North Carolina Chapter

Application for Membership in the North Carolina Chapter, IAAI

Before completing an application for membership in the North Carolina Chapter, IAAI, please read the terms and portions from the Chapter Constitution and By-Laws as listed below thoroughly.

If you do not agree with the terms, please do not complete the application.  Questions may be emailed to nciaaimembership@gmail.com.

Applicant Statement / Acknowledgement

I hereby attest that the information provided on the NC IAAI Application for Membership is true and accurate.

I understand that if, in the future or any time, information in this/the application is found to be intentionally falsified, membership in NCIAAI may be revoked and such actions may be reported to the International Association.

I release the NC IAAI and all persons and parties from any liability arising from and/or relating to this/the application or any decision process relating in any way to this/the application.

Application Qualifications

NC Chapter IAAI Constitution and By-Laws

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility for Membership

Membership in the North Carolina Chapter shall be open to public and private officials or other individuals, engaged or interested in the investigation of fires and the suppression of arson, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Active Membership

Any representative of government or of a government agency and any representative of a business or industrial concern who is actively engaged in some phase of the investigation of fires and/or the suppression or prosecution of arson at the time application is made, shall be eligible to active membership on application, provided such person is not less than twenty-one (21) years of age at the time he/she makes application and provided such person possesses the personal qualifications as set out in Section 5 of the article, and in the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Section 3. Associate Membership

Persons not qualified for active membership may become associate members after determination of their qualifications by the Board of Directors. Associate members shall have the privileges of an active member, except for the privileges of voting and holding office.

Section 4. Student Membership

Associate members who are students are permitted to pay a reduced fee for membership. This fee shall be established by the Board of Directors. “Student” shall be defined as any individual not currently working in a paid position in the fire investigation field who is currently enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited institution of post-secondary education pursuing a degree in fire science, fire investigation, the administration of justice, or related field of study. Student members shall not have the right to hold office or vote on Chapter business.

Section 7. Personal Qualifications

Prior to voting upon each application, the Board of Directors shall give due consideration to the following, among other qualifications it deems applicable, to wit:

A. The personal character and reputation of the applicant

B. The nature, character and reputation of the applicant’s business

C. The general nature, character, and reputation of the applicant’s employer and associates.

No person shall be eligible for any class of membership if that person has been a member, or is presently a member, or becomes a member of a subversive organization, or of any organization whose objectives and operations are inconsistent with the purposes of the North Carolina Chapter.

Section 8. Membership Separation

A. Membership in the North Carolina Chapter shall terminate by:

1. Voluntary withdrawal

2. By the Board of Directors when, after notice, such member is in arrears in the payment of dues or any other obligation to the North Carolina Chapter.

B. Removal from Membership

The Board of Directors shall have the power to remove from membership any officer or member of the North Carolina Chapter for any of the following:

1. Violations of the Code of Ethics and/or conduct or actions that would tend to discredit or lead to disrepute of the North Carolina Chapter or the International Association.

2. For the good cause as submitted in writing by any officer or member of the North Carolina Chapter.

3. Conviction of any crime for that is punishable by sixty (60) days or greater or any fire related crime.

Section 9. Grievance

Any member in good standing may file a grievance. The grievance must be submitted in writing and signed by the member(s) filing the grievance. The grievance must be delivered in person or by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the President or a Vice-President of the association.

Upon the filing of a grievance and review of the grievance by the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors shall, within fourteen (14) calendar days, refer it to the Grievance Committee for appropriate investigation and recommendation(s). The Grievance Committee, after appropriate investigation, shall submit a written report and recommendation(s) for any actions related to the findings of the investigation. The Grievance Committee shall submit the written report within sixty (60) calendar days of the Chairperson receiving the grievance unless the Grievance Committee requests and is granted up to an additional sixty (60) calendar days by the Board of Directors. In any event, the grievance shall be fully investigated and a written report, to include recommendation(s), submitted to the Board of Directors within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days of the Grievance Committee Chairperson receiving the grievance.

Section 10. Sanctions

The Board of Directors may place on probation, censure, suspend, or terminate the membership of any member. The Board may, upon receipt and after initial review of the circumstances, temporarily suspend the membership of any member pending the evaluation by a Grievance Committee, which will consist of four (4) members in good standing to be appointed as needed by the President and with the approval of the Board. Actions requiring referral to the Grievance Committee shall include any of, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Falsifications or misrepresentations in applications for membership

B. Conduct in a manner prejudicial to the good name or best interest of the North Carolina Chapter

C. Exhibited traits of character or conduct inconsistent with the qualifications for membership

D. Misuse of funds

E. Other questionable conduct

Following an evaluation of the information by the Grievance Committee and upon its recommendation, the Board shall provide such member with due notice by certified letter, or electronic notification with delivery notification of a hearing, and an opportunity to be heard. A majority vote of the Board present in a duly constituted meeting shall be sufficient to place on probation, censure, suspend, or terminate membership for any reason specified or consistent with this section. Disciplined members shall be notified by certified letter, or electronic notification with delivery notification of any action taken by the Board of Directors concerning probation, censure, suspension, and/or termination.

Any disciplined member shall have the right to appeal any disciplinary action by the Board, provided the request is received in writing within thirty (30) calendar days following the date of disciplinary action. An Appellate Committee will review the appeal and make a decision on the appeal which will be reported to the Board of Directors within sixty (60) calendar days. The Board of Directors will then act upon the decision that the Appellate Committee recommends. The Appellate Committee will be comprised of the Chairperson of each committee. If any Chairperson has a conflict or perceived conflict with the person(s) being reviewed they will be excused from serving on the committee. The determination of a conflict or perceived conflict will be made by the Board of Directors upon request of the aggrieved member or any member in good standing. The request regarding a determination of a conflict or perceived conflict will be made to the Board of Directors in writing and signed by the member(s) making the request.