The Southern California Association for Fingerprint Officers is the only local fingerprint organization for the Southern California area. Membership in this association has many benefits. Members associate with other professionals in their field and build a network of friends and associates with a common professional interest. This network provides valuable assistance in learning new techniques, discussing contemporary issues, obtaining referenced information, and establishing contacts with other agencies. S.C.A.F.O. conducts local training seminars and various workshops throughout the year. Also, members receive the association’s publication “The Print.”
Persons seeking membership status MUST attend a meeting to initiate the application process (read below). For information on subscriptions, see The Print.
Dinner meetings are normally held on the first Saturday of even-numbered months (see SCAFO Meetings for specific dates). These dinner meetings provide a relaxed atmosphere to socialize and network. Following dinner, an educational program is presented by a speaker discussing a topic related to the association’s purposes.
These dinner meetings are open to all members and guests of members. It is at these meetings that members introduce and recommend new applicants for active membership. At a second meeting, the applicant is again introduced and is then voted upon for membership. After receiving a sustaining vote for membership, applicants are then sworn in at the third meeting they attend.
The application form (obtainable at the meeting), twenty dollars for mailing fees, and a one-time five dollar new member fee must be submitted to and approved by two (2) members of the executive board during the first meeting. This can be accomplished at the beginning of any regular meeting or training activity.
There are two general categories of membership.
Active membership is reserved for employees of law enforcement agencies whose duties include fingerprint classification/identification, photography, or scientific investigation.
Associate membership includes individuals not eligible for active membership, but engaged in a similar business or supplying equipment for the same. Associate members enjoy all rights and privileges of active members except voting and holding office. (Associate members must also attend a meeting to gain membership.)
Further questions about the Association or membership requirements can be addressed to any Executive Board Member.
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Oath of Membership I, (Your name) , do solemnly promise to personally endorse the purposes of this Association-- to attend all meetings when able to do so, to assist any member whenever possible, to investigate and report to the Association any new development in fingerprinting, photography, or scientific aid to our work that shall come to my attention--to serve on a committee when requested, to NOT involve the Association in any controversy outside of the scope of our work. |