TXLEAN Bylaws
Last Updated: June 2025
The Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network (TXLEAN) hereby organizes to create a new sense of cooperation, communication, and unified standards for improved education, training, and awareness within the law enforcement analysis field. Bylaws are governed by the State of Texas Business Code Title II Chapter 22.
ARTICLE I: NAME The name of the Association is the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network, hereinafter referred to as TXLEAN.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE The purpose of TXLEAN is to promote the professionalization of the law enforcement analysis field in Texas. Toward this goal, TXLEAN provides a network for the exchange of information, standards, and training.
ARTICLE III: FUNCTION
The functions of the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network are:
Section 1. Affiliations of TXLEAN
With the majority approval of the Executive Board, TXLEAN is empowered to establish affiliations with other organizations support common goals and doctrines.
No member shall use the name of TXLEAN in written or verbal correspondence that would imply that the person is speaking on behalf of or being endorsed by TXLEAN without the majority approval of the Executive Board.
TXLEAN shall not align itself or publicly support any one political party or its candidates to achieve its goals.
The Executive Board shall have the power to appoint a Public Information Officer or External Affairs Officer by majority vote ad hoc to cultivate relationships with various professional organizations or speak on behalf of the organization if needed.
ARTICLE IV: THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be elected by the general membership and will be composed of a President, a Vice President of Administration, a Vice President of Membership, a Secretary, a Treasurer, an Information Manager, and a Law Enforcement Specialist.
A. The President
The President shall be the chief executive officer of TXLEAN. The President shall preside at meetings of the TXLEAN Executive Board. The President shall call all special meetings of the Executive Board by notice to the Secretary.
The President will hold an ex-officio membership in all committees and boards of the TXLEAN. The President will appoint all committee members, except those mandated by other provisions in these bylaws.
B. The Vice President of Administration
The Vice President of Administration shall assume the office and powers of the President in the event that the President is unable to perform. The Vice President of Administration shall preside at meetings of TXLEAN in the absence of the President. The Vice President of Administration will perform all other duties assigned to this position by the President. The Vice President of Administration shall chair the Training Committee.
C. The Vice President of Membership
The Vice President of Membership shall hold the primary responsibility for recruitment and maintenance of the membership of TXLEAN. The Vice President of Membership shall chair the Membership Committee, and perform all other duties assigned to the position by the President.
D. The Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence of TXLEAN and the transcription and distribution of the minutes of all meetings of TXLEAN and the Executive Board. A copy of each transcription is due within 10 business days following the respective meeting and shall be provided to every sitting board member. If no objections are documented within 2 business days, the transcription shall be considered official. Transcriptions of meeting minutes will only be available upon request to verified Law Enforcement Analyst members and to the Executive Board members of the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) at their request. The Secretary shall chair the Governance Committee.
E .The Treasurer
The Treasurer shall receive and process membership dues and fees. The Treasurer shall be responsible for preparing and distributing the Annual Financial Report for the organization which is due by February 15th for the previous calendar year. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the distribution of funds as approved by the Executive Board or the general membership. All monetary disbursements must be reviewed and approved by the Treasurer and one other member of the Executive Board.
F. Law Enforcement Specialist
The Law Enforcement Specialist is responsible for the recruitment, inclusion, and evaluation of the changing needs of our law enforcement community. The Law Enforcement Specialist must be a commissioned peace officer in the state of Texas.
G. The Information Manager
The Information Manager is responsible for updating and maintaining the TXLEAN communications materials. The Information Manager is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to the Executive Board for future communication platform enhancements or implementations (i.e. recommending a new webhost server or social media platforms). The Information Manager shall chair the Information Management Committee.
Section 2. Succession of Office
In the event that the President is unable to perform the duties described, whether permanently or for individual meetings or tasks, the office shall be assumed by the Vice President of Administration, followed by the Vice President of Membership. Vacancies in either of the Vice President positions shall be filled by appointment by the Executive Board for the remainder of the term of office.
Section 3. Removal of Executive Board Member
An Executive Board member may be removed from their position by a two-thirds vote of the remaining Executive Board members if they fail to perform their duties or neglect their responsibilities. A formal review process shall be initiated by the President and reported to the general membership before a vote takes place.
Section 4. Executive Board Membership Dues
All Executive Board positions shall have their TXLEAN membership dues waived and IACA membership covered by TXLEAN for the duration of their term. This paid membership is dependent on the elected individual remaining in office for their full term. Should the board member end their appointment before the two-year term is complete, they will be responsible for paying dues to remain a member at that time.
Section 5. Executive Board Meetings
Executive Board Meetings shall require a quorum of four members. Consensus will be used to decide issues. In the event an issue cannot be decided by the Executive Board, a new meeting shall be called to include the Advisory Committee for the issue to be presented and discussed. The Advisory Committee shall cast the deciding vote.
At least one Executive Board member is required to attend every general meeting or a meeting shall not be held.
ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Non-Discrimination
TXLEAN is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all members. The organization will strive to foster diversity in its leadership, membership, and activities, ensuring equal opportunities for participation and professional development. TXLEAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, and non- disqualifying mental or physical handicap or veteran’s status.
Section 2. Membership Types
Full Membership is given to professionals of law enforcement in the state of Texas. Such members will have voting authority. Full membership will be required to pay full membership dues. Such status will be approved by the Vice President of Membership. Full members will be required to pay membership dues at a rate set forth by the Executive Board.
Sponsor/Corporate Membership is given to private or public entities such as vendors, etc. Such members will not have voting authority and cannot hold elected office in TXLEAN. Sponsor/Corporate members will be required to pay membership dues at a rate set forth by the Executive Board. Such status will be approved by the Vice President of Membership.
Student Membership is given to full-time or part-time graduate or undergraduate college and university students interested in law enforcement. Student members will not have voting authority and cannot hold elected office in TXLEAN. Student members will pay dues at a rate set forth by the Executive Board. Such status will be approved by the Vice President of Membership.
Out of State Membership is given to those individuals closely linked to Law Enforcement efforts but not actively employed as Texas law enforcement professionals. Access to Law Enforcement Sensitive Information and other features will be determined on a case-by-case basis according to the law enforcement field employment status of the respective member as determined by the Vice President of Membership. Such members will not have voting authority and cannot hold elected office in TXLEAN. Out of State members will pay dues at a rate set forth by the Executive Board. Such status will be approved by the Vice President of Membership.
Section 3. Status of Membership
Membership in the Texas Law Enforcement Analyst Network is a privilege, not a right. Membership will be restricted to those law enforcement professionals who demonstrate an interest in law enforcement analysis and support the doctrines and goals of TXLEAN. Membership is retained by the individual, not the agency.
To be considered a member in good standing of TXLEAN, one must have all dues and fees paid and current by the testimony of the Treasurer. Members will remain in good standing for up to 30 calendar days after their renewal date.
All membership status shall be determined on a preliminary basis by the Vice President of Membership, subsequent to affirmation by action of the Membership Committee.
Section 4. Privileges of Membership
All Full Members of TXLEAN in good standing shall hold a right to cast ballots in the election of officers of TXLEAN, to hold office in the organization, and to sit on any committee of TXLEAN. Votes may be cast via electronic ballot from their verified email recognized by the Executive Board.
All Student, Sponsor/Corporate and Out of State members of TXLEAN in good standing hold the right of access to some publications produced by TXLEAN and to information maintained by the organization which is in the public domain (pending payment of necessary dues).
Section 5. Application for Membership
Application for membership in TXLEAN can be made by submitting the application paperwork to the office of the Vice President of Membership along with all applicable dues and fees. Upon receipt of the documents and dues, the Vice President of Membership will review the application and, if finding the applicant in compliance with the regulations and bylaws of TXLEAN, the Vice President of Membership will approve the membership. The Vice President of Membership will be responsible for updating the membership list and directing the dues to the Treasurer.
Section 6. Dues and Fees
Membership dues and fees will be proposed by the Executive Board and voted on by the members of TXLEAN on a bi-annual basis.
All new and renewing members are required to pay the membership dues by June 1 of each year and membership is valid through May 31st of the following calendar year. There will be a grace period until June 14th during which dues can be paid. Memberships are on a per person basis and are therefore non-transferable once a member ends tenure with the association. The Executive Board has the right to review any appeals to this stipulation on a case-by-case basis.
Membership dues may be prorated when appropriate. Memberships are prorated on a quarterly basis. Fees are charged at 25% of yearly dues per quarter participating in TXLEAN.
The fee schedule for all webinars, special events, merchandise, classes, or trainings shall be recommended by the Treasurer and approved by the Executive Board. Fee changes shall be evaluated for reasonableness and necessity. If a substantial fee change is recommended (ex. A training fee doubles), it may be put forth to the membership for a vote at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Section 7. Suspension/Expulsion
Suspension is the result of non-payment of dues, following the expiration of the 30- calendar day grace period.
Expulsion will be the result of a violation of the bylaws and/or the Code of Conduct by a member. Prior to expulsion, the Executive Board will investigate all allegations of misconduct against a member (if an allegation of misconduct is made against a member of the Executive Board, the Membership Committee shall investigate). If it is determined that any member has violated the terms contained within these bylaws and/or the Code of Conduct, the general membership may terminate that member by majority vote from the TXLEAN after a recommendation from the Executive Board (or Membership Committee) is made at the conclusion of an investigation. The membership status of any individual who departs or alters their affiliation with law enforcement or criminal justice agency is subject to review by the Executive Board (or Membership Committee). In addition, the membership status of any individual is subject to review at any time by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VI: ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. Qualifications
Officers of TXLEAN must be full members in good standing.
Section 2. Terms of Office
Executive Board members will be elected for two-year terms. No Executive Board member may serve more than 3 consecutive terms in the same position. After serving 3 consecutive terms, a member must take at least one year off from that position before being eligible for re-election.
Section 3: Electoral Process
Nominations and election will be held through the following electoral process:
1.Elections for the offices of President, Vice President of Administration, Secretary, and Information Manager shall take place in even-numbered years. Elections for the offices of Vice President of Membership, Treasurer, and Law Enforcement Specialist shall take place on odd-numbered years.
2.Nominations are open to all qualified members and positions can be filled by any full-time member working for a Law Enforcement Agency within the State of Texas.
3.Any member running for a vacant board position may campaign at official special events (i.e. conferences or training) and via the TXLEAN forums.
4.March 1st of the electoral year/event, an email shall be sent out via email notifying all eligible members of the upcoming vacancies and requesting nominations for candidacy for position(s)that are going to be open for election.
5.May 1st, members shall be emailed an electronic ballot with the nominees for open positions listed. Members may then vote electronically through May 30th for the candidate of their choosing for any and all open positions.
6.Votes will be tallied before June 10th and the winner(s) will be announced through an email sent out the same day.
7.Those eligible candidates who receive vote pluralities are deemed elected. In the event of a tie,a new vote for the office in question shall be taken within ten (10) business days.
8.Officers shall take their respective offices starting on July 1st following their election.
Section 4. Vacant Executive Board Positions
Should any Executive Board position, other than the position of President, become vacant because of resignation, expulsion, or lack of candidates during a general election, the remaining members of the Executive Board will have the authority to appoint a full member in good standing to that position for the remainder of that term of office.
ARTICLE VII: TXLEAN Meetings
Section 1. Meetings
The Executive Board will determine the dates of any general meeting. There will be no less than one general meeting during any calendar year. General meetings will be open to all members including Student and Sponsor/Corporate.
Section 2. Executive Board Meetings
The President of TXLEAN may call a meeting of the Executive Board at any time. There will be, at the least, one Executive Board meeting per year. Such notice will be given not less than seven business days in advance.
Section 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be held to discuss or disperse sensitive law enforcement issues and information, on these occasions, attendance will be restricted to members with Full Membership status. Such meetings may be held before or after a general meeting or may be held on a different date. Attendance may be conditional upon specific security clearances.
Section 4: Quorum
A quorum of not less than 25% of the full members of the association will be necessary to conduct business at general, annual, and special meetings.
ARTICLE VIII: STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. Committee Membership
Appointed members of all committees must be members in good standing of TXLEAN. The President shall appoint all committee members, except those mandated by other provisions of these bylaws, contingent with the approval of a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.
Section 2. Membership Committee
The Executive Board shall establish a Membership Committee to hear the grievances of the membership including allegations of misconduct or violations of the bylaws and/or the Code of Conduct by the Executive Board and to recruit and promote membership in TXLEAN. The committee will be chaired by the Vice President of Membership and may consist of up to two other appointed members.
Section 3. Training Committee
The Training Committee shall exist to establish a training agenda, based upon needs and requests of the membership. This committee will be presided by the Vice President of Administration and may consist of up to four additional members.
Section 4. Governance Committee
The Governance committee shall compose new, review existing, and propose changes to TXLEAN’s administrative records that include, but are not limited to, the Bylaws, Code of Conduct, and Policy and Procedure. The Secretary shall preside over the Governance Committee which may consist of up to three additional members.
Section 5. Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee shall include all past TXLEAN presidents provided they are in good standing and able to obtain TXLEAN membership. The past president who most recently held office shall preside over the committee. The committee shall guide and counsel the current Executive Board as needed and by invitation of the Executive Board. If and when the Executive Board is unable to reach a decision on a current issue, each member of the Advisory Committee shall cast a tie-breaking vote. If the Advisory Committee is composed of an even number of past presidents, the past president who most recently presided shall cast their vote.
The Advisory Committee shall hold the authority to hear complaints and/or grievances from the Membership Committee and make recommendations to the Executive Board for investigation.
In the event that a Past President is unable to fulfill the duties as chair of the Advisory Committee, the President of an affiliated RAC may be requested to preside over the committee and appoint additional members to hear complaints and/or grievances.
Section 6. Information Management Committee
The Information Management committee shall exist to update and maintain TXLEAN communications, as well as promote discussions regarding future communication needs for TXLEAN. The Information Manager shall preside over the Information Management Committee, which may include up to two additional members.
Section 7. Ad Hoc Committees
The Executive Board has the authority to establish, compose, and dissolve committees with specific agendas, as the need is perceived. The composition and authority of these committees will be duly reported and recorded in the minutes of the Executive Board. The ad hoc committees shall be considered chartered and in force with a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE IX: PROVISIONS OF GOVERNANCE
The rules and provisions of these bylaws, and any applicable and approved committee regulations will govern TXLEAN. Where the standards and provisions of these bylaws are insufficient to resolve disputes the most current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall be consulted. The conduct of all meetings and actionable votes of any component of this organization must be held in compliance with TXLEAN Bylaws.
ARTICLE X: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
Amendments of these bylaws must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board prior to or at the next scheduled meeting of the general membership of TXLEAN.
The proposed amendment(s) will be distributed to the voting membership 30 days before the next meeting, with prescriptions for a method of voting within 60 days. Members will discuss the proposed change or changes and make amendments before submitting them to the membership for approval.
For approval and amendment of the bylaws, the proposed amendment(s) must receive a favorable response from 2/3 of the votes cast from the voting membership. Each amendment will stand for approval as a single measure. This approval will occur by official ballot. An official ballot will consist of one electronic vote via official email address per voting member.