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This association shall be known as Citizen Policy Academy Alumni of Aurora.
This association shall function in the City of Aurora, in the State of Illinois.
A. The Citizen Police Academy Alumni of Aurora (hereafter known as CPAAA) exists to assist the Aurora Police Department (hereafter known as APD) in its overall Mission.
B. The Organization is provided education by the department in law enforcement issues and community concerns.
C. The CPAAA supports the APD by volunteerism, fostering the belief that preservation of public welfare is the duty of every citizen.
D. As a citizen group we will offer a helping hand to our community to improve our quality of life.
E. We will assist the APD in developing and coordinating various projects that are meaningful, rewarding experiences for our community when necessary.
A. Full membership is only available to those who have completed the Citizen Police Academy as provided by the City of Aurora Police Department, State of Illinois.
B. No person shall be denied membership in this association because of race, sex, religion or ethnic background.
C. Only full members in good standing shall be able to vote on association business or hold office. A full member in good standing is one who is current in their dues.
D. Honorary members are chosen by action of the Executive Board (hereafter known as Board) based on significant direct or indirect support of the CPAAA. Those chosen by the Board shall be ratified by a majority vote of those present at the general membership meeting and will have all privileges of membership except for voting rights and participation as a board member.
E. Since this is a participation driven organization, all members are expected to participate by attending meetings and functions.
F. All members and officers will serve on a voluntary basis.
A. Except as otherwise provided, membership requires payment to the association of annual dues which shall be set by the Board and reviewed annually, payable on or before the January meeting.
B. Members who have not paid renewal dues by the end of the January meeting will be dropped from the membership list. To attend meetings, receive newsletters, obtain access to social media, or volunteer for CPAAA activities, past members will need to be reinstated. After the January meeting, there will be a reinstatement fee as determined by the Board. Dues invoices shall be mailed out to the membership by the Treasurer at least one month prior to the January meeting.
C. No dues or fees will be assessed to Honorary members.
D. Initial membership fees will be set by the Board and reviewed annually.
A. All funds shall be derived from dues, donations from any source, or proceeds from fundraisers.
B. Funds secured by the CPAAA shall be used in support of the APD and furthering the education of the CPAAA and the Citizen Police Academy (CPA) programs including the Adult CPA and a Youth CPA.
C. Any funds remaining at the end of the calendar year (year to be from January 1st to December 31st) shall be carried over to the next calendar year.
D. An internal financial review shall be conducted annually at the end of the calendar year. An independent audit shall be conducted at the end of any calendar year in which gross receipts exceed $300,000. This process shall ensure the non-profit objective of this organization.
E. In the event of the dissolution of this association all funds shall be disposed of according to present statutes.
F. All requests for donations from the CPAAA must be submitted to the Board for preapproval. Those requests the Board considers worthwhile must be presented to the membership for their approval.
G. The CPAAA will pay for the registration fee for two (2) Board members and one general member to attend the National Citizen Police Academy Association annual conference. If multiple general members attend there will be a lottery to select whose registration will be paid. Additionally, the CPAAA will pay for the registration fee for up to three (3) Aurora Police Department law enforcement officers to attend.
H. Funds raised for a specific purpose shall be expended for that purpose. If the purpose ceases to exist after the funds are secured, the funds can then be reallocated by a majority vote of the Board.
The elected officers of this organization shall be as follows:
President
First Vice President
Second Vice President
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Coordinator
Communications Coordinator
Event Coordinator
Project Coordinator
Past President
A. The offices of President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, Membership Coordinator, and Past President shall begin in even numbered years.
B. The offices of First Vice President, Recording Secretary, Communications Coordinator, Event Coordinator, and Project Coordinator shall begin in the odd numbered years.
C. The duties of the officers are provided in CPAAA Policies.
D. It is expected that elected officers will attend most (80%) of the board meetings held in any given year. Failure to attend meetings may result in disqualification from the Board. Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis if discussed with the Board at the beginning of the year or with the President within a reasonable time prior to the board meeting.
Nominating Committee/Elections
E. The nominating committee shall convene in October and shall consist of the First Vice President and two members at large. The committee shall be responsible for identifying at least one qualified and agreeable candidate for each office that is open in a given year. Those interested in running for office should be a member for at least 2 years and be in good standing. They must be willing and able to attend monthly executive and general meetings. Those members who desire to hold an elected position shall notify the nominating committee. The nominating committee shall present their slate at the November meeting for those members elected taking office January 1st of the following year.
F. An uncontested slate should be accepted by verbal vote at the November meeting.
G. If nominations are added from the floor, the slate will be voted on by ballot at the December meeting.
H. The terms of said officers should be for a period of two (2) years. No officers may succeed themselves two (2) consecutive terms unless the slate is uncontested and approved by membership at the November meeting.
I. If an officer leaves office during their term, the replacement shall be nominated by the Board and approved by the membership.
J. The Board of this association shall have the control, direction, and general management of the affairs, business, and funds of this association.
K. It is desirable for a board member to be a member of each committee, when possible. The Committee Chair shall keep the Board updated on their respective committees. Board meeting agendas shall include committee report updates.
A. Executive board meetings will normally be held once a month during session. All agenda items for Board meetings should be brought to the attention of the President and/or 1st Vice President no less than 3 days prior to board meetings so that members can have appropriate answers/materials available at meeting. This does not pertain to special meetings called by President or 1st Vice President.
B. The President or 1st Vice President, upon reasonable notice to Board members may call a special meeting of the Board.
C. The majority shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Board.
D. Membership meetings shall be held the second Tuesday of most months at a place and time to be determined by the Board. The members shall have reasonable notice of said meetings. Typically, there are no general meetings in June or July.
E. A majority vote shall decide any questions at any meeting except as otherwise herein provided.
F. Special meetings of the members may be called by action of the President of the Board, with reasonable notice to the Membership.
A. A member of the CPAAA may be disqualified from this organization for the following reasons:
Conviction of a felony or Class A or B misdemeanor.
Violation of any policy or procedure of the APD or the lawful directives of any police officer when acting as a member of the CPAAA.
Any activity or action that is disruptive to the goals and objectives of this organization.
Any act that is considered unethical or would cause a negative image of the CPAAA.
Any member may be removed at any time by directions of the Aurora Chief of Police, or his designated representatives without a disqualification hearing.
Any member of the association, except honorary, may institute disqualification requests. The request must be submitted in writing to the Board, detailing the reason warranting disqualification.
If the Board determines there is no justification for disqualification, the matter is dropped. The member registering the complaint will be notified of the Board’s decision.
B. All disqualifications shall be part of the permanent record along with the Board ruling.
C. Disqualifications should be be reported to the membership or others. If asked, the response shall be that the individual is no longer with the organization. This is the appropriate response whether the action is by the Chief of Police or the Board.
These by-laws may be amended at any meeting of the members of this association by a two-thirds vote of the members in attendance.
Notification of amendments to the By-Laws and Constitution will be given to members for review and first reading. Second reading and vote to take place at the following meeting.
Revised and approved in May 2025.