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(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 1
BYLAWS OF THE
WASHINGTON STATE POLICE
CANINE ASSOCIATION
(Amended and approved by the membership,
September 14, 2009)
ARTICLE I
This association shall be known as the Washington State Police Canine Association,
Inc. (WSPCA).
ARTICLE II OBJECTIVES
1. To unite in a common cause all law enforcement agencies utilizing the services of
the canine as a police tool.
2. To promote friendship and brotherhood between all those interested in the training
and use of the canine in police work.
3. To endeavor to establish a general performance standard, and improve the abilities
of the canine in police work, thereby rendering a better service to the community.
4. To coordinate the exchange of any techniques of training or for utilization of police
dogs.
5. To improve the image of the working police dog to the populace in general through
improved public services in the prevention and detection of crimes.
6. To aid and assist those law enforcement agencies making application for
information concerning the establishment of canine selections within their respective
governmental agencies.
7. To have a skilled body available and open for consultation by any governmental
agency.
8. To pass proposals, resolutions, amendments, etc., submitted by an executive board,
for the good of the Association.
9. To coordinate the plans for and the execution of seminars and police canine
accreditations.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 2
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1
Regular membership to this Association shall be open to any canine handler or agency
canine trainer who is a fully commissioned law enforcement officer or corrections officer
of a state, county, city, municipality, or combination thereof, who is responsible for the
routine care, control, utilization and/or training of a police canine within a law
enforcement or corrections assignment, who have passed their respective basic
academy.
SECTION 2
WSPCA recognized trainers who no longer have a canine assignment, but who
otherwise qualify as a regular member, may retain their regular membership and trainer
status by current/active participation as defined below in Article VIII, Section 2.
SECTION 3
Associate membership in this association shall be open to:
1. Active, full-time commissioned law enforcement or correctional officers with
assignment as canine supervisors or quarries
2. Active military police canine officers
3. Commissioned working canine officers from other states or countries
4. Active, full-time commissioned law enforcement officers or correctional officers with
assignment as a canine supervisor or Quarry
5. Active, full-time commissioned law enforcement officers or correctional officers
without canine assignments
SECTION 4
Any regular member or charter member who retires from his department may continue
as an associate member, provided he remains in good standing.
SECTION 5
Associate members shall not hold any elective office in this Association or have a vote
at any membership meetings.
SECTION 6
Any associate member approved to be a trainer shall become a regular member.
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SECTION 7
Honorary membership to this Association shall be open to any person who may have
rendered a valuable service to the Association, its members, or other law enforcement
agency.
SECTION 8
Any regular member may submit a person for honorary membership and must be
approved by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.
SECTION 9
An honorary member shall not be liable for dues or assessments. They may attend
regular meetings and may be heard at the discretion of the President. They may not
vote or have any privileges that pertain to regular membership of the Association.
SECTION 10
Any member (regular, associate, or honorary) may be dropped from the Association for
non-payment of dues, upon final conviction of any criminal charge, for any acts that
might bring discredit to the association, or if found to be using the Association or its
name for personal profit or gain. Upon notification in writing by at least two regular
members in good standing of any of these circumstances, an investigation by, and a
majority vote of, the Executive Board will be required for dismissal.
SECTION 11
Other classifications for associate membership may be made provided they are
requested in writing to the Executive Board. Such classifications must be approved by
a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.
SECTION 12 Delete
Charter members are open for regular memberships only. Charter membership is open
from January 1 to June 1, 1978. Charter members will not be assessed initiation fees.
SECTION 12
No member or members of this association shall present himself as a representative of
this association without prior approval of the Executive Board (i.e., giving speeches,
demonstrations or dissemination of written material). Violators shall receive disciplinary
action by the Executive Board.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 4
ARTICLE IV APPLICATIONS
SECTION 1
All applications for membership and annual renewals shall be in writing upon forms
furnished for that purpose, and signed by the applicant and accompanied by any
prescribed fee. Forms may be submitted by electric format.
SECTION 2
An initiation fee of $10 will accompany each application for new membership, with the
exception of Charter Membership.
SECTION 3
The yearly dues of the Association shall be $35.
SECTION 4
Yearly dues shall be due by January 1st of each year, and any member who has not
paid his dues by March 1st of that same year shall be subject to dismissal.
SECTION 5
An additional “convenience” fee may be charged to facilitate the payment of monies
owed through electronic means as authorized by the Executive Board.
SECTION 6
Any member dismissed for non-payment may reapply for membership, and will be
reassessed the initiation fee of $10.
ARTICLE V OFFICERS
SECTION 1 – PRESIDENT
1. The president shall be known as the President and shall be the chief Executive
Officer of this Association.
2. He shall preside at all regular and special meetings and enforce a due observance
of the laws of the Association. He shall serve as the Chairperson of the Trainer’s
Committee.
3. He shall decide all questions of order without debate, subject to appeal of the
Association.
4. He shall see that the constitution and bylaws, rules and regulations are respected
and obeyed.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 5
5. He shall cast the deciding vote in case of a tie.
6. He shall familiarize himself with the constitution and bylaws, rules and regulations of
the Association so as to enable him to decide all questions promptly and impartially.
7. He shall have the power to appoint committees and be a member of said
committees ex-officio.
8. He shall, by his signature, authenticate all official documents that are authorized by
the Association.
9. He shall appoint officers pro-tempore in the event of absences. He shall perform
other duties as are usually incidental to the office of President.
SECTION 2 - VICE PRESIDENT
1. The Vice President will actively assist and support the President in his duties.
2. In case of the absence of the President, the Vice President shall assume all the
duties and responsibilities of that office.
3. He shall oversee all financial matters pertaining to the Association and review all
financial records on an annual basis. At the first General Membership Meeting of
the year, the Vice President, Treasurer and 1 additional person as appointed by the
President shall perform a financial review.
4. In the event of resignation, death or any other reasons not covered by any other
sections, the Vice President shall assume the position of President for the
remainder of the term.
SECTION 3 - SECRETARY
1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep accurate record of the minutes of
meetings of the Executive Board and general membership meetings, and record
them in a book provided for that purpose.
2. He shall give written and/or electronic notice to all members of their appointment on
a committee.
3. He shall notify all members of the Executive Board and general membership of all
regular and special meetings.
4. He shall conduct all correspondence of the Executive Board.
5. He shall keep a register in which will be entered the name and date of admission of
all members, and any additional records, documents of forms designated by the
Executive Board.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 6
6. He shall keep a record of all accreditation forms and shall issue certificates for
passing. The Secretary of the Association shall be responsible for keeping the
records of those dogs that have been accredited by the WSPCA Trainers. The
Secretary shall also be responsible for maintaining statistics on the number of dogs
passing and failing accreditations.
7. The Executive Board shall review submitted resumes for the position of Secretary.
The General Membership shall approve the appointment of the Secretary. The
Executive Board will set compensation.
SECTION 4 - TREASURER
1. The Treasurer shall keep the Association accounts on books provided for that
purpose.
2. He shall pay all proper orders drawn on him by the President, attested by, from the
Washington State Police Canine Association Fund.
3. He shall, at all regular meetings, present a detailed report of all moneys received
and dispersed, with a general explanation of the financial condition to the Executive
Board. His books shall at all times be open to inspection.
4. He shall submit a rendering of the accounts at the first Executive Board meeting of
the year
5. In case of his resignation retirement or removal, all moneys, books, papers, records,
etc., in his possession belonging to the Association, shall be turned over to the Vice
President of the Board. The Vice President, incoming Treasurer and 1 additional
person as appointed by the President shall perform a financial review and will report
their finding to the Executive Board.
6. The Executive Board shall review submitted resumes for the position of Treasurer.
The General Membership shall approve the appointment of the Treasurer. The
Executive Board will set compensation.
SECTION 5 - REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Regional Representatives shall be elected from the regular membership. There shall
be one Representative for each of the six (6) regions.
1. Regional Representatives shall serve as a point of contact for members within that
region
2. Each Regional Representative shall be responsible to ensure that Generalist and
Narcotic accreditations are organized and executed a minimum of once per year in
their region.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 7
3. Regional Representatives shall act as host/organizer when regional training is held
in lieu of seminars.
SECTION 6 – GENERALIST & DETECTOR REPRESENTATIVES
Generalist and Detector Representatives shall be elected from the regular membership.
There shall be one (1) Representative for Generalist Teams and one (1) Representative
for Detector Teams. These Representatives will serve as a point of contact for
members working within each discipline.
SECTION 7 – EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, six (6) Regional Representatives, one (1) Generalist Representative and one
Detector Representative. Executive Board meetings shall consist of a quorum of at
least fifty percent (50%) of the Executive Board members. In the event a board
member is unable to attend a meeting, his vote may be accepted on specified business
via a typed and signed ballot. Absentee ballots may be submitted by electronic
method. Absentee ballots shall only be accepted at board meetings having a quorum.
SECTION 8
WSPCA Executive Board Members must maintain current/active participation as
defined below:
1. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA.
2. Attend at least three Executive Board meetings per calendar year.
Failure to comply shall be cause for review and possible removal from office.
ARTICLE VI AMENDMENTS, ADDITIONS, OR DELETIONS
SECTION 1
Any amendment, addition or deletions to the bylaws may be submitted to the Executive
Board provided it is in writing and signed by at least two (2) members in good standing.
Such proposals shall be sent to the membership and a majority vote of the attending
membership will be necessary for the final adoption.
SECTION 2
Such proposals for amendments, additions or deletions shall be forwarded to the
Secretary for the Executive Board and presented at a regular meeting.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 8
SECTION 3
Only regular members of this Association shall be eligible to vote on policy-making rules
of this association.
SECTION 4
All disputes regarding these Bylaws shall be settled by a majority vote of the Executive
Board.
SECTION 5
Regardless, if any amendment, addition or deletion is passed unanimously it shall be
null and void if it is a direct conflict with the articles of incorporation.
ARTICLE VII ELECTIONS
SECTION 1
All members of the Executive Board (with the exception of Secretary and Treasurer)
shall be elected by a plurality of the voting membership of this Association. The results
of said elections will be based on a written ballot done at the general membership
meeting. All nominations will be done at the fall General Membership meeting
preceding the election of office.
SECTION 2
In the event that no seminar takes place, nominations and voting may be conducted via
mail or electronic format.
SECTION 2 Delete
Voting for all offices will be from regular members in good standing.
SECTION 3
Those regular members who will not be able to vote at the General Membership
meeting of a particular election, may request an absentee ballot from the Secretary.
Absentee voting may be conducted via mail or electronic format. Absentee voting
Those absentees for a Spring General Membership Meeting must be postmarked or
date stamped a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the start date of the seminar. no later
than April 1st preceding a spring election.
SECTION 4
Term of office for the Executive Board shall be for a period of two (2) years. The
positions of President, Regional Representatives 1, 2, 3 and the Generalist
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 9
Representative will be elected on even years at the Spring General Membership
Meeting. The positions of Vice President, Regional Representatives 4, 5, 6 and the
Detector Representative will be elected on odd years at the Spring General
Membership Meeting.
SECTION 5
Only regular members of the Association shall be eligible to run for, or vote for, elective
office on the Executive Board.
SECTION 6 Combined into Section 5
Only regular members of the Association shall be eligible to vote for elective offices on
the Executive Board.
SECTION 6
Installation of the elective officers of the Executive Board shall be at the time of
elections.
SECTION 7
Recall election. Any elected officer of the Executive Board may be recalled or replaced
for non-feasance, misfeasance or malfeasance, or who is no longer in good standing
should the Executive Board, by a two-thirds vote, so decide.
SECTION 8
Vacancies that occur in the office of the Executive Board through resignation, death or
other reason not covered by the preceding section (recall election) shall be filled by the
Executive Board and shall be selected by the President.
SECTION 9
An agency may have no more than 2 members (1 Regional Representative and 1
Officer) serving on the Executive Board at one time.
SECTION 10
Nominations shall be taken from within each region to represent that region. In the
event that no nominations are received from within a region, nominations may be taken
from the side of the state the region resides in (West side – regions 1, 2, 3 or East side
– regions 4, 5, 6).
1. Region 1: Clark, Cowlitz, Gray’s Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston,
Wahkiakum
2. Region 2: King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 10
3. Region 3: Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish,
Whatcom
4. Region 4: Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan
5. Region 5: Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Orielle, Spokane, Stevens, Whitman
6. Region 6: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Klickitat,
Walla Walla, Yakima
SECTION 11
Nominations for President and Vice President and the appointment of the Secretary
and Treasurer may come from members in any region.
SECTION 12
Those members of the Executive Board, while during their term of office no longer
would qualify as a regular member because of reassignment, promotion, advancement,
or other non-disciplinary reason, that Executive Board Member may serve out his
current term, but may not be re-elected unless he again becomes eligible for regular
membership.
ARTICLE VIII TRAINERS
SECTION 1
The WSPCA will recognize certain members in good standing as Master Trainers and
Trainers.
SECTION 2
WSPCA recognized Mater Trainers/Trainers must maintain current/active participation
as defined below:
1. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA.
2. Attend at least one Trainer’s Committee meeting per year, other than at a
seminar.
3. Assist at a minimum of one WSPCA Working Dog Seminar, or other WSPCA
sponsored event approved by the Executive Board, every two years.
4. Assist at a minimum of one WSPCA Accreditation every two years.
SECTION 3
The Trainer's Committee will consist of all WSPCA recognized Master Trainers and
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 11
Trainers. The President shall serve as the Chairperson. The Trainer's Committee
Chairperson may appoint additional committees to address specific issues.
SECTION 4
The qualifications for Police Dog Generalist Trainer are as follows (Attachment B):
1. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA for a minimum of
two consecutive years, at the time of application.
2. Must be in compliance with WAC 139.05.915 (400 hours) to include mandated
State certification.
3. Must have two (2) years of working generalist handler experience.
4. Must be currently WSPCA accredited with their assigned dog at the time of
application and approval. WSPCA accreditation must be in the discipline
for which they are applying.
5. Must be committed to 15 hours per month or 180 hours per year of providing
training for police dogs, other than their own.
6. Must have completed the Washington State Training Commission Instructor
Development class, or have demonstrated the abilities as a police instructor in
general law enforcement or correctional subjects.
7. Prior to submitting an application for appointment as Trainer, the applicant must
have completed a job shadow at 2 seminars, or other WSPCA sponsored events
approved by the Executive Board, under 4 different Trainers. Each Trainer shall
complete an evaluation form, discuss the results with the prospective applicant,
and submit the evaluations to the Trainer’s Panel. Must be in compliance with
Article VIII, Section 4, #3 before beginning a job shadow. (Attachment A)
8. Must submit a letter from their agency supporting the applicant’s position as
trainer for the Association, to include attendance at meetings, accreditations and
seminars.
SECTION 5
The qualifications for Detection Dog (Narcotic or Explosive) Trainer are as follows
(Attachment B):
1. All items in this section refer to the discipline (Narcotic or Explosive) in which the
applicant is applying.
2. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA for a minimum of
two consecutive years, at the time of application.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 12
3. Must be in compliance with WAC 139.05.915 (200 hours for Narcotics or 400
hours for Explosive) to include mandated State certification.
4. Must have two (2) years of working detection dog handler experience.
5. Must be currently WSPCA accredited with their assigned dog at the time of
application and approval. WSPCA accreditation must be in the discipline
for which they are applying.
6. Must be committed to 15 hours per month or 180 hours per year of providing
training for detector dogs, other than their own.
7. Detection Dog applicants Training Masters must have completed 80 hours of
instruction in their specialty field, i.e., Narcotics Identification and Packaging,
Bomb Identification and Packaging.
8. Must have completed the Washington State Training Commission Instructor
Development class, or have demonstrated the abilities as a police instructor in
general law enforcement or correctional subjects.
9. Prior to submitting an application for appointment as Trainer, the applicant must
have completed a job shadow at 2 seminars, or other WSPCA sponsored events
approved by the Executive Board, under 4 different Trainers. Each Trainer shall
complete an evaluation form, discuss the results with the prospective applicant,
and submit the evaluations to the Trainer’s Panel. Must be in compliance with
Article VIII, Section 4, #3 before beginning a job shadow. (Attachment A)
10. Must submit a letter from their agency supporting the applicant’s position as
trainer for the Association, to include attendance at meetings, accreditations and
seminars.
SECTION 6
The qualifications for Police Dog Generalist Master Trainer are as follows (Attachment
C):
1. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA for a minimum of
four (4) consecutive years, at the time of application.
2. Must have been in compliance with WAC 139.05.915 "Dog Generalist Handler"
(400 hours) to include mandated State certification.
3. Must have four (4) years of working generalist handler experience and must have
been successfully accredited their dog with the WSPCA.
4. Must Should be committed to 15 hours per month or 180 hours per year of
providing training for police dogs, other than their own.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 13
5. Must have trained a handler and a dog as a team that comply with WAC
139.05.915, Police Dog Generalist, for the handler. The team must successfully
accredit to the WSPCA General Performance standards for police dog
generalist. Neither member of the team may have met the standards prior to
training.
6. Must have completed the Washington State Training Commission Instructor
Development class, or have demonstrated the abilities as a police instructor in
general law enforcement or Corrections.
7. Prior to application for appointment, as Master Trainer, the applicant must have
first served as a WSPCA Trainer for a minimum of two (2) years and
successfully completed probationary requirements as a trainer.
8. Must submit a letter from their agency supporting the applicant’s position as
trainer for the Association, to include attendance at meetings, accreditations and
seminars.
SECTION 7
The qualifications for Detection Dog (Narcotic or Explosive) Master Trainer are the
following (Attachment C):
1. All items in this section refer to the discipline (Narcotic or Explosive) in which the
applicant is applying.
2. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA for a minimum of
four (4) consecutive years, at the time of application.
3. Must have been in compliance with WAC 139.05.915 (200 hours for Narcotics or
400 hours for Explosive) to include mandated State certification.
4. Must have four (4) years of detection dog handler experience and must have
been successfully accredited their dog with the WSPCA.
5. Should Must be committed to 15 hours per month or 180 hours per year of
providing training for detector dogs, other than their own.
6. Must have trained a handler and a dog as a team that comply with WAC
139.05.915. The team must successfully accredit to the WSPCA General
Performance Standards for the Detection Dog Team. Neither member of the
team may have met the standards prior to training.
7. Detection Dog Master Trainer must complete 80 hours of instruction in their
specialty field, i.e., Narcotics Identification and Packaging, Bomb Identification
and Packaging.
8. Must have completed the Washington State Training Commission Instructor
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 14
Development Class or have demonstrated abilities as a police instructor in
general law enforcement or correctional subjects.
9. Prior to application for appointment as Master Trainer, the applicant must have
first served as a WSPCA Trainer for a minimum of two (2) years and
successfully completed probationary requirements as a trainer.
10. Must submit a letter from their agency supporting the applicant’s position as
trainer for the Association, to include attendance at meetings, accreditations and
seminars.
SECTION 8
Trainers applying for either Police Dog Generalist or Detection Dog Master Trainer, who
meet all other qualifications for Master Trainer, but due to departmental restrictions are
unable to meet qualification number 5 under Section (6) and number 6 under section
(7) above, may be recognized as a Master Trainer by meeting the following additional
requirements:
1. Must be a current/active Trainer for three (3) years in the discipline for which
they are applying.
2. Must provide two letters of recommendation from WSPCA Master Trainer, one of
which must be a trainer from the chosen field. A member of the applicant’s
department may not write either letter.
SECTION 9
Those Master Trainers who branch out into another discipline (generalist, narcotic, or
explosive), can be recognized as Master Trainer for that discipline, by meeting the
following requirements:
1. Must be in compliance with Article VIII, section (6) or section (7).
2. Must have trained both a handler and a dog as a team, that comply with WAC
139.05.915, (generalist, narcotic or explosive), for the handler. The team must
successfully accredit to the WSPCA General Performance Standards for that
discipline. Neither member of the team may have met the standards prior to
training.
3. Must be able to show how the training was done, and the dog's training records.
SECTION 10
Associate Trainers are those individuals recognized by their respective State or
Province as a Canine Trainer, full-time commissioned police officer from their
respective State or Province, and an Associate Member of the WSPCA.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 15
SECTION 11
Any associate member wishing to apply for trainer may request an exception to the
qualifications for Trainer. The associate member must be in good standing with the
WSPCA for a minimum of three consecutive years, at the time of application. These
exceptions must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Trainer’s Committee and by a
two-thirds vote of the Executive Board. Additional requirements may be imposed.
SECTION 12
The process for submitting an application for Trainer is as follows:
1. All applications shall be submitted in resume form, including appropriate
documentation (i.e., certificates, letters, etc.) and job shadow forms (Attachment
A). A completed Trainer Checklist (Attachment B) must be attached as a
cover sheet.
2. Applicants may submit their written application at any time during the year;
however the applicant must appear, in person, before the next available Trainer’s
Committee to give an oral overview of their training and experience.
3. The Trainer's Committee will review the application and either, forward the
application to the next phase or, reject the application with an explanation to the
Applicant. Applications submitted at a seminar will not be sent to the next phase
until the following seminar.
4. Prior to final approval, applicants for Trainer must attend a working dog seminar
where they will be evaluated by two (2) Master Trainers from the discipline for
which the applicant is applying. The Master Trainers will observe the applicant
working their assigned dog and assisting seminar attendees with training. Each
Master Trainer shall complete an evaluation form, discuss the results with the
prospective applicant, and submit the evaluations to the Trainer’s Panel.
5. The evaluating Master Trainers will make their recommendations to the Trainer’s
Committee, who will forward their final recommendations to the Executive Board.
6. The Executive Board will review the recommendations of the Trainer's
Committee and either, grant Trainer status or, reject the application with an
explanation to the Applicant.
7. All approved Trainers shall serve a two (2) year probation period. The Trainer’s
Panel and the Executive Board will conduct a review at the end of the time
period prior to granting permanent status.
8. Each Training Master assigned a probationary Trainer shall complete an
evaluation form, discuss the results with the Applicant, and submit the
evaluations to the Trainer’s Panel.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 16
9. In the event that a problem is identified during the probationary period, the
problem will be documented and submitted to the Trainer’s Committee, who will
make recommendations to the Executive Board for action.
SECTION 13
The process for submitting an application for Master Trainer is as follows:
1. All applications shall be submitted in resume form, including appropriate
documentation (i.e., certificates, letters, etc.). A completed Master Trainer
Checklist (Attachment C) must be attached as a cover sheet.
2. Applicants may submit their written application at any time during the year,
however the applicant must appear, in person, before the next available Trainer's
Committee to give an oral overview of their training and experience.
3. The Trainer's Committee will review the application and either, forward the
Application to the next Trainer's Panel or, reject the application with an
explanation to the Applicant. Applications submitted at a seminar will not be sent
to the Trainer’s Panel until the following seminar.
4. The Trainer's Committee will review the results of the Trainer's Panel and
forward their recommendations to the Executive Board.
5. The Executive Board will review the recommendations of the Trainer's
Committee and either grant Master Trainer status or, reject the application with
an explanation to the Applicant.
6. All approved Master Trainers shall serve a two (2) year probation period. with a
review at the end of the end of the time period, by both the Trainer’s Panel and
the Executive Board, prior to granting permanent status.
7. In the event that a problem is identified during the probationary period, the
problem will be documented and submitted to the Trainer’s Committee, who will
make recommendations to the Executive Board for action.
SECTION 14
The Trainer's Panel will evaluate Applicants applying for Master Trainers.
1. The President will convene a Trainer's Panel at the Working Dog Seminar a
WSPCA sanctioned event.
2. The Trainer's Panel will consist of three (3) Master Trainers, with a minimum of
one (1) Master Trainer from the discipline (Police Dog Generalist or Detection
Dog) for which the Applicant is applying.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 17
3. None of the Master Trainers participating on the Trainer's Panel may be from the
Applicant's department.
4. The evaluation process will consist of two phases, the Working Phase and the
Oral Interview.
5. During the working phase, the Trainer's Panel will observe the Applicant working
with at least three (3) to five (5) dog teams under actual seminar like conditions
during a regular training session.
6. During the Oral Interview Phase, the Trainer's Panel will ask questions based on
observations from the Working Phase and the Applicant’s resume.
ARTICLE IX ACCREDITATIONS
SECTION 1
The purpose of Regional Accreditations is to allow police dog teams to meet the
General Performance Standards. Two (2) recognized WSPCA Master Trainers shall
conduct the evaluation of these Teams, or one (1) recognized WSPCA Master Trainer
and one (1) Trainer. One (1) Trainer must be from the discipline being tested.
SECTION 2
Trainers will not accredit teams for which they are the Trainer of Record.
SECTION 3
Accreditation for all police dog teams should be completed annually, however will be
expired in two (2) years. shall be for a two (2) year period and is to be renewed at
Regional Accreditations.
SECTION 4
All accreditations shall be done at a Regional Accreditation and will not be part of an
Association Seminar.
SECTION 5
General Performance Standards will be defined by the Trainer's Committee and
approved by the Executive Board.
SECTION 6
The Secretary of the Association shall be responsible for keeping the records of those
dogs that have been accredited by the WSPCA Trainers. The Secretary shall also be
responsible for maintaining statistics on the number of dogs passing and failing
accreditations.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 18
ARTICLE X WSPCA SPONSORED EVENTS
SECTION 1
The purpose of having WSPCA sponsored events is to provide an opportunity for
handlers to work their canines through various controlled training exercises and/or
provide training for handlers.
SECTION 2
A WSPCA sponsored event shall be defined as any seminar, accreditation or other
activity sponsored by the WSPCA. The duration of the event shall include all scheduled
event dates inclusive.
SECTION 3
No civilians shall participate or attend a WSPCA sponsored event unless approved by
the Executive Board.
SECTION 4
To be able to participate in a WSPCA sponsored event all handlers and their canines
must:
1. Be at the event with the full knowledge and with the written approval of their
department.
2. Upon arrival at a training site, all handlers will notify the trainers in charge of any
training and/or behavioral problems that their canine may have.
3. Canines or handlers, who appear injured or ill, are not eligible to participate in
WSPCA sponsored events.
4. The handlers and their departments will be responsible for any damage and/or
injury during the event.
SECTION 5
1. No Civilian Quarries will be used during a WSPCA event, unless approved by the
Executive Board.
2. All quarries at a WSPCA sponsored event must be at the event with the full
knowledge and with the written approval of their sponsoring department.
3. All quarries will be required to sign a liability waiver (Attachment D) to participate
at each WSPCA sponsored event. The waiver shall be retained by the WSPCA.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 19
SECTION 6
If an incident occurs resulting in injury and/or damage, all parties involved (ie. trainers,
handlers, and quarry), will be asked to submit a written report detailing the incident. All
reports will be submitted to a WSPCA Executive board member prior to the end of the
event. All reports will be retained by the WSPCA.
ARTICLE XI WSPCA RETIRED POLICE DOG MEDICAL FUND
SECTION 1
The WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical Fund has been established as a
reimbursement fund for out of pocket expenses, incurred by the handler, for non-routine
medical care for retired police dogs.
SECTION 2
The WSPCA Executive Board will administer the WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical
Fund. The Board shall establish guidelines by which the Fund is administered.
SECTION 3
The Fund balance must maintain a $2000.00 minimum balance at all times. If the
balance falls below the minimum, then no reimbursements will be granted until the
balance rises. If the Fund balance can not maintain the minimum balance then the
Executive Board can vote to dissolve the Fund by a majority vote. If voted to dissolve
then the balance will be donated to a non-profit charity of the Executive Board’s choice.
SECTION 4
The definition of “retired” shall refer to any police dog that was terminated from service
for any reason other than job performance issues, unless those issues were related to
an illness, injury, or age.
SECTION 5
A police dog shall be eligible under the terms of this article if:
1. His handler was a “regular” WSPCA member in good standing at the time of the
dog’s retirement.
2. The dog was certified by the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission
and accredited by the WSPCA at the time of retirement.
3. The handler must register the dog with the WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical
Fund at the time of the dog’s retirement. The Fund registration form can be
downloaded from the WSPCA’s web site.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 20
SECTION 6
The process for requesting reimbursement under this article is as follows:
1. All requests for payment must be submitted utilizing a Reimbursement Request
form, which can be downloaded from the WSPCA web site.
2. A copy of the invoice showing the date of service, service provided, and the
patient’s name must be submitted with the Reimbursement Request, within 60
days of the service provided.
3. The Executive Board will review all Reimbursement Requests and supporting
documentation. The Executive Board will either approve or deny the request, by
a majority vote.
4. The Treasurer shall disburse funds upon approval of the Executive Board.
5. All Reimbursement Requests and related documentation shall be maintained on
file with the dog’s registration form.
SECTION 7
The maximum total benefit for any one retired police dog within the Fund’s calendar
year (January 1st to December 31st) will be 10% of the Fund balance. The maximum
benefit amount is determined at fiscal year end of the Fund and is used as the
maximum benefit amount for the next fiscal year.
SECTION 8
At no time will the accumulative sum of bills for any one retired dog be greater than the
maximum benefit allowed during that fiscal year.
SECTION 9
Payment may be denied by the Executive Board if the dog has received financial aid
from their agency or from a similar fund.
Attachment A Job Shadow Form (Pending development)
Attachment B Checklist for Trainer applications (Update after Bylaw review)
Attachment C Checklist for Master Trainer applications
(Update after Bylaw review)
Attachment D Liability Waiver (Pending development)
Attachment E WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical Fund Registration
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 21
Attachment F WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical Fund Reimbursement Form
Attachment G WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical Fund Donation Form
(Pending development)
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 22
Attachment B (PENDING UPDATE)
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING AN ASSISTANT TRAINER APPLICATION
The qualifications for Generalist, Narcotic or Explosive Assistant Trainer are as follows:
1. All applications shall be submitted in resume form. Specify discipline (generalist,
narcotic or explosive). Supply appropriate documentation. A completed
Assistant Trainer Checklist (Attachment A) must be attached as a cover
sheet.
2. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA for a minimum of
two consecutive years, at the time of application.
3. Be in compliance with WAC 139.05.915 Generalist (400 hours) or Narcotic (200
hours) or Explosive (400 hours)
4. Two (2) years of working (generalist, narcotic or explosive) handler experience in
the discipline in which they are applying.
5. Currently WSPCA accredited (generalist, narcotic or explosive) with the WSPCA
at the time of application in the discipline in which they are applying.
6. Provide 15 hours per month or 180 hours per year of training for other canine
(generalist, narcotic or explosive) teams.
7. Complete the Washington State Training Commission Instructor Development
class, or have demonstrated the abilities as a police instructor in general law
enforcement.
8. Prior to submitting application, the applicant must have completed a job shadow
at 2 seminars under 4 different Trainers. Each Trainer shall complete an
evaluation form, discuss the results with the prospective applicant, and submit
the evaluations to the Trainer’s Panel.
9. Submit a letter from their agency supporting the applicant’s position as trainer for
the Association, to include attendance at meetings, accreditations and seminars.
The additional requirements for Associate Members applying for Assistant
Trainer:
1. The associate member must be in good standing with the WSPCA for a
minimum of three (3) consecutive years, at the time of application.
2. Specify the exception you are requesting.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 23
Attachment C (PENDING UPDATE)
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING A MASTER TRAINER APPLICATION
The qualifications for Generalist, Narcotic or Explosive Training Master are as follows:
1. All applications shall be submitted in resume form. Specify discipline (generalist,
narcotic or explosive). Supply appropriate documentation. A completed
Master Trainer Checklist (Attachment B) must be attached as a cover
sheet.
2. Must be a regular member in good standing with the WSPCA for a minimum of
four consecutive years, at the time of application.
3. Be in compliance with WAC 139.05.915 Generalist (400 hours) or Narcotic (200
hours) or Explosive (400 hours)
4. Four (4) years of working (generalist, narcotic or explosive) handler experience.
5. Successfully accredited a dog with the WSPCA.
6. Provide 15 hours per month or 180 hours per year of training for other canine
(generalist, narcotic or explosive) teams.
7. Trained a handler and a dog as a team that comply with WAC 139.05.915,
(generalist, narcotic or explosive), for the handler. The team must successfully
accredit to the WSPCA General Performance Standards for the Dog Team.
Neither member of the team may have met the standards prior to training.
8. Complete the Washington State Training Commission Instructor Development
class, or have demonstrated the abilities as a police instructor in general law
enforcement.
9. Must be an Assistant Trainer for a minimum of two (2) years and successfully
completed probationary requirements.
11. Must submit a letter from their agency supporting the applicant’s position as
trainer for the Association, to include attendance at meetings, accreditations and
seminars.
The additional qualifications for Assistant Trainers unable to train a green team:
1. Must be a current/active Assistant Trainer for three (3) years and successfully
completed probationary requirements.
2. Provide two letters of recommendation from WSPCA Training Masters, one of
which must be a trainer from the chosen field. A member of the applicant’s
department may not write either letter.
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 24
Attachment E
WSPCA
RETIRED POLICE DOG
FUND
REGISTRATION FORM
Retired police dogs MUST be registered with the WSPCA Retired Police Dog Fund to
be eligible for reimbursement for non-routine medical care. Send a completed
registration form to the WSPCA Retired Police Dog Fund Committee. See the WSPCA
Bylaws for eligibility requirements.
HANDLER’S NAME _____________________________________________________
HANDLER’S ADDRESS _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
HANDLER’S PHONE # __________________________________________________
HANDLER’S E-MAIL ADDRESS ___________________________________________
AGENCY’S NAME ______________________________________________________
AGENCY’S PHONE # ___________________________________________________
K9’S NAME ___________________________________________________________
K9’s BREED ___________________________________________________________
K9’S DISCIPLINE: PATROL NARCOTICS EXPLOSIVE CROSS TRAINED
K9’S DATES OF SERVICE _______________________________________________
DATE OF WAC CERTIFICATION __________________________________________
DATE OF LAST WSPCA ACCREDITATION __________________________________
REASON FOR K9’S RETIREMENT FROM SEVICE: ___________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Send to: WSPCA Retired Police Dog Fund
4227 South Meridian
PMB-118
Puyallup, WA 98373
(Review Draft 5-6-12) WSPCA Bylaws 25
Attachment F
WSPCA
RETIRED POLICE DOG
FUND
REIMBURSEMENT FORM
A completed registration form must be sent to the WSPCA Retired Police Dog Fund
Committee to be eligible for reimbursement of non-routine medical care. See the
WSPCA Bylaws for eligibility requirements.
HANDLER’S NAME _____________________________________________________
HANDLER’S ADDRESS _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
HANDLER’S PHONE # __________________________________________________
K9’S NAME ___________________________________________________________
NAME OF VETERINARY HOSPITAL _______________________________________
TREATMENT K9 RECEIVED _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
DATE(S) OF TREATMENT _______________________________________________
TOTAL COST _________________________________________________________
Please attach ORIGINAL COPY of bill to this form and send it to the address listed
below.
Send to: WSPCA Retired Police Dog Fund
4227 South Meridian
PMB-118
Puyallup, WA 98373
