BYLAWS OF THE

NEW MEXICO GANG INVESTIGATORS ASSOCIATION

Adopted on September 25th, 2020; Amended on October 28th, 2020; Amended on July 15th, 2021

Contents

Article I - Name and Seal

Article II - Purpose and Functions

Article III - Membership

Article IV - Meetings

Article V - Fiscal Matters

Article VI - Officers

Article VII - Executive Board

Article VIII - Committees and Advisors

Article IX - State Regions

Article X - Discipline

Article XI - Amendments

Article XII - Policy Manual

Article XIII - Certification

Article I

Name and Seal

Section 1. Name

The name of this organization is the New Mexico Gang Investigators Association, hereinafter referred to as NMGIA or the Association. The NMGIA shall be organized as an educational non-profit corporation.

Section 2. Seal

The seal of the NMGIA shall be in such form and design as the Executive Board may select and shall bear the name of “New Mexico Gang Investigators Association.” The seal shall remain the property of the NMGIA and may not be used without the prior, express, written permission of the Association President.

Section 3. Principal Place of Business

The principal place of business of the association shall be at Santa Fe, the County of Santa Fe and the State of New Mexico.

Article II

Purpose and Functions

Section 1. Purpose

The purpose of the NMGIA is to increase the awareness of gangs and gang activity within the State of New Mexico and to assist criminal justice professionals in recognizing and combating gang activity. The NMGIA is committed to providing current information and establishing a network between the NMGIA membership, fellow associations, criminal justice agencies and the State Legislature.

Section 2. Functions

The functions of the NMGIA are to:

a) Promote a closer coordinated relationship among gang investigators with views towards a more extensive and rapid dissemination and exchange of information concerning gang-related incidents, suspects and investigations;

b) Encourage and support legislation that would tend to decrease or curb the occurrence of gang-related crimes;

c) Aid and assist the judiciary and related agencies in the adjudication of criminal defendants;

d) Solicit the support of the public that they themselves might be better protected and educated in the prevention of any organized criminal activity;

e) Work to develop and promote community partnerships between criminal justice agencies and the private sector with the goal of reducing gang crime and involvement of youths in criminal gang activity;

f) Encourage the development of new methods and techniques that will assist investigators in the identification and apprehension of gang members suspected of crimes;

g) Cooperate with all agencies, governmental and private, who are attempting to develop new techniques and systems;

h) Support and promote a mix of Prevention, Intervention, Education, and Enforcement programs and initiatives to identify and deter at-risk individuals from involvement in criminal gang activities.

i) Endeavor to provide training on gangs, other organized criminal activities, tactics, philosophies, etc., to members along with criminal justice professionals and the community upon request.

j) Enhance official understanding on the importance of gang investigations and encourage general recognition of the practice of such as a professional field;

k) Develop standards of competency for the profession and support professional standards of career development for gang investigators, including pre-employment education, standards of recruiting and selection, training, and programs for continuing professional development;

l) Recognize and reinforce the concepts of professionalism, integrity, dedication to service, and outstanding contributions among gang investigators;

m) Facilitate improved performance quality in gang investigations by furnishing advisory and related services;

n) Conduct research studies related to gangs and gang activity; and

o) Provide mechanisms for the dissemination of information regarding gangs and gang activity.

Article III

Membership

Section 1. Eligibility

Membership in NMGIA is open to all law enforcement officers, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, juvenile and youth services officers, city, state, federal intelligence and investigations officers, city attorneys, county / district attorneys, state attorneys, or US attorneys, judges, and other Criminal Justice professionals with an interest in gang activity, who are of high moral character, who have demonstrated a high degree of integrity, and who agree to follow and adhere to the Bylaws of NMGIA.

a) Membership shall be open to all qualified persons within the State of New Mexico and the United States. Membership shall not be denied or refused based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, or genetic information.

b) Each member of the Association shall support the purpose of the Association, and is subject to additional requirements, or exceptions, as the Board, in its discretion believe appropriate. Each member shall uphold these Bylaws.

c) Each member shall maintain on file with the Board a correct and current mailing address, email address, and contact telephone number to enable communication of Association business.

d) Continued membership privileges require prompt payment of renewal membership fees.

e) Active members in good standing who retire shall be entitled to continue their membership in the Association by payment of their dues.

f) Any active member who retires may petition the Executive Board for Life-Time Membership status.

g) No member of the Association shall express an opinion or endorse any proposition or candidate for political office, while representing the views of the New Mexico Gang Investigators Association, without the sanction of a majority of the Board.

h) The Board shall resolve all questions pertaining to eligibility for or continuance of membership in NMGIA. The Board may waive eligibility requirements as set forth herein when, in its judgment, such action would serve the best interests of NMGIA.

Section 2. Application

Applications or nominees for membership must be sponsored by a Regular member in good standing or by a member of the Executive Board.

a) Candidates for membership shall complete an application and attach a copy of the applicant’s professional identification / credentials, either in writing or electronically on the proper NMGIA form and submit both with dues payment.

b) All applications for membership shall be acted upon by the Secretary. Should an applicant appear not to meet the membership criteria or should there be a question relative to the class of membership, the Vice President shall rule on acceptance, rejection and/or the category of membership.

c) If a rejection or designation as to class of membership is challenged by the applicant, the application shall be submitted to the Board for review and determination. Rejection by a quorum of the Board shall result in denial of membership.

d) Should any application be denied, the application, together with the dues submitted, shall be returned to the applicant along with a letter explaining the reason the application was denied.

e) The Board may review any decision on acceptance for membership made by the Secretary and shall be advised in detail of any decision to reject an application for membership.

Section 3. Membership Classes

Membership within NMGIA shall consist of the following classes:

a) Regular Member: Full-time employees or retired full-time employees in good standing with the individual's former employer, as defined within Article III, Section 1. Regular Members can serve on the board and committees, carry voting privileges and can hold office.

b) Associate Member: Full-time civilian employees or retired full-time civilian employees of a criminal justice agency, individuals employed by a non-criminal justice public safety agency, private industry, educational institution or prevention/intervention program which exhibits an interest in gang activity and criminal justice support; whose talents and interest are of benefit to the Association. Associate Members can serve on the board and committees but do not carry voting privileges or hold office.

c) Honorary Members: The Board may appoint any person who has done or is doing outstanding work for or providing support to the Association as an Honorary Member. Honorary membership may be conferred upon any member of an involved public agency. This Honorary membership may be canceled at any time, for cause, by the Board. Honorary Members may not attend business meetings or attend law enforcement training in the Association unless they also meet the requirements to be a Regular or Associate Member. Honorary members cannot serve on the board and committees and do not carry voting privileges or hold office.

d) Life-Time Members: Life-Time membership may be awarded to members based on distinguished service or contributions to the Association. Life-Time members can serve on committees but do not carry voting privileges or hold office. Life-Time members will be recognized at each Annual meeting of the general membership by the Association President. The Board may, by their unanimous vote, approve consideration for Life-Time membership. The consideration will then be put to a vote at the next annual meeting of the general membership at which time the Life-Time membership shall be approved or denied.

e) Life-Time Board Members: Life-Time Board members will ensure the organization maintains a professional image by assisting and advocating for the association, by providing training, education and awareness of Gangs in New Mexico and the United States; soliciting and aiding in recruitment efforts to increase membership and advocate for the organization via emails and networking opportunities with law enforcement and Criminal Justice professionals. Life-Time Board members should develop and maintain contacts with all other Gang Investigator Associations and maintain contact with regards to local, state, regional and national gang experts and instructors to the best of their ability.

1. Life-Time Board Members can serve on the board and committees, carry voting privileges and can hold office.

2. Life-Time Board members will be recognized at each Annual meeting of the general membership by the Association President.

3. The founding members of NMGIA are recognized as Life-Time Board Members and include Joseph Kolb, Walter D. Herrera, Kathryn Urioste and William Perdue.

4. Additional Life-Time Board members may be appointed based upon distinguished service and contributions to the Association. The Board may, by their unanimous vote, approve consideration for appointment. The consideration for appointment will then be put to a vote at the next annual meeting of the general membership at which time appointment of such Life-Time Board member shall be approved or denied.

Section 4. Affiliated Organizations

An Affiliated Organization must be sponsored by the Vice President. Agreements shall be valid for two (2) years and may be entered into and/or renewed based on the following criteria: a formal Affiliation Agreement between NMGIA and the proposed affiliated organization; Submission of a letter of request on agency letterhead signed by the head of the agency; Nomination letter and supporting documentation of significant service submitted by a third party. Affiliated organizations shall consist of the following classes:

a) Corporate Partner: A corporation or other business entity which demonstrates and continues to demonstrate support of the NMGIA purpose and functions.

b) Partner Organization: A government entity, steering committee, professional development committee, non-profit organization, or similar entity which has demonstrated and continue to demonstrate support of the NMGIA mission, purpose, and functions.

c) Liaison Organization: A government and/or non-profit organization or a committee under such organization which the NMGIA consults with and/or serves on in order to further the overall NMGIA mission. These functions may include but are not limited to developing qualification standards and competencies for the field of gang investigations; reinforcing the concepts of professionalism, dedication to service, and integrity within the field; and devising and supporting professional standards for career development.

d) Academic Institution: An accredited educational entity with a criminal justice curriculum which supports the NMGIA purpose and functions.

Section 5. Dues

Dues, registration fees, and assessments for each class of member of NMGIA shall be determined by the Board. All classes of members shall be advised six (6) months in advance of any change in annual dues. The Executive Board may, at its discretion, assess a yearly fee, to offset the costs of printing new membership cards, producing membership packages and shipping costs.

a) General membership fees will be in an amount determined by the Executive Board. Life-Time Board Members in good standing, shall have all privileges remaining in effect without further remuneration.

b) If the dues or other amount owed by any member in good standing remains unpaid for a period of thirty (30) days, NMGIA shall request either personally or by electronic or regular mail, immediate payment thereof, and such request having been made, then from and after the end of said period and until such payment said member shall cease to be in good standing.

c) If within thirty (30) days additional time, during which he/she shall have been notified as herein before provided, the amount owing by such member continues unpaid, then the membership of such person shall automatically terminate unless otherwise ordered by the Board.

d) Any person desiring to have his/her membership restored after the expiration of one year from the loss thereof, as above described, shall be subject to the rules and procedures prescribed for an original application for membership.

e) All Association officers, members of the Board and NMGIA committees shall maintain current membership in the organization. If such membership is not renewed within ninety (90) days of assuming such office, or within ninety (90) days of the beginning of each successive year of said term of office, and by majority vote of the Board, such member shall be deemed to have forfeited such position. Members suspended under this Article shall not be reinstated to the prior elected position held, but may stand for reelection.

f) All dues, membership cards, etc. shall be transmitted through the Association.

Article IV

Meetings

Section 1. Annual Meeting of the Membership.

The annual meeting of the general membership of NMGIA, shall be held at such time and place as the Board may designate. This meeting shall include a training seminar designed to comply with NMDPS training requirements.

Section 2. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the voting members may be called at any time upon written notification given to all voting members at least fifteen (15) days in advance. Such special meetings may be called at the insistence of members of the Board, or at least ten (10) of the voting members who sign, date, and deliver to any Executive officer a written demand stating the purpose or purposes for which the special meeting is called. Any such written notice shall state the purpose or purposes of the meeting. Business transacted at all special meetings shall be confined to the purposes stated in such notice of the meeting.

Section 3. Voting

At every meeting of the membership, each member shall be entitled to one vote on any question put before the membership, in person or by written proxy filed with the Secretary. The vote on any question shall be by ballot, if the Board so determines, or if so, ordered by a majority of the membership present at the meeting.

Section 4. Monthly Meetings

There shall be monthly meetings to discuss current gang / group issues impacting the membership and address NMGIA business, to include preparations for the next annual meeting of the general membership, training seminar, and regional training presentations based upon need and request. Monthly meetings may be canceled on the agreement of all Executive Board members.

Section 5. Order of Business

At any meeting of the membership, the rules contained in the most current version of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws of NMGIA. The presiding officer may, however, in the discretion and with the consent of a majority of the Regular members in good standing present, depart from the regular order of business or dispense with any item thereof as the occasion may require.

Section 6. Quorum

A majority of the Regular members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at general NMGIA meetings. Motions and actions proposed shall be submitted to and become effective upon majority vote of the Regular members.

Article V

Fiscal Matters

Section 1. Fiscal Authority

The NMGIA is authorized to collect dues, registration fees, other fees, grants, donations, gifts, and payments for instructional and Association materials received by the Treasurer which shall keep complete and accurate records of all income and payments on behalf of the Association.

Section 2. Fiscal Year

The NMGIA fiscal year shall be January 1 through December 31.

Section 3. Transactions

The Board shall hold the primary operating bank account for the Association. Funds of the Association can only be dispersed as agreed upon by a quorum of the Board. An Executive Resolution shall not be necessary for disbursements made in the ordinary course of business.

Section 4. Exempt Activities

No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of any director, officer, member or other private person, except that the Association shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distribution in furtherance of the mission and purpose of NMGIA.

Section 5. Distribution upon Dissolution

Upon termination of the NMGIA as an Association, all assets and property shall first be liquidated. After all outstanding debts and expenses are paid, the remaining funds will be turned over to a to-be-determined non-profit, charitable organization(s), the determination of which will be decided by three-fourths (3/4) of the total number of voting members.

Article VI

Officers

Section 1. Term and Composition of Officers

The officers of the NMGIA shall be elected by the Regular membership and shall serve on the Board for a term of two (2) years or until a successor is duly qualified, elected, and installed. Should such a vacancy occur among the elected offices, the President, upon approval of a majority vote of the Board, shall fill such vacancy by appointing a qualified Regular member in good standing to serve until the next regularly scheduled election. The presiding officers of the NMGIA shall consist of a President, a Vice President, Secretary, and a Treasurer.

a) Officers shall be full-time employees or retired full-time employees in good standing with the individual's former employer, as defined within Article III, Section 1.

b) Any Regular Member may seek any office of the Association except that of President.

c) A Member must have served as an Executive Officer for one term preceding the annual meeting of the general membership at which the Member seeks election to the Presidency.

d) Membership on the Executive Board is limited to New Mexico residents.

Section 2. President

The President of the NMGIA shall be the chief executive officer of the Association.

a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board.

b) The President performs all duties incident or usually pertaining to such position, and those duties delegated or assigned by the Board.

c) Should vacancies occur on the Board, the President shall with the advice and consent of a majority vote of the Board, appoint officers.

d) The President shall appoint special committees and special committee chairs as needed.

e) The President represents the Association and its members to other organizations, government and public agencies, the media, the public, and serves as the primary spokesperson for the Association and as representative to the National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association.

f) The President has general supervision of all business and affairs of the Association. The President ensures the Executive Board fulfills its responsibilities and governs implementation of Bylaws and Association objectives.

g) The President works toward the enhancement of NMGIA’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations on a state and national level.

h) The President is responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

i) The President coordinates with the Board to ensure the mission fulfillment through programs and community outreach.

j) The President assists with implementation of NMGIA’s programs that carry out the Association’s mission.

Section 3. Vice President

The Vice President shall assume and perform the duties and responsibilities of the President during the President’s absence or inability to act.

a) The Vice President shall be responsible for NMGIA strategic planning.

b) The Vice President shall succeed to the presidency if the President resigns or is incapacitated, and at the termination of the President’s term of office if such office should otherwise be unfilled.

c) The Vice President shall preside at meetings in the absence of the President.

d) The Vice President shall perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board.

e) The Vice President shall coordinate and manage all Association activities of Regional Representatives.

f) The Vice President will oversee and supervise any special committees or projects for the Association

Section 4. Secretary

The Secretary is assigned the primary responsibility for records management.

a) The Secretary shall keep an accurate written record of NMGIA proceedings including all motions approved by the Executive Board.

b) The Secretary shall issue notices of meetings; carry on all correspondence not incident to the functioning of other NMGIA offices or committees.

c) The Secretary shall co-sign with the President all instruments requiring such signatures.

d) The Secretary shall serve as custodian of the NMGIA seal.

e) The Secretary shall assist the President in preparing meeting agenda and arrange all meetings of the Board.

f) The Secretary shall assist committees, oversee the NMGIA awards program, elections, and proposals submitted to the membership for approval; maintain the bylaws and policy manual.

g) The Secretary is responsible for devising membership retention and recruitment strategies; sustaining contact with and service to the current membership; conducts outreach campaigns and survey of members, gang investigators and related communities to generate greater interest in the NMGIA.

h) The Secretary shall process membership applications and coordinates with the Association Treasurer regarding dues, payments and training registration fees.

i) The Secretary maintains up-to-date contact details for the Board and membership of the Association, accepts names of prospective members and initiates contact with same and conducts a workshop at each semi-annual meeting for new or perspective members and verify all information contained on membership applications.

j) The Secretary shall be responsible for creating communication strategies to present a consistent message and professional depiction of the NMGIA; publications; and coordinates the Association website and social media content provided by the Board, maintaining them up to date.

k) The Secretary coordinates with corporate, academic, and other organizational partners to attract support and involvement in the NMGIA; interacts with and secures support from sponsors; develops initiatives beneficial to the NMGIA and appropriate partners.

l) The Secretary works with the Association President toward establishing and maintaining relationships with various organizations throughout the state and nation to utilize those relationships for strategic enhancement of NMGIA’s Mission.

m) The Secretary establishes beneficial relationships with corporate entities, which are supportive of the NMGIA Mission and Purpose and solicits resources from the corporate community on behalf of the NMGIA, in furtherance of its Mission and Purpose.

n) The Secretary shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board.

Section 5. Treasurer

The Treasurer is assigned the primary responsibility for custody of all funds and securities of the Association as well as oversight and management of the Association’s finances; subject to such regulations as may be imposed by State or Federal Regulations.

a) The Treasurer shall obtain and maintain custody of NMGIA funds, receive all monies due, and deposit funds in such bank or banks as the President may direct.

b) The Treasurer shall maintain all NMGIA financial books, records, and accounts and always make them available for inspection by NMGIA officers and members during normal business hours.

c) The Treasurer shall sign or countersign all checks, notes, orders, payments, and drafts made or signed by the President, and shall pay out and dispose of NMGIA funds under the general direction of the President.

d) The Treasurer shall maintain a true account of all monies received and disbursed and shall present a full report of the financial conditions of NMGIA at each annual or special meeting.

e) The Treasurer with input from Board members and other key organization personnel, shall annually prepare a budget which shall be presented to the Board for approval.

f) The Treasurer shall prepare, and file all required tax forms.

g) The Treasurer shall be responsible for general fundraising activities, grant applications, and developing other resources necessary to support NMGIA’s mission.

h) The Treasurer develops resources toward enhancing the financial health of the organization to strengthen the fiscal integrity of NMGIA.

i) The Treasurer shall be responsible for researching and obtaining price quotes for merchandise to be purchased for conferences, trainings and other events; serve as a liaison between the NMGIA and vendors on issues related to merchandise to be purchased for conferences, trainings and other events and obtain Board approval prior to the purchase of merchandise and coordinates payment for vendors.

j) The Treasurer will maintain the online store, merchandise inventory, fulfillment and promotion of merchandise to include trainings, certifications and the annual conference.

k) The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board.

Section 6. Duties

In addition to the duties and responsibilities prescribed in these bylaws and the NMGIA Policy Manual, all officers shall carry out those duties customarily accorded under parliamentary authority as well as those that may be assigned by the President, the Executive Board, or the membership through the Executive Board.

Section 7. Expiration of Term

Each officer and director shall, at the expiration of their term, deliver to the successor all property of the Association in their care, custody, or control. The outgoing elected officer or director shall facilitate the orderly transition by coordinating and communicating with the incoming officer or director regarding the responsibilities and duties of said office.

Section 8. Compensation

No officer, director, or member may receive compensation from the Association except as specifically authorized and directed by the President and approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board.

Section 9. Termination of Office

An officer or director who does not perform the duties ascribed by these Bylaws, the NMGIA Policy Manual, or the Board shall be removed from office after a fair and impartial hearing before the Board.

Article VII

Executive Board

Section 1. Management

The property, business and affairs of the NMGIA shall be managed by an elected Executive Board chaired by the President and composed of all elected officers of the NMGIA.

a) The Board shall decide all questions, which may arise under the Bylaws subject to appeal of its decision at the annual meeting of the general membership.

b) All Board members shall attend at least 75% of all meetings unless otherwise excused by the Association President.

c) All Board members shall participate in all voting issues by either phone or electronic communication; unless otherwise excused by the Association President.

d) When possible, the Association President shall be responsible for all public pronouncements in the name of the Association, with the sanction of the Board.

e) The immediate Past President may serve as an advisor to the Board at the discretion of the President.

Section 2. Powers

A majority Board vote is required but not limited to the following actions: setting dues levels; filling board vacancies; ratifying contracts; approving the venue for the annual training event proposed by the Conference Committee; hiring, compensating, and terminating personnel; reviewing appeals of Ethics Complaint Review Panel decisions; establishing and discontinuing affiliations; expending funds for consultants or individuals representing NMGIA at conferences, symposia, and meetings; appointing program managers, committee chairs, and editors; and amending the NMGIA Bylaws or NMGIA Policy Manual.

Section 3. Meetings and Board Communications

A Board meeting shall be an in-person or electronic communication when a quorum is required, votes are called, and minutes are recorded.

a) At least one (1) in-person meeting of the Board shall be held each calendar year during the annual training event. The exact date, time, and place for these meetings shall be determined by the President and notice of such meetings shall be provided by the Secretary at least twenty (20) days before the meeting. Such notice shall include the date, time, and place of the meeting as well as an agenda of topics to be discussed. Each Board member shall provide the Secretary with all supporting documentation at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.

b) Special meetings of the Board may be called on the initiative of the President and shall be called by the Secretary upon written request by a majority of the Board. Notice of such meetings shall be provided by the Secretary at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the meeting. Such notice shall include the date, time, and place of the meeting as well as an agenda of topics to be discussed. Each Board member shall provide the Secretary with all supporting documentation at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting.

c) Monthly electronic communications meetings of the Board shall be called on the initiative of the President and shall be called by the Secretary upon written request by a majority of the Board. Notice of such meetings shall be provided by the Secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to the electronic method. Such notice shall include the date, time, and method of communication to be used as well as an agenda of topics to be discussed. Each Board member shall provide the Secretary with all supporting documentation at least five (5) days prior to the electronic meeting.

d) Business to be conducted at annual Board meetings shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, review and approval of all officer and director reports, financial and regional program activity, strategic planning, proposed budget and program plans, and standing committee activity. Only such business shall be transacted at an annual, special, or electronic meeting as is called for in the notice.

e) Most of the elected number of NMGIA officers shall constitute a quorum at all annual, special, and electronic Board meetings. Except as otherwise specified herein, motions and actions shall become effective upon majority vote of the Board.

f) All NMGIA meetings shall be open to any NMGIA member unless personnel, contracts, ethics issues, or Ethics decisions are discussed. If those issues are discussed, they will be discussed in executive session. The remainder of the meeting as well as an announcement regarding the outcome of the executive session shall be held in open session.

Section 4. Elections

The election of officers of NMGIA shall occur every two (2) years. Election to office shall occur upon plurality vote by the voting Regular members in good standing. Elected officers shall serve until their successors assume their respective offices. Vacancies otherwise occurring shall be filled through interim appointment.

1. At least sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the annual meeting, the Conference Committee Coordinator shall, with a majority vote of the Board, appoint a Regular Member in good standing to serve as Elections Committee coordinator. No nominee or Board member may assist with elections.

2. Nominations shall be solicited for each officer among the Regular members in good standing. Self-nomination is not allowed. An official NMGIA nomination form shall be announced to the members through the Association’s bulletin or by other written or electronic means no later than 60 days prior to the opening of the annual meeting. Nominations shall be accepted on the NMGIA Nomination Form only.

3. At least thirty (30) days prior to the opening of the annual meeting, disseminate to all Regular members in good standing a written or electronic election ballot.

4. Evaluate if nominees meet the following criteria of being a Regular member for at least two (2) consecutive years prior to nomination. Candidates for President shall have served at least one term on the Board.

5. Ensure all ballots cast are by Regular members in good standing prior to the call for nominations.

6. Report to the Secretary all candidates who receive vote pluralities. The Secretary shall report the results to the Board and notify all candidates of the results.

7. In the event of a tie, arrange a new vote for the office in question within fifteen (15) days.

Section 5. Assuming Office

Officers shall take their respective offices starting with the first day of January following their election. To continue to hold an elected office, said person shall continue to be a current Regular member in good standing in the Association.

Article VIII

Committees and Advisors

Section 1. Committees

Based upon operational need, the Board may designate one or more committees. Each committee will be chaired by an elected Regular member in good standing and consist of any number of members required for its purpose. Elections will be held in accordance with Article VII, Section 4. At the discretion of the Board, committees may be granted voting privileges and/or specific authority to execute action based upon their designated purpose.

Section 2. Advisory Board

The Advisory Board shall consist of past Chairmen of the Board, heads of Criminal Justice agencies (or their designees) within the state of New Mexico and a designated advisor from the Rocky Mountain Information Network (RMIN). The Advisory Board Members are non-voting members, subject to the regulations as set forth in the by-laws. Advisory Board Members are exempt from paying dues.

Article IX

State Regions

Section 1. Purpose

State regions of the NMGIA may be established in geographical areas for the purpose of providing NMGIA members with regional training, meetings, reporting and interaction.

Section 2. Regional Representatives

Each state region shall be coordinated by a Regional Representative. Regional Representatives shall serve for a term of two (2) years. Elections shall be held in accordance with Article VII, Section 4.

a) Regional Representatives shall be full-time employees or retired full-time employees in good standing with the individual's former employer, as defined within Article III, Section 1.

b) Any Regular Member in good standing may seek election as Regional Representative.

c) A prospective Regional Representative may only seek election in the state region where they currently reside or work and must have resided or worked in that respective region for at-least one (1) year.

d) A Regional Representative shall represent the interests of the region at Board meetings.

e) A Regional Representative shall endeavor to recruit and retain the members in their respective region.

Section 3. Duties & Functions

Regional matters may be addressed by the Regional Representatives with the sanction of the Executive Board.

a) Region Representatives maintain communication amongst agencies within their region in order to stay abreast of gang issues impacting the region to include the major cliques/sets and activity, unique enforcement and management strategies in use, overview of key criminal prosecutions related to gang activity, legal hurdles, training needs, and any other concerns relevant to their specific region within the state.

b) Region Representatives attend monthly meetings or conference calls to discuss these issues and address NMGIA business, to include preparations for the next annual meeting of the general membership and regional training presentations based upon need and request.

c) Region Representatives in general, will perform all the duties incident to the office, subject to the control of the Board, and such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the Board.

d) At the expiration of the Region Representative’s term, the Region Representative shall deliver to the successor all property of the Association in the Region Representative’s care, custody, or control.

Section 4. Regional Map

The State of New Mexico shall be divided into seven (7) regions for representation in the Association. These regions will correspond with the region map established within.

Section 5. Regions by County

Region 1: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Valencia, McKinley, Cibola and Torrance counties.

Region 2: San Juan county.

Region 3: Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Taos and Los Alamos counties.

Region 4: San Miguel, Colfax, Mora, Union and Harding counties.

Region 5: Curry, Roosevelt, Quay, Guadalupe and De Baca counties.

Region 6: Lea, Otero, Chavez, Eddy and Lincoln counties.

Region 7: Dona Ana, Grant, Luna, Socorro, Sierra, Hidalgo and Catron counties.

Article X

Discipline

Section 1. Active Member

A member of any membership class on good standing within the Association whose rights as members of the Association are not under suspension because of disciplinary proceedings or by operation of a specific provision of the NMGIA Bylaws with dues paid.

Section 2. Censure, Suspension or Expulsion

The following shall constitute cause for consideration of charges leading to the censure, suspension or expulsion of a NMGIA member, regardless of when the alleged offense may have been committed and regardless of when the alleged offense shall have come to the attention of NMGIA:

a) Failure to comply with any of the membership requirements as contained in these Bylaws.

b) Failure to disclose, or concealment of, any information requested on the application for membership, regardless of when such omission or concealment shall have taken place or come to the attention of NMGIA.

c) Violation of any of the Bylaws.

d) Any arrest, and/or, subsequent conviction for commission of a felony, a misdemeanor which has been reduced from a felony or other criminal conduct.

e) Conduct which is counterproductive to the Association.

f) Removal from respective employment required for membership.

g) Misfeasance in office or serious unprofessional conduct.

Section 3. Due Process

Membership privileges shall not be denied until all due process has taken place. The President or his designee may refer to the Board for investigation. Any member of the Association or the general public may bring forward information of the allegation and any supporting documentation. The reporting person may remain anonymous unless they are a principal witness.

Section 4. Notification

The Board shall give the member who is subject of a proposed action under this Article fifteen (15) days prior written notice of the proposed suspension or termination and the reason, therefore.

a) The member may then submit a written statement to the Board regarding the proposed action not less than five (5) days before the effective date of the proposed suspension or termination.

b) Prior to the effective date of the proposed suspension or termination, the Board shall review any such statement submitted and shall determine the mitigating effect, if any, of the information contained therein on the proposed suspension or termination.

Section 5. Reinstatement

No member expelled from the Association may be readmitted to membership within one year. Readmission thereafter shall require an affirmative majority vote of the Board.

Section 6. Qualifying Employment

Upon termination of the member’s qualifying employment for membership the member may make written application to the Board to continue the membership. Upon receipt of such application, the Board may, by their unanimous vote, continue the paid membership of that person.

Article XI

Amendments and Dissolution

Section 1. Amendments

No part of these bylaws shall be repealed, altered, amended, waived, or suspended until a written proposition to the effect is submitted to or proposed by the Board. The proposition shall be presented and voted on at the next Board meeting of the Association. If approved by a majority vote of the Board, the proposed revision shall be voted upon by the present Regular members in good standing and presented in a timely fashion to the Secretary. Amendment, alteration, repeal, waiver, suspension, or addition to any or all of these bylaws shall require the favorable vote of two thirds (2/3) of the voting Regular members in good standing.

Section 2. Dissolution

Should it become necessary to dissolve NMGIA, the following procedures shall be followed:

a) This Association shall not be dissolved unless three-fourths (3/4) of the members eligible to vote, vote for dissolution.

b) The vote will be conducted of the members present at the Annual meeting of the general membership and by mail in ballots, provided, however, the full membership shall have been notified at least sixty days prior to the date of the vote and the reason for the vote. The vote count shall be made at the Annual meeting of the general membership.

c) Should it not be possible, for cause, to have an Annual meeting of the general membership, each member entitled to vote shall be sent a mail-in ballot and the Executive Board shall conduct the vote count.

d) All members shall be notified of the result of the vote.

Article XII

Policies

Section 1. Policy Manual

The NMGIA Policy Manual shall ensure operating procedures, regulations, and policies developed through actions taken and motions passed by the Board reflect the purpose and intent of these Bylaws. The NMGIA Policy and Procedure Manual shall have the force of these bylaws.

Article XIII

Certification

I do hereby certify that I am the duly elected and acting Secretary of NMGIA, and the foregoing Bylaws constitute the Bylaws of the NMGIA as duly adopted on September 25th, 2020, Amended on October 28th, 2020 and Amended on July 15th, 2021.

In witness whereof, I have signed my name this 15th day of July 2021.

Annette Montoya, NMGIA Secretary Date

In witness whereof, I have signed my name this 15th day of July 2021.

Walter Herrera, NMGIA President Date