DOD POST COMMISSION BY-LAWS   

Article I: Name
 

This Commission will be known as the Department of Defense (DOD) Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission (DODPOSTC).  The members, unless otherwise noted by another title, will be known as Commissioners.  Procedures will be based on the Robert’s Rule of Order.

Article II: Vision, Mission, and Goals
 

The  DODPOSTC will formulate  a  Strategic  Plan  which  will  present  the  Commission's  vision,  mission,  and  goals.  The  Strategic  Plan  will  be reviewed  and updated periodically with no more than five years between updates.

Article III: Commission Authority and Membership

Section 1.  Authority
 

Subject to the limitations of these bylaws, the DODPOSTC shall provide direction and oversight for all DODPOSTC activities. The Commission shall have  review authority, including but not limited to, all policies for DODPOSTC operations, minimum training standards, and procedures for the certification of  law enforcement officers (both military and civilian) across Department of Defense. 
 

Section 2.  Commission Composition
 

The Commission is comprised of Department of Defense law enforcement organizations, military services and agencies, as identified herein.  The  current composition of the Commission will be regulated by the DOD Office of Law Enforcement Policy and Support.

Number of Commission Members: 
The number of Commission members will be set and regulated by the DOD Office of Law Enforcement Policy and Support.  The number will be 13 Commission members with 10 voting commissioners.  The number and composition of the Commission may be  changed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Commission membership then in office.  The process to change the number will be through the  submission and approval of a resolution at a regular or special meeting in compliance with the requirements set forth herein.
Composition of the Commission: The Commission shall be composed of: 
      Commission Director: Director, DOD Officer of Law Enforcement Policy and Training Commission Deputy Director: (from the USAMPS staff/Non- Voting designation) Commission Executive Secretary: (from the USAMPS staff/Non-Voting designation) One voting representative from each Law Enforcement Organization (service or agency):
-the United States Navy 
- the United States Air Force 
- the United States Marine Corps
- the United States Army (Office of the Provost Marshal General) 
- the Defense Logistics Agency
- the Pentagon Force Protection Agency
- the National Security Agency
- the Defense Intelligence Agency
- the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency

Section 3. Commission Membership
 

Service Members: Representatives are appointed by appropriate military law enforcement commanders/directors. The representatives will be senior managers with policy-making input authority, senior oversight responsibility, and significant leadership experience with military law enforcement  training.  Appointees shall receive sufficient time and resources from their respective service/organization in order to actively participate in all Commission actions and responsibilities. Agency Members:  Representatives are appointed by appropriate senior service and agency law enforcement directors.  The representatives will be managers with policy-making authority and significant leadership experience with federal law enforcement training.  Appointees shall receive sufficient time and resources from their respective agency in order to actively participate in all Commission actions and responsibilities.
 

Section 4. Terms of Appointment
 

Military and Civilian appointees shall serve for a five-year term, unless membership extension is approved by the Commission. Terms shall be staggered to  provide for the expiration of approximately one-third of the Commission's membership each year. The Commission is authorized to take such action as  necessary to amend current term appointments to meet the intent of this section.

Appointments shall commence on October 1 and expire on September 30 in the fifth year.  No term limitations exist for Commission executives.

Section 5. Commission Member Responsibilities
 

Only designated Commission members may represent their organization, service, or agency at Commission meetings. Substitutes or alternates are not  permitted, but members may designate proxies as provided by these bylaws.

New Commission members are expected to participate in an orientation process established by the DOD POST Commission Executive Committee.

Commission members are expected to attend every Commission meeting and other designated activities, and be fully prepared to engage in  discussions, deliberations, and decisions, and actively represent the interests of their respective areas in the DOD law enforcement community.

Each member of the Commission will affirm that they agree to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding any and all information provided and/or discovered while executing the duties and responsibilities of the Commission.

Section 6. Reappointments and Vacancies


Reappointments:  At each regular meeting, the Executive Secretary shall notify the Commission of any member whose term is due to expire within the next twelve calendar months. Upon receipt of said notification, the Commission will place the position under new business to discuss continued representation  on the Commission. 
The Executive Secretary will coordinate with the current member to obtain a written correspondence from their respective organization, service, or agency which expresses its intent and commitment to continued participation on the Commission.  Unless an objection is raised and supported by a properly approved motion, membership shall continue.
 

Vacancies: A vacancy shall occur whenever the member can no longer participate on the Commission.  Within 90 days of a vacancy occurring, the  Executive Secretary will coordinate with the Executive Committee and the service/agency to secure a replacement to fill the unexpired term.
 

Section 7. Resignations and Removal of Commission Member

Resignations: Commission members may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Commission through the Chair or Executive Secretary. The  resignation is effective upon receipt unless the notice specifies a later effective date.

 

A Commission member who misses two regularly scheduled Commission meetings in any 12-month period without an excused absence granted by  the Commission is presumed to have resigned.
 

Removals: Members may be removed for cause.  Any member who has breached any duty obligation arising under these bylaws, or has taken such other  action as to undermine the mission and goals of the Commission, may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the Commission membership then in office.  The member shall be provided notice which outlines the breach of conduct five days prior to the meeting date and shall have an opportunity to be heard at the meeting.  The final decision shall be promptly communicated to the member by the Executive Secretary. The Commission's decision is final and there is no right of appeal.

Article IV: Administrative Support and the DOD POST
 

Certification / Law Enforcement Examination (LEX)

The DOD POST Certification and Law Enforcement Exam (LEX) is staffed by USAMPS Office of Accreditations and Credentialing (OAC) and works under  the direction of the Commission to execute its vision, mission, and goals.  The Commission and the OAC shall operate as a professional and independent law enforcement certification and accreditation body, treating all services and agencies, as well as certification applicants, in an impartial, equal, and professional manner. The Director, through the Executive Committee, will implement written guidance for staffing and operations of the  LEX and the OAC.  These business case rules (BCR) will be outlined in the DOD POST Program Manual.

Article V: Officers
 

Section 1.  Eligibility for Officers
 

The officers of this organization shall be federal Commission members and consist of a Director, Deputy Director, Executive Secretary, and such other positions as may be necessary to efficiently and effectively carry out the responsibilities of the Commission.  The Director and/or Deputy Director can vote to break tie votes and/or when they are temporarily documented as a proxy for a service or agency because that service/agency commissioner could not attend that one meeting. 

Section 2.  Duties of Officers
 

Director: The Director shall preside at the meetings of the Commission, and shall facilitate the appointment of other members of the Commission and all committees. Deputy Director: The Deputy Director shall perform the duties and possess the powers of the Director during the absence or disability of the Director. Executive Secretary: The Executive Secretary is a non-voting member and is responsible for recording the minutes of all Committee meetings, responding to Committee matters, and providing baseline administrative and training support to the Commission and any active Sub-Committees.  Management for the development and update to all supporting programs and training products. Other Officers:  By a two-thirds vote, the Commission may establish offices and positions as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the  Commission.

Section 3.  Executive Committee
 

The Director, Deputy Director, and Executive Secretary shall comprise the Executive Committee and shall exercise its authority in accordance with the  provisions herein. In addition, other appointed officer will participate as advisors as necessary.  The Executive Committee shall set the responsibilities of  the OAC in support to the DODPOSTC and the LEX. The Executive Committee shall also be responsible for the Commission's Strategic Planning process.

Section 4. Terms of Office

Appointed commissioners shall serve five-year terms. The term of office shall commence on October 1 and expire on September 30 in the fourth year. The Director and Deputy Director positions have no term limitations. These term limitations do not prevent members who have served in one office for four  years from being eligible to serve in another office. The Executive Secretary position has no term limit. The term of office shall coincide with other elected officers and commence on October 1 and expire on September 30 in the fourth year.

Section 5.  Vacancies
 

A  vacancy shall  occur  whenever the officer  can no longer  participate  on the  Commission.  The  Executive Committee  may  appoint  a  member, in an acting capacity, to fill the  vacant  position until a permanent  appointment  can  be  made.

Section 6.  Appointments


When necessary and at least six months prior to the expiration of an officer’s term, the Director shall appoint a Nominating Committee to produce a slate  of candidates for the Executive Committee.  By three months prior to the expiration of the officer’s term, the replacement candidate should be identified and integrated into the DODPOSTC processes. 

Article VI: Meetings
 

Section 1.  Meetings Defined


The term "meeting" means the deliberations of at least the number of Commission members required to take action on behalf of the Commission where  such deliberations determine or result in the joint conduct or disposition of DODPOSTC business.

 

Section 2.  Regular Meetings


At the minimum, the Commission shall hold semi-annual meetings to conduct DODPOSTC business. The Director will submit scheduled meetings and agendas to the Commission membership for attendance.  The Executive Secretary will assist the Commission in all communications and activities regarding the conduct of the meetings and those agenda items. The Director or Deputy Director will communicate with the Executive Secretary  regarding proposed agenda items and supporting documents in order to provide Commission members with the date, location, and agenda items for  the meeting.

 

Section 3.  Special Meetings and Notification


Special meetings of the Commission may be called at the option of two or more Executive Committee members, provided that all Commission members are notified of the meeting and provided with the agenda at least five working days in advance of the meeting. Notice may be made by telephone, email, or any other reasonable means at the discretion of the Director.  Special meetings may be conducted by conference call or other methods that provide  for the full and active participation of Commission members. The subject matter of the special meeting and any action that may be taken as a result of  any special meeting shall be limited to that previously announced in the meeting notice and agenda.


Section 4.  Quorum
 

In order to conduct business the Executive Secretary shall confirm that a quorum (defined as six out of ten voting members) is present at any regular or  special meeting.  A quorum shall consist of a majority of the members in office and all transactions of business or decisions of the Commission shall be by  a majority vote of the members present, except as otherwise stated herein.


Section 5.  Executive Committee Meetings
 

The Executive Committee shall meet at the discretion of the Director to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Commission and any DOD POST programs.  It has the authority to make operational decisions that cannot be delayed until the next general or special meeting.

In order to conduct business the Director shall confirm that a quorum is present. A quorum shall consist of a majority of officers in office and all transactions of business or decisions of the Executive Committee shall be by a majority vote of the commissioners present, except as otherwise stated  herein.  Such decisions must be conveyed to the members of the Commission within five working days. Notifications in these circumstances shall be  made consistent with Article VI, Section Ratification can occur at the next scheduled meeting unless a request is made by five or more Commission  members for an expedited vote.  If the requisite number of Commission members calls for an expedited vote, via written request to the Executive  Committee, a special meeting will be scheduled within 15 days following receipt of the fifth request. To remain in effect, actions of the Executive Committee must be ratified by the full Commission no later than the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting.


Section 6.  Voting Procedures
 

Votes may only be cast by members of the Commission who are present or actively able to participate through electronic means expressly authorized  herein.  Only one vote per member is permitted, except when acting under proxy pursuant to Article VI, Section 7.


Section 7.  Proxies
 

Every member entitled to vote shall have the right to do so in person, electronically (as authorized herein), or through another member as evidenced by  written proxy executed by such person and filed with the Director or Executive Secretary prior to the meeting. A proxy must identify the member authorized to act, the meeting date, and the subject matter in sufficient clarity to identify the matters on which the  individual is authorized to vote. A proxy does not justify an unexcused absence. A proxy can be given to the Director or Deputy Director IAW proxy rules. 

Article VIII: Parliamentary Authority


Section 1.  Rules of Order


The rules contained within the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all meetings of the Commission, members, officers, and committees,  where such rules are consistent with these bylaws.  In cases of conflicts, the bylaws shall govern.


Section 2.  Order of Business


The order of business shall be conducted according to the meeting agenda developed by the Executive Secretary in consultation with the Executive Committee. At a minimum, regular Commission meetings shall include:

1. Call to Order, Roll Call, Welcoming Remarks, and General Announcements
2. Review and Approval of Minutes, where required
3. Committee Reports
4. General Reports
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Alibi’s
8. Call to Closure

Section 3.  Minutes


Minutes of the Commission shall be prepared, distributed, filed, and preserved by the Executive Secretary.

The Executive Secretary shall prepare the draft minutes within 45 days from the date of the meeting and forward a copy of the draft by email to the members for review and comments. The members have 10 business days to review and either endorse or request changes to the draft. Upon receipt of  endorsement, request for changes, or the lapse of the 10 working days, the minutes shall be conditionally approved and forwarded to the Commission for review and final approval at the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting.

Section 4.  Appearance before the Commission


Individuals or group representatives who desire to appear before the Commission, or who have been requested to appear by the Commission, shall  coordinate their request or appearance through the Director.  All requests to appear shall be in writing and must include the name and affiliation of the  individual/organization making the request, the issues to be presented, and any background materials to be relied upon during the presentation. The request shall be forwarded by the Director to the Executive Committee for review and consideration.  The Executive Committee may either grant or deny  the request.  The Director will be responsible for all notifications and for the coordination of presentations.

The Director is delegated the authority to refer requests to appear before a committee directly to the committee chair. The Director may present  issues on behalf of others directly to the Commission when it is believed to be in the best interest of the Commission

Article IX: Amendment of the Bylaws


Section 1.  Process
 

At the request of the Director of the Commission, a special Bylaws Committee may be appointed to review and update the bylaws. Alternatively, a  Commission member may submit proposed changes in writing stating the reason for the change, the Article and Section affected, the substance of the change, and the name and contact information of the person proposing the change. Proposals shall be submitted to the Executive Secretary who will  forward copies to the Executive Committee. If appointed, the Chair of the Bylaws Committee will make recommendations to the full Commission for consideration at the next regularly scheduled meeting.


Section 2.  Bylaw Changes
 

The bylaws may be amended, repealed, or suspended. Such actions require the affirmative consent of at least 70% of the commissioners.


Section 3.  Effective Date
 

Unless otherwise dated and provided by the Commission, approved changes shall become effective immediately.