, a. The Board Member has acted in a manner that is damaging to MARCAN or contrary to the purposes for which MARCAN was established; b. Acting as a Board Member of MARCAN, the Board Member has committed an illegal act; c. The Board Member has been convicted of a felony, related or unrelated to his or her position within MARCAN; d. The Board Member has abandoned his or her duties and has not responded to communication from the Executive Board for a period of one month or more; e. The Board Member refuses or is unable to perform his or her duties as outlined in Article IV, Section 2.

In the event that a Board Member resigns during the term of office, the President shall appoint a full member in good standing to the replacement position. This appointment shall be to the approval of the Executive Board. The newly appointed Board Member shall perform the duties expected of the office until the next election.

Section 1: The Webmaster

The Webmaster is responsible for updating and editing all information to the MARCAN website. This position will be an advisory position, but not a board voting position. This position would receive the same benefits as Board Members.

Section 2: The Office of Past President

The Past President will be held by any or all of the previous individuals who have held the Office of President. This position can be requested as an advisory position if asked by the current MARCAN Board, but not a Board voting position. This position would receive the same Organization benefits as current Board Members.

Section 1: Non-Discrimination

MARCAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age and non- disqualifying mental or physical disabilities or veterans’ status.

Section 2: Membership Types

Membership status will be approved by the Vice President of Membership. Based on the Executive Board’s assessment of MARCAN’s financial status, the payment of yearly IACA dues for those MARCAN members holding full, associate, & student membership levels shall be included with the yearly MARCAN membership. MARCAN members do have the option to ‘opt’ out of the IACA Membership.

1. Full Membership is given to professionals (sworn, non-sworn or civilians) of any law enforcement, criminal justice entity or a member of an organization having a direct working relationship with law enforcement. Full Members will have voting authority, be eligible to hold elected office, & be required to pay full membership dues.

2. Sponsor/Corporate Membership is given to private entities, such as vendors, etc. Such members will not have voting authority. Sponsor/Corporate Members will be required to pay membership dues at a rate set forth by the voting members.

MARCAN is provided the latitude to extend Corporate Sponsor status to any business or organization that is supportive of the goals and doctrines of MARCAN. Sponsorship shall be conferred by majority vote of the Executive Board, based upon recommendation by the Membership Committee.

3. Associate Membership is available to individuals associated with criminal justice, criminology, police science or related programs at colleges or universities; or other professionals and/or persons who deal with or are involved with the law enforcement community. Such members will not have voting authority nor be eligible to hold elected office. Associates will be required to pay full membership dues to include membership to IACA.

4. Student Membership is available to individuals currently enrolled in college or university coursework in criminal justice or a related field. Such members will not have voting authority nor be eligible to hold elected office. Students will be required to pay discounted membership dues determined by the Executive Board.

5. Volunteer/Intern Membership is available to volunteers/interns of law enforcement agencies and must be sponsored by a full member of MARCAN. Such members will not have voting authority nor be eligible to hold elected office. Volunteers/Interns will not be required to pay membership dues. Should Volunteers elect to join the IACA through the MARCAN group, they will be required to pay the current MARCAN student membership rate as set forth by the Executive Board.

Section 3: Status of Membership

Membership in the MARCAN is a privilege, not a right. Membership will be restricted to those law enforcement professionals who demonstrate interest in crime analysis and/or crime intelligence analysis and support the doctrines and goals of MARCAN. Membership is retained by the individual, not the agency.

To be considered a member in good standing of MARCAN, one must have all dues and fees paid and current by the testimony of the Treasurer. Members will remain in good standing for up to three (3) months after their renewal date.

All membership eligibility shall be determined on a preliminary basis by the Vice President of Membership, subsequent to affirmation by action of the Membership Committee should such committee exist. Each full member shall have one (1) vote and he/she can place that vote via electronic voting (through an official email address) or through a hard copy of the vote if they are present at the meeting.

Section 4: Privileges of Membership

All Full Members of MARCAN in good standing shall hold a right to cast ballots in the election of officers of MARCAN, to hold office in the organization and to sit on any committee of MARCAN.

All Associate and Sponsor/Corporate members of MARCAN in good standing hold the right of access to all general meetings of organization, publications produced by MARCAN and to information maintained by the organization which is in the public domain (pending payment of necessary dues).

Section 5: Application for Membership

Application for membership in MARCAN can be made by submitting an electronic application to the Vice President of Membership along with all applicable dues and fees (See Attachment #A). Upon receipt of the application and fees, the Vice President of Membership will review the paperwork and, if finding the applicant in compliance with the germane regulations and by-laws of MARCAN, he/she will approve the membership. The membership list will be updated and the dues will be forwarded to the Treasurer.

Section 6: Dues and Fees

The Executive Board of MARCAN shall hold the responsibility of mandating the dues and fees schedules for membership and sponsorships. These schedules will be set by the Executive Board and shall be approved by a simple majority of the voting membership of the Executive Board. It will be the responsibility of the Treasurer to distribute billings to members annually. Membership year will be January first (1st) to December thirty-first (31st).

The costs of membership will be as follows:

1. Full Membership: All membership fees will be determined by the executive committee and posted on the MARCAN website.

2. Sponsor/Corporate Membership: To be determined. Corporate members may offer an equivalent value in goods or services in lieu of their membership fees.

3. Associate Membership: Associate members will pay the same fees as full members.

4. Student Membership: Student members will pay discounted membership fees as determined by the Executive Board.

5. Volunteer/Intern Membership (Of Police Agencies): No membership fees.

Section 7: Suspension/Expulsion/Resignation/Removal

Suspension or Expulsion will be a result of non-payment of dues, following the expiration of the three (3) - month grace period.

Members may resign from the MARCAN organization through the following means:

• A Member may resign his or her membership by submitting his or her resignation from the organization, in writing, to the Secretary.

• A Member may be suspended from membership under the grounds listed; subject to review and ratification by the membership, a. The Member has acted in a manner that is damaging to MARCAN or contrary to the purposes for which MARCAN was established; b. The Member has been convicted of a felony, related or unrelated to his or her membership within MARCAN.

ATTACHMENT A: Membership Application (Click here to view)

Section 1: Qualifications

Any person who has been a Full Member in good standing for at least one (1) year prior to nomination shall be eligible to hold office.

Section 2: Term Limitations

Term limits shall be staggered as follows:

1. All Executive Board Members will be elected for a two-year term. The Executive Board of MARCAN shall be elected by the regular membership and shall serve for the term of two (2) years or until a successor is duly qualified, elected and installed.

2. No member shall hold more than one office at a time. In the event MARCAN is unable to find an interested candidate for a Board position due for election, the seated individual holding that position may remain in that position for a full term, even if they have already served two or more consecutive terms. The seated individual holding that position must continue to fulfill all required duties of that position.

3. The President shall, with the advice and consent of the Executive Board, appoint an interim officer in the event that a vacancy occurs prior to the election meeting. Any member who has served more than half a term is considered to have served a full term in that office.

Section 3: Electoral Process

Nominations and election will be held through an electoral process, with new selectees taking office effective the first of February.

1. Elections for the offices of Vice President of Administration, Secretary and Training Coordinator shall take place in even-numbered years: elections for the offices of President, Vice President of Membership and Treasurer shall take place on odd-numbered years.

2. Nominations are open to all qualified members and positions can be filled by any full time member.

3. August 1st of the electoral year/event, an email is sent out notifying all eligible members of the upcoming vacancies and requesting nominations for candidacy for ‘position/s’ that are going to be open for election.

4. November 1st, members are emailed a ballot with the nominees for open positions listed. Member then vote electronically through November 30th for the candidate of their choosing for any and all open positions.

5. Votes will be tallied before the last regular meetings before the new calendar year. (The Holiday Party). And the winner/s will be announced during that meeting.

6. Those eligible candidates who receive vote pluralities are deemed elected. In the event of a tie, a new vote for the office in question shall be taken within ten (10) days.

7. Officers shall take their respective offices starting with the first day of February following their election.

Section 1: Meetings

There shall be a general meeting of the membership of MARCAN held monthly. The Executive Board will purpose the dates, times and location of these meetings, then the dates, times and location of the meetings for the following year will be discussed with the members for their consideration. The Executive Board will have the right to alter dates of meetings or cancel meetings for specific reasons. If there will not be quorum at a meeting, then the meeting can be cancelled and members notified. In the event a board member is not able to attend the meeting in person, they can be allowed to phone in to the meeting in order to communicate with those in attendance.

Section 2: Executive Board Meetings

The President of MARCAN may call a meeting of the Executive Board at any time. There will be at the least one Executive Board meeting scheduled to coincide with the annual meeting of the general membership. Such notice will be given not less than 72 hours in advance.

Section 3: Special Meetings

Special meetings may be held to discuss or disperse sensitive law enforcement issues and information. On these occasions, attendance will be restricted to members with Full Membership status. Such meetings may be held before or after a general meeting or may be held on a different date.

Section 1: Committee Membership

Appointed members of all committees must be members in good standing of MARCAN. The President will appoint all committee members, except those mandated by other provisions of these by-laws, contingent with the approval of a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.

Section 2: Finance/Budget Committee

The Executive Board may establish the Finance Committee to audit and publish the Annual Financial report for MARCAN. The committee will be chaired by the Treasurer and shall consist of two other appointed members. If no Finance Committee exists, the Treasurer will assume these responsibilities.

Section 3: Membership Committee

The Executive Board may establish a Membership Committee to hear the grievances of the membership and to recruit and promote membership in MARCAN. The committee will be chaired by the 2nd Vice President (Membership) and shall consist of two other appointed members.

Section 4: Training Committee

The Training Committee may exist to establish a training agenda, based upon needs and requests of the membership. This committee will be chaired by the Training Coordinator and shall consist of up to five additional members.

Section 5: AD HOC Committees

The Executive Board has the authority to establish, compose, and dissolve committees with specific agendas, as the need is perceived. The composition and authority of these committees will be duly reported and recorded in the minutes of the Executive Board. The ad hoc committees shall be considered chartered and in force with a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board, or by a majority vote of the membership.

Section 6: By-Laws Committee

The By-Laws Committee may exist to write/revise/establish the By-Laws of the MARCAN organization. The committee is made up of 2-3 volunteers from the organization with one member of the Board overseeing the committees. Typically, the committee will be formed to revise the By-Laws about every 4-5 years or as needed.

Section 7: Scholarship Committee

The Scholarship Committee exists to establish or edit the standards for all scholarships provided on behalf of the Organization and to review and rank all applications submitted by members for any and all scholarships. The committee is made up of 2-3 volunteers from the organization with one member of the Board overseeing the committee. Typically, the committee will be formed once a year or as needed.

The rules and provisions of these by-laws, and any applicable and approved committee regulations will govern MARCAN. Where the standards and provisions of these by-laws are insufficient to resolve disputes, the most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall be consulted. The conduct of all meetings and actionable votes of any component of this organization must be held in compliance with MARCAN.

Amendments of these by-laws must be submitted in writing to the Membership Board prior to or at the next scheduled meeting of the general membership of MARCAN.

The proposed amendment(s) will be distributed to the voting membership with the registration materials for the next meeting. Members will discuss the proposed change or changes and make amendments before submitting them to the membership for approval.

For approval and amendment of the by-laws, the proposed amendment(s) must receive a favorable response from 2/3 of the vote’s case from the voting membership. Each amendment will stand for approval as a single measure. This approval will occur by official ballot. An official ballot will consist of one electronic vote via official email address per voting member.