POLICE UNITY TOUR INC. CHAPTER IX
CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
( 12/31/2011 )
ARTICLE 1
NAME, LOGO, SLOGAN AND CORPORATE STRUCTURE
SECTION 1: NAME
The organization shall be known as the Police Unity Tour, Inc., Chapter IX
SECTION 2: LOGOS
The official seals/logos and slogan of the Police Unity Tour shall be as follows:
a. A blue shield, within the shield shall be gold letters “NJ – DC” (which represents the
first ever route of the Police Unity Tour) and a gold representation of a bicycle. The
blue shield shall be bisected diagonally right to left by a single green colored long stem with two leaves and a rose with red pedals.
b. A blue shield, within the shield shall be gold representation of a bicycle. The blue shield
shall be bisected diagonally right to left by a single green colored long stem with two
leaves and a rose with red pedals. Behind the shield and rose shall be a horizontal black
mourning band with a thin blue line in the center.
SECTION 3: SLOGAN
The official slogan of the Police Unity Tour shall be:
“WE RIDE FOR THOSE WHO DIED”
SECTION 4: CORPORATE STRUCTURE
The Police Unity Tour is a New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation organized under Section 15A:2-8
of the New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation Act. The organization is a Chapter Organization
within the meaning of Section 15A:2-12 of the New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation Act. The
organization has the authority to grant charters to subordinate or local chapters which may be
located within or without the State of New Jersey. Chapters are subject to the general
supervision and control of the organization. The organization shall have the authority to make,
amend and change by-laws for the governance of its chapters and the use of its name and logo.
The organization may revoke or cancel the charter of a chapter for the violation of its by-laws or for other cause as it may determine.
The Police Unity Tour is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE II
MISSION STATEMENT
The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers who
have died in the line of duty. The secondary purpose is to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: QUALIFICATIONS
Membership to this organization shall be open to all full or part time law enforcement officers, whether active or retired.
Civilians 18 years of age, or older, who are employed or affiliated with law enforcement agencies and
related organizations or possess specific training or skills required to safely and effectively assist the
organization may apply. These requirements include, but are not limited to: dispatchers, first aid
personnel, doctors, nurses, lawyers, mechanics (automobile & bicycle) and members of organizations
such as the Concerns of Police Survivors, Domestic Violence Response Teams.
The Police Unity Tour reserves the right to deny or suspend membership of anyone described above if
they should become or are currently separated, suspended or under investigation by their law
enforcement agency or affiliated organization.
SECTION 2: APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Application for membership must be submitted on the forms provided by this organization.
Incomplete application packets or applications that are submitted without the required application fee
will not be processed and returned to the applicant for resubmission. Application fees will be non-
refundable. Included in the application, each applicant shall complete and return the “Hold Harmless”,
medical information and hotel request forms for the completion of the application process.
Application fees are a local chapter option and shall be determined annually by the chapter executive board and clearly
published in the membership application packet.
SECTION 3: MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING
A member in good standing shall mean a member who actively contributes their time and energy to the
goals of the organization and has fulfilled their financial obligations (application fees, minimum
sponsorship requirements) to this organization.
SECTION 4: MEMBER NOT IN GOOD STANDING
An active member not in good standing shall mean a member who has not submitted an application
packet and / or the required application fees (if applicable), a member who does not fulfill the
minimum sponsorship requirements or has been sanctioned by the Executive Board. Notice to
members deemed not in good standing shall be made verbally and /or in writing depending on the severity of the infraction.
ARTICLE IV
EXECUTIVE
CHAPTER OFFICERS & PROFESSIONALS
SECTION 1: STRUCTURE
a. PRESIDENT
The President shall serve as a representative of the organization.
The President shall have the authority to call for, and preside over all chapter meetings.
The President shall have the authority to appoint and remove members of the Local Chapter Executive
Board, Officers, Members and Chairpersons of any standing or special committees.
Serve as an ex officio member of all standing or special committees.
Work with the Recording Secretary to prepare the agenda for general meetings.
b. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President will observe and obey all orders of the chapter’s President and in the absence or
disability of the President; the Vice President will assume the authority of the chapter President.
The Vice President shall work closely with the President in order to stay current on all aspects of the President’s responsibilities and obligations.
c. SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
The Second Vice President will observe and obey all orders of the chapter’s President and in the
absence or disability of the Vice President; the Second Vice President will assume the authority of the chapter Vice President.
The Second Vice President shall work closely with the President and Vice President in order to stay
current on all aspects of the Vice President’s responsibilities and obligations.
d. RECORDING SECRETARY
The Recording Secretary shall keep an accurate record of proceedings at all meetings as well as a record
of those in attendance. After each meeting, the Secretary shall forward a copy of the official minutes to
all Chapter Officers, including that not in attendance. At the next meeting, the minutes of the previous
meeting are to be read and approved by those who were in attendance. Once approved, the minutes are entered into the chapter’s permanent records.
e. SERGEANT AT ARMS
The Sergeant at Arms will enforce order at all meetings and prevent unauthorized entry to chapter meetings and functions.
f. TREASURER
The Treasurer will be the chief custodian of the funds received by this chapter and be the disbursing
officer for same. The Treasurer will keep an accurate record of all money received, paid and shall report
to the Executive Board. The monthly report is for informational purposes and does not have to be approved or adopted by the organization.
The Treasurer shall be involved in preparing the chapter’s budget, once the budget is adopted by the
Executive Board it shall be the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure that the chapter spends within the
established budget. All expenditures above budgeted amounts must be approved by the executive board.
g. TRUSTEES (3)
The Trustees will maintain general supervision over the financial affairs of the Chapter and have access to all books, records, files, etc.
The Trustees will meet at least semi-annually with the Treasurer to examine all books and records, and
will submit a detailed report to the Executive Board.
h. NATIONAL BOARD DELEGATE
National Board Delegates shall be appointed by the Local Executive Board. The Delegate will not only
serve as the local chapter’s representative on the National Board, the delegate will have voting rights on
all matters pertaining to National Board business. Because of the importance of the delegate position, a
chapter officer may serve a dual role as delegate.
Chapter Delegates are selected by their Local Chapter, and are expected to attend all National Board meetings.
Local Chapter’s may, at its discretion, appoint an Alternate National Board Delegate. An alternate
delegate shall have no vote on National Board matters unless he or she is standing in for an absentee delegate.
i. NOMINATION / APPOINTMENT
The election of officers shall take place at the Chapter’s Executive Board meeting each June.
Nominations shall be made by the Executive Board. Each member of the Executive Board shall have
one vote and appointment shall be made by the majority.
j. TERMS OF SERVICE
All Executive Board Members, Officers and Committee Chairs shall serve for a period of one
calendar year, commencing July 1st through June 30th . If a member has been appointed to fill a vacated
position, their term shall expire on June 30th of the calendar year.
k. RESIGNATION & REMOVAL
Any Executive Board Member, Local Officers, Committee Chair or Committee Member that resigns,
shall do so by notifying the Chapter President verbally or in writing. The resignation will take effect
immediately, unless otherwise specified and agreed upon to ensure a smooth transition.
Any Executive Board Member, Local Officer, Committee Chair or Committee Member may be
removed with or without just cause by the Chapter President with approval of the majority of the
Executive Board.
SECTION 2: CHAPTER PROFESSIONALS
a. LEGAL COUNSEL
The organization’s legal counsel shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Chapter
President or Local Executive Board.
The duties of legal counsel are to render advice on all legal matters pertaining to the best interest of the organization.
b. ACCOUNTANTS / AUDITORS
The organization’s accountant / auditor(s) shall be a licensed Certified Public Accountant appointed by
and serve at the pleasure of the Chapter President or Local Executive Board.
The duties of the organization’s CPA is to advise on all matters involving the articles of incorporation,
the rules and regulations of Not-for profit organizations under 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code,
tax requirements, legalized gaming licenses and any other federal, state, or local requirements.
c. INSURANCE AGENT
The organization’s insurance agent / company shall be a licensed insurance agent appointed by and
serve at the pleasure of the Chapter President or Local Executive Board.
The agent will regularly review and advise on the adequacy of the organization’s insurance coverage.
d. CHAPLAIN
The Organization’s Chaplain shall be a clergyperson with a special interest and training for providing
pastoral care in the world of law enforcement. This pastoral care shall be available to all members,
regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, creed or religion.
The Chaplain shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Chapter President or Local Executive Board.
ARTICLE V
CHAPTER MEETINGS
SECTION 1: MEETINGS
a. GENERAL
General meetings shall be held a minimum of six (6) meetings annually; additional meetings are at the discretion of the Chapter President.
b. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings may be called at anytime by the Chapter President.
SECTION 2: NOTICE
Notice of Chapter meetings shall be made at least 15 days in advance. This notice must be in writing
and include the date, time and place of the meeting. Said notice shall be transmitted electronically, or by
mail and posted in the bulletin board section of the chapter’s website.
Notice of any Special meetings may be made less than 15 days in advance, but shall be made no less than 3 days in advance.
SECTION 3: LOCATION OF MEETINGS
The dates, times and location(s) of chapter meetings shall be determined by the Chapter President or Local Executive Board.
ARTICLE VI
STANDING & SPECIAL COMMITTEES
SECTION 1: STANDING COMMITTEES
The necessity of a standing committee shall be at the discretion of the Chapter President or Local
Executive Board at which time they will appoint the Committee Chairperson.
Standing committees are adopted to perform a specific but continuing task and can only do what it is
charged to do. Standing committees will exist on an annual basis, typically consistent with the terms of office as defined in these bylaws.
Standing Committees include but are not limited to:
Hotels, Route, Insurance, Uniforms & Clothing, VehiclesGood & Welfare, Webmaster, etc
The Committee Chair shall be afforded the opportunity to assemble his or her own committee. Final
approval will be that of the Chapter President or Local Executive Board.
SECTION 2: SPECIAL COMMITTEES
The necessity of a special committee shall be at the discretion of the Chapter President or Local
Executive Board at which time they will appoint the Committee Chairperson.
Special committees are created to perform a specific task that is short lived and does not fall into or
conflict with the description of any of the standing committees. Once the task at hand is complete and
a final report is accepted, that committee ceases to exist.
SECTION 3: REPORTING
All committee chairs shall report and answer to the chapter President or designated Executive Board
member. The President or Board Member shall keep the Executive Board current on all committee findings.
ARTICLE VII
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
SECTION 1: ROBERT’S RULES
The rules contained in the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised” shall be
recognized as the Parliamentary Authority in all debates and order of business when it does not conflict
with any established law, article of incorporation or organizational bylaws.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the chapter President for distribution to the
Executive Board. The Executive Board shall review the proposed revisions, make the appropriate
modifications and forward the amendment to the chapter’s legal counsel for review.
SECTION 2: RESOLUTION
The bylaw amendment shall be placed on the agenda of the next executive board meeting. The
amendment shall become official with a two-thirds majority of the Executive board.
SECTION 3: NATIONAL BOARD APPROVAL
Amendments to local chapter bylaws must be submitted to the National Board’s bylaws committee for final approval.
ARTICLE IX
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
SECTION 1: REPORTING
Chapter IX agrees to provide detailed financial statements to the National Chief Financial Officer as follows;
Quarterly reports that include:
Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Copies of all bank statements
Annual reports that include:
State non-profit filing (if required), Federal Form 990 filing, Audit reports (if applicable), Financial statements
Chapter IX also agrees to provide at any time, any and all financial information requested by the
National Board, Founder, Executive Director or Chief Financial Officer.
SECTION 2: FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Chapter IX agrees to dedicate a minimum donation of $1000.00 per participant, or 95% of its net
revenues, which ever is larger, to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and Museum.
No more than 5% of any Chapter’s net revenue may be donated to other organizations provided such organizations are tax exempt.
Participants are defined as all individuals on the tour, including riders, motors, support staff, EMS, etc.
ARTICLE X
NATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 1: NATIONAL BOARD OVERSIGHT
Chapter IX understands that it is operating under a revocable chapter agreement, as written and
modified by the National Board and that local chapters are chartered for the sole purpose of furthering
the goals of the Police Unity Tour. Permission to use logos, slogans, trademarks and copyrights is
granted only as long as the Chapter remains in good standing as defined in the national bylaws.
Chapter IX agrees to operate under the general supervision and control of the National Board. Chapter
(insert chapter number) further agrees to comply with all decisions, policies and financial obligations
and assessments imposed by the National Board.
Chapter IX understands that they may have their status as a chapter suspended or revoked if it is
determined that its continued operation is contrary to, or inconsistent with, the best interests of the
organization, its bylaws or the requirements for exemption under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE XI
CONTROL OF CORPORATE FUNDS
a. The corporation shall distribute its income for each taxable year at such time and in
such manner as not to become subject to the tax on undistributed income imposed
by Section 4942 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
b. The corporation shall not engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in Section
4941(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
c. The corporation shall not retain any excess business holdings as defined in Section
4943(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any Subsequent Federal tax laws.
d. The corporation shall not make any investments in such manner as to subject it to
tax under Section 4944 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
e. The corporation shall not make any taxable expenditures as defined in Section
4945(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.
f. Upon dissolution, after payment of all debts, no part of the remaining assets may be
distributed to any trustee or officer of the corporation but shall be distributed to The Police Unity Tour National Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XII
ADOPTION OF BYLAWS
SECTION 1: LOCAL ADOPTION
Chapter IX of the Police Unity Tour Inc. agrees to adopt the National Constitution and Bylaws for its rules and guidance.
Chapter IX of the Police Unity Tour Inc. also adopts these, the Local Bylaw revisions of Chapter IX , said
revisions that were duly adopted at a meeting of this chapter’s executive board. It is understood that these
bylaws are not in effect until such time that they are approved by the National Board of the Police Unity Tour Inc.