LAMBDA ALPHA EPSILON

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

DELTA ZETA OMEGA CHAPTER

NEW MEMBER MANUAL

2002-2003

 

 

 

Welcome to the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter of Lambda Alpha Epsilon!

INTRODUCTION

            We are so glad that you have decided to join our UCF family and we are looking forward to the coming year.  In this manual, you should find a wealth of information about LAE and our chapter.  The policies of our Delta Zeta Omega chapter, as well as the new member requirements and duties are all listed here for your convenience.  If you receive conflicting information that needs to be clarified, or if you have any questions that are not answered here, please contact Angie Monk, the Membership Committee Chair. Some parts of this manual were adapted from the Pledge Manual created by the Phi Omega Alpha chapter at California State University-Fresno.  The creators of this manual would like to acknowledge Phi Omega Alpha's unknowing, but vital contributions to the creation of our own manual.  This manual was compiled by Vice President Angie Monk and Secretary Diona Reilly, with assistance from the 2002-2003 Executive Council.

 

Contents of this Manual

1.   Classes of Members in the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter

2.   The History of Lambda Alpha Epsilon   

3.   Meaning of the Emblems of Lambda Alpha Epsilon

4.   Oath of Membership

5.   Membership Benefits

6.   Delta Zeta Omega's Mission Statement

7.   Officer Information

8.   National and Chapter Links

9.   Requirements for Active Membership in the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter

10. Individual Requirements while obtaining membership in Delta Zeta Omega

11. Activities Requirements of the New Member Class

12. Induction Ceremony and Initiate Period

13. Purpose of the Induction Process

14. Special Concerns of the Induction Process

15. Attendance Policy

16. Financial Obligations to Members

17. Affiliate Membership

18. Event Participation Priority Breakdown

19. Members Incurring Costs to the Chapter

20. Scholastic Honor Awards

21. Competitive Awards and Scholarships

22. Chapter Events

1. Classes of Members in the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter

          Prospective Member:  A person who is applying for active membership in the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter.

            Initiate/Member-Elect Member:  A new member, who has paid their dues, but has not yet been inducted.

            Active Member: A full member of the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter of ACJA-LAE who has paid all current chapter and national dues, and adheres to the Attendance Policy as stated in the DZO chapter bylaws.

            Affiliate Member:  A Delta Zeta Omega Chapter member who is no longer attending UCF, but has paid all current dues and is otherwise in good standing.     He/she may attend all functions but may not hold an elected chapter office.

            Honorary Member:  An individual who has been voted into membership          because of outstanding friendship and support given to the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter. Honorary membership is similar to Affiliate membership privileges.

          Executive Board: The Executive Board consists of the voting officers, which include the Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Sergeant-at-Arms, Historian, and Spyder Counci

          Executive Council: The Executive Council consists of the officers and others that make decisions regarding DZO guidelines.  This includes the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Historian and Faculty Advisor.

2. The History of Lambda Alpha Epsilon           

          Below is an adapted version of the full-length history of LAE, borrowed from the Phi Omega Alpha Chapter at CSU-Fresno.  A full version of the History can be found on our chapter website and on the national website.

The formative idea for an organization such as Lambda Alpha Epsilon originated at San Jose State College, San Jose, California, during the summer of 1937. That summer, the first California Technical Institute for Peace Officer Training was held at San Jose State. This program was sponsored by the Bureaus of Trade and Industrial Education for the State Department of Education and supported by the California Peace Officers Training, of which Earl Warren (then District Attorney of Alameda County) was Chairman. As each class concluded, the men attending the institute, sharing a common interest in law enforcement training and eager to upgrade their profession, realized that their mutual interest in law enforcement education and the friendships they had built were incentive to continue their association with one another.        This idea, once formed, was immediately set into motion. Plans were laid and a constitution for a fraternal organization of Institute graduates to be known as Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Earl Warren drafted the plan. This constitution was adopted at a meeting of students and instructors from the Institute held at the City Hall in Hayward, California on December 18, 1937. The first chapter, Alpha came into being.   Oscar Jensen, of the California Department of Corrections, was elected President of Alpha Chapter. Regular meetings were held in the Bay Area and the first annual convention was held in Lodi, California on June 13-15, 1938.   Lambda Alpha Epsilon Recognition Keys were awarded to Earl Warren, founding member, J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI, and August Volmer, Professor of Police Administration at the University of California, Berkeley.  By 1941 interest in the organization began to grow. The first chapter of Lambda Alpha Epsilon was Alpha. But with the transfer of the Institute from San Jose to both the University of California campuses of Los Angeles and Berkeley, another chapter needed to be created. Thus, Beta Chapter in Los Angeles was installed on April 25, 1941, with 43 members. Robert C. Knight, Assistant Chief of Police of Bakersfield, was elected president of Beta Chapter. When the Institute established classes at the Berkeley campus of the University, a chapter was founded there for the graduates of that Institute. Therefore, with the establishment of the Los Angeles Chapter, the fraternity had become a two-chapter organization, Alpha in the north and Beta in the south. This brought procedural difficulties.  The original plan had been for a one-chapter organization that would function as the first chapter, Alpha, and the Grand Chapter. While there had been only Alpha, this worked just fine, but with the installation of Beta it meant that each member of Alpha was entitled to a vote but Beta was limited to only certain members voting at annual meetings. Another difficulty encountered by Alpha was that the original constitution limited membership to graduates of the Institute and the members felt that this was too restrictive as there were graduates of other schools, equally as good as the institute, whose applications had been turned down. Due to these difficulties and recognizing a need for an organization adjustment, a special committee was appointed in 1945 to study the existing constitution to recommend changes to make it more functional for a multi-chapter organization. As a result of this committee's report a revised constitution was adopted at the annual meeting held in July 1946, that with certain exceptions opened membership to law enforcement people in general. Any sworn police officer with a college education was now eligible for membership.

The aims and purposes of Lambda Alpha Epsilon were as follows:

1. To promote a greater fraternal relationship among graduates of technical and     professional police schools.

2. To promote higher standards of educational attainments among peace officers.

3. To promote the institution of courses of police science by recognized colleges and universities.

4. To promote research projects in the field of police science.

5. To promote a better understanding by the public of the aims and ideals of peace officer organizations.

6. To promote the selection of properly trained personnel for law enforcement positions.

7. To promote the standard modern methods in the field of law enforcement.

8. To promote unity of action among law enforcement agencies.

            One of the most dedicated members during this time period was Tom Hunter of the California Department of Justice. He served as National President and for many years devoted himself to the development of Lambda Alpha Epsilon. He is recognized today through the Tom Hunter Founders Award, the highest award granted by the association.  Thus, after the drafting of the new constitution in 1946, any sworn peace officer with a college education or a graduate of the Institute could apply for membership in the fraternity. This changed in 1950 when a petition was received from a group of pre-service students of the School of Criminology at the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to this, Lambda Alpha Epsilon had been strictly a professional organization, with only in-service law enforcement personnel as members. However, the possibility of collegiate chapters of non-service persons was looked into and was found to have merit. Epsilon was granted its charter and became the first collegiate chapter.  The petition from Epsilon raised another question. One of the petitioners was a woman, Barbara Feister. After some controversy "Brother Barbara" was admitted as a charter member of Epsilon. After "Brother Barbara" had opened the door, more women were quick to follow. The first all-woman chapter, Theta, in Sacramento California was granted its charter on February 19, 1954. The fraternity was incorporated as a non-profit corporation under California law on August 19, 1954.  In 1964, Lambda Alpha Epsilon introduced the first of its annual police competitions including, Criminal Law and Procedure, Criminal Investigation, Accident Investigation, Physical Agility, Camp Perry Pistol course, Combat Pistol Course, and Postal Pistol Match. There were three levels of competition in each of these areas: collegiate lower level, collegiate upper level, and professional divisions.  With the advent of new chapters outside the State of California, decentralization became necessary. In May of 1969, the nation was divided into five regions, with a vice-president in charge of each. The vice-presidents administered the activities of the regions in accordance with the goals of the association as a whole. Reorganization brought about reconstructing our thinking and new Bylaws were adopted in September 1970. Since the organization covers all facets of the field of criminal justice from law enforcement to the judiciary to corrections, the name was changed to Lambda Alpha Epsilon - The American Criminal Justice Association. In 1976, the name was reversed to read The American Criminal Justice Association - Lambda Alpha Epsilon. In March 1987, we celebrated our Golden Anniversary Conference with a gala celebration at our birthplace in San Jose, California.   Lambda Alpha Epsilon has continued to grow to the point where we now have six regions and instead of vice-presidents, we now have Regional Presidents. We have active chapters in almost 75% of our states including Hawaii and members-at-large throughout the world. We hold a National Conference every year with excellent workshops and speakers, written tests covering corrections, criminal and juvenile law, along with physical agility, crime scene investigation, and a National Pistol Match. Scholarships are awarded each year to our members who apply for them. The Association will continue to grow in size and stature in the years to come and members will be increasingly aware of the impact their membership in the Association in achieving their academic and professional goals.

3. Meaning of the Emblems of Lambda Alpha Epsilon

          The emblem of the American Criminal Justice Association - Lambda Alpha Epsilon Consists of a hexagon upon which is inscribed three Greek letters, Lambda, Alpha, and Epsilon, a web, a star, and pair of scales. This emblem can be seen at the beginning of this manual.  The words "American Criminal Justice Association" appear on the outer edge of the insignia. Each of these figures has a particular significance for us in the field of criminal justice.

            The Greek letter "Lambda" is the first letter of the Greek work "Lambano" that means "to detect and apprehend." "Alpha" is the first letter of the Greek word "Anakrinen" meaning "to adjudicate." "Epsilon" is the first letter of the Greek word "Exorthoun" which translated means "to rehabilitate." The three letters taken together are representative of the primary functions of criminal justice systems everywhere: to detect, to adjudicate, and to rehabilitate.

             The star is representative of the light of knowledge. The truth of the adage "Knowledge is power" becomes more apparent each day. Now, more that ever, those of us who are committed to the criminal justice system appreciate that only by acquisition and dissemination of knowledge can we hope to perform an adequate service to our communities. In our oath we have obligated ourselves to be both a teacher and a student of the art and science of criminal justice. Let this constantly remind us of our dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

            Traditionally, scales are emblematic of justice. As criminal justice agents, we are committed to deal with our respective tasks honestly, truthfully, and without prejudice. The evidence of our skills is the ability to consummate our tasks with the highest degree of professional integrity possible.

            The web symbolizes that great complexity of criminal activity. The web has a second significance for criminal justice agents. It accentuates the multitude of agencies dedicated to cope with this massive dilemma. Each part of agency cooperation helps eliminate a strand in the web of crime making it progressively easier to deal with this enormous social problem.

4. Oath of Membership

I, ____________, humbly recognizing the responsibilities entrusted to me, do vow that I shall always consider the calling of the Criminal Justice to be an honorable profession, the duties of which are recognized by me as both an art and a science.

In my daily life I shall strive to be both a student and a teacher in the art and science of Criminal Justice. I shall acquire due knowledge of the ethics of the profession of the criminal justice system in my domain and constantly seek to contribute to it in the best of my ability.

I will support and uphold the Bylaws of Lambda Alpha Epsilon and do my best to carry out the aims and purposes of the association.

5. Membership Benefits

Upon acceptance into ACJA-LAE, members receive:                                               

          Membership Certificate - that can be printed on parchment paper and framed. It contains the member's name, the association logo and seal, the date of acceptance, and the approval of acceptance by the signature of the National    President and Executive Secretary.

            Membership Card - that identifies them as a member of ACJA-LAE. After initial           acceptance, the card is issued annually upon renewal of Association membership.

            Membership Pin - a gold organizational identification pin that is a facsimile of the ACJA-LAE logo. To be worn with pride.

            ACJA-LAE Sticker - to be placed on books, cars, etc.

            National Journals and Newsletters - distributed to each active member. The           publication contains information about recent developments and synopses of released publications on the criminal justice field, association activities to the          National, Regional, and Chapter levels, and accomplishments and news of individual members.

          Chapter T-shirt - to be worn at public chapter events or casually.

            Graduation Medallion - to be worn at the graduation ceremony to recognize   your involvement in LAE.

6. Delta Zeta Omega's Mission Statement

 

7. Officer Information

Emily Goettelman, President            President@ucflae.org           407-275-2270

Angie Monk, Vice President             Amonk@ucflae.org              407-362-2202

Diona Reilly, Secretary                   DMR12@ucflae.org             407-306-9982

Melissa Ramkissoon, Treasurer        Treasurer@ucflae.org          407-362-3122

Jimmy Roberts, Sergeant-at-Arms    jroberts@ucflae.org             407-823-5555

Dr. Ross Wolf, Advisor                   Rwolf@ucflae.org                407-823-5351

8. National and Chapter Links

National Website www.acjalae.org  The website of the national organization has general LAE info, links to other   chapters throughout the regions, and a network of job information and contacts.

Delta Zeta Omega Chapter Website www.ucflae.org  The website of our chapter.  It lists all our news, events, officer contacts and message boards, along with pictures from our events.

 

9. Requirements for Active Membership in the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter

1.   Prospective Members must submit their application and dues by October 1^st, 2002. 

2.   Prospective Members must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. on a scale of 4.0.

3.   Prospective Members must have a sincere interest in the field of criminal justice.

4.   Prospective Members are required to attend at least half of the activities each month, including the weekly chapter meetings, fundraisers and social activities/field trips to maintain prospective member status.

5.   An excessive number of absences, if not excused, may cause the Prospective Member to reconsider whether or not he/she has sufficient time to devote to membership in the association. If an applicant fails to attend three consecutive meetings without notifying the Membership Committee Chair, they will be dropped from the prospective member status. 

6.   Prospective Members for active membership must have at least two semesters of UCF classes left before their expected graduation date, either their Bachelors or Masters.  If they have less than two semesters left and don't plan on furthering their education at UCF, but would still like to participate in chapter activities, they are strongly encouraged to join as an affiliate member.

7.       Once initiated, to remain as a member in good standing, members must pay semester dues to the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter and annual national dues.  A breakdown of the distribution of dues and due dates are outlined in the Chapter Bylaws.

 

10. Individual Requirements while obtaining membership in Delta Zeta Omega

           

1.   The wearing of the ACJA-LAE letters is an honor to be upheld with dignity, class and the respect and honor that the history of the fraternity call for.  DZO requests that you do not wear your letters or any LAE- affiliated material when you partake in the consumption of alcoholic beverages or any other illegal substance, or engaging in any other illegal activity.

2.   Jerseys bearing the ACJA-LAE letters are a privilege given to active, inducted members only.  Jerseys will be ordered through the Vice President and the approved through the Executive Council.

3.   New Members are encouraged to join and participate in one of the four committees DZO has to offer.  However, new members are not able to hold the position of committee chair until after they have been inducted and can         better understand the responsibilities of a Chairperson. 

 

11. Activities Requirements of the New Member Class

 

1.      Plan and execute one social event held entirely by the pledge class to benefit the rest of the chapter and its affiliates.  This may possibly include taking over the planning of the Senior Sendoff, or a completely original idea.  The event is to be documented, and approved by the Executive Council.  The Membership Committee Chairperson will be responsible for interacting between the pledge class and the Executive Council.

2.      Plan and execute one fundraiser held entirely by the pledge class to benefit the chapter.  The event is to be documented and approved by the Membership Committee Chairperson and the Executive Council.

3.      Attend the initial pledge orientation meeting, and any further class meetings thereafter unless excused by the Executive Council.

4.      Participate in 2 Social Events or Field Trips and half of the weekly chapter meetings within the probationary period.

5.      At the end of each new member initiate period, the class will select a candidate for Outstanding Member of the Class by secret ballot.  Upon final approval by the E-Council, that member will be recognized and presented with an award at the induction ceremony for their class.

          6.  Prospective Members are expected to attend all scheduled Prospective  Member activities.  Induction of new members takes place at a formal induction ceremony/dinner as a traditional, formal symbol of final acceptance                        into the chapter.   The dress code for the dinner is semi-formal.

 

12. Induction Ceremony and Initiate Period

 

                02-05-001 (Pledge Period) Members-elect, must submit applications by 8^th week of semester, their pledge period is the remainder of the current semester, induction will be the 2^nd week of the next semester, Subject to scheduling.

13.  Purpose of the Induction Process

          The purpose of the induction process is to maintain the quality of membership within the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter, to develop a fraternal bond between members, and to share our own sense of loyalty and unity with new members.

          The induction process will give you the opportunity to utilize your talents and creativity in different facets of the chapter. As prospective member, your personal qualities of integrity, honesty, loyalty, judgment, and dedication will also have the opportunity to be utilized as you proceed to fulfill your commitment to the chapter.

The Induction Process is intended to accomplish the following:

1.      To promote a sense of unity among the new member class so that they learn     to trust and support one another. A major objective of the probationary period is to give the new members the opportunity to organize and work together to accomplish common goals.

2.      To help you develop pride within your own new member class, in this chapter, this university, and the field/profession of criminal justice.

3.      To determine your willingness to accept responsibilities and to accomplish activities with enthusiasm.

4.      To allow you to learn the ideas, goals, and traditions of the Delta Zeta Omega Chapter, and the American Criminal Justice Association.

14. Special Concerns of the Induction Process

     ACJA-LAE Delta Zeta Omega Chapter adheres to the Hazing Code of UCF and the State of Florida.  A Prospective Member will never be required to participate in any activity which is likely to cause physical or normal injury or which is intended to degrade, humiliate or disgrace.

1.      Prospective Members and active members will do nothing, which may cause property damage.

2.      Parents, relatives, teachers, employees, etc. of Prospective Members or active members will not be disturbed by induction activities.

3.      ACJA-LAE Bylaws prohibits discrimination of any type. Any embarrassment, ridicule, or insults directed toward a Prospective Member based on his or her race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or national origin will not be tolerated.  

15. Attendance Policy

 

                02-05-016 (Attendance Policy) All Members will be held to the following attendance policy.  Members that do not comply with the minimum mandatory attendance policy will be administratively suspended from active membership in accordance with the chapter constitution.  The Minimum attendance policy requires members to attend 2 meetings per month.  Members will participate in all fundraising events, but will be allowed to miss 1 event per month.  All members will be required to participate in the Fall and Spring Inductions, Career Fair, Date Auction, and Jail & Bail. Chapter Social Events and Field Trips will not be mandatory. Variances to this policy must be presented to the E-Board as a petition explaining why the variance should be granted.

                02-05-017 (Missed Activities) All members will be required to attend any event that they have signed up for.  If a member is unable to attend, they will notify a member of the E-Board of this cancellation.  Repeated violations of this rule will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

 

16. Financial Obligations to Members

 

 

17. Affiliate Membership

 

                02-05-012 (Affiliate Membership). A Member who is eligible for active membership may not apply for affiliate membership.  Affiliate membership will be evaluated by the E-board on a case by case basis.  Affiliate members may join the national fraternity if they are eligible and will become part of the voting roster for the chapter.  Alumni who wish to remain an affiliate member will continue to be on the voting roster of the chapter and will not register as members at large with the national fraternity.

 

18. Event Participation Priority Breakdown

 

                02-05-013 (Activities and Active/Affiliate/Guests) Planned activities with limited availability will be filled giving priority to Active members, then to Affiliate Members, Guests will be considered only after the deadline for the event signup has expired.  Guest will be allowed to participate in 3 events without becoming affiliate members; they will be required to become at least an affiliate member to continue attending activities or pay an activity fee of $10.00 per activity.  Official Guests of the Chapter may attend events without becoming members or paying activity fees.   Official Guest are defined as guests that may contribute to the criminal justice educational or career aims of the chapter, or who may be invited to fill necessary spots to maintain an event.

 

19. Members Incurring Costs to the Chapter

 

                02-05-009 (Member’s Incurring Costs to the Chapter). Any member who indebts the chapter for any reason will be responsible for repayment of the debt to the chapter.  Failure to repay this debt in a timely manner as established by the E-Board will result in suspension of a member’s privileges.  A final due date will be established by the E-Board prior to the end of the semester, failure to comply will result in revocation of membership, subject to final approval by the E-board, with a loss of any paid dues, or entitlements.

20. Scholastic Honor Awards

          These awards are given in recognition of outstanding scholastic attainment in the field of the Administration of Criminal Justice. Keys (a distinctive charm/pin with the ACJA-LAE logo) and a certificate are awarded to members who exemplify themselves academically. To obtain keys, candidates must submit a certified copy of their G.P.A. Transcript and the degree received, to the Executive Secretary of the Grand Chapter. Upon verification that the candidate meets the requirement for the award, the Certificate and Key Emblem will be mailed to the recipient.

            GRADUATE KEYS - are awarded to those members who meet the requirements with a Graduate/Master Degree.

            GOLD KEYS - are awarded to those members who meet the requirements with a Bachelor's Degree. In order to qualify for a Gold Key, a member's G.P.A. must be at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0.

            SILVER KEYS - are awarded to those members who meet the requirements with an Associate Degree. In order to qualify for a Silver Key, a member's G.P.A. must be at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0.

21. Competitive Awards and Scholarships

Members may compete nationally for monetary awards. They are:

            SCHOLARSHIPS - A program which makes annual monetary awards to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a course of study in the criminal justice field. Three categories of awards have been established to include a Graduate Division, an Upper Division, and a Lower Division. The Scholarship Committee selects the winners of the scholarship competition. Annual awards are announced at the National Conference of the Association held each year. The deadline for scholarship applications and papers is December 3 1" of each year. A paper must be written on the theme of the upcoming National Conference, which changes each year. Interested members may contact the Executive Secretary to obtain applications and information.

            STUDENT PAPER COMPETITION - Any student member is eligible to compete who is currently enrolled on a full time basis in an academic program at either the Undergraduate or Graduate level. All entries must be original papers dealing with issues and problems in the area of criminology, law enforcement, juvenile justice, courts, corrections, prevention, planning, evaluation, career development and education in the field of criminal justice. The deadline for Student Paper Competition applications and papers is January 31st of each year. Awards are announced at the National Conference held each year. Interested members may contact the Executive Secretary for application information.

22. Chapter Events

Here are some of the events that we have already planned for this semester and some other events that we are still working on.

OCTOBER
Tuesday 1st	Knights of the Roundtable	1:30-2:30	SU 316 AB
Wednesday 2nd	Clothing Drive
Saturday 5th	Firearms Intro Class *Non-LAE*	8:00-5:00	Emily's House/Range
Wednesday 9th	Bake Sale	9:00-3:00	HPA Atrium
Thursday 17th -    Sunday 20th	Regional Conference		Tallahassee, FL
Monday 21st-       Sunday 27th	Homecoming Week
Friday 25th	Spirit Splash	TBA	Fountain
Saturday 26th	Homecoming Parade & Game	Game: 4:00PM	Citrus Bowl
Thursday 31st	Trick or Treat for UNICEF	6:00-9:00	TBA
NOVEMBER
Sunday 3rd- Friday 8th	SWAT Round Up	TBA	Orange County Sheriff's Range
Tuesday 5th	Knights of the Roundtable	1:30-2:30	SU 316CD
Wednesday 13th	Bake Sale	9:00-3:00	HPA Atrium
Saturday 23rd	Inductions	5:00-9:00	SU Pegasus ABC
DECEMBER
Friday 6th	Senior Sendoff	4:00-6:00	Lake Claire
JANUARY
Wednesday 29th	Career Fair	TBA	Pegasus Ballroom
FEBRUARY
Friday 22nd	Date Auction	TBA	Student Union
Things Being Worked On:
*Guest Speakers
*Working Universal's Halloween Horror Nights as a fundraiser
*Autopsy
*J.R. Miller's crime scene presentation
*Jimmy's Jail N' Bail fundraiser
*Car washes
*Disney security tour
*OCSO SWAT Obstacle Course
*OCSO Training Videos
*OCSO Shooting Simulator