CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE
TARRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE
ARTICLE ONE
PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SECTION A: The organization shall be known as the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Posse.
SECTION B: The purpose of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Posse (TCSP) shall be to act as a public relations organization under the guidelines set forth by the Sheriff of Tarrant County. The TCSP will perform this function in a professional and moral manner with the ideology preserving the Tarrant County’s Western Heritage Image. The TCSP shall under any circumstances aid and support the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department upon the request of the Sheriff of Tarrant County. Officers who are commissioned by Tarrant County will meet and maintain state and department requirements for Peace Officer Certification.
ARTICLE TWO
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
SECTION A: Captain
Appointed by the Sheriff of Tarrant County. The Captain shall manage the operation of the organization and appoint additional officers to serve as an advisory council with the specific titles and duties set forth by the Captain. This council will be the governing body for the TCSP.
SECTION B: Executive Officer
Second in command with the rank of Lieutenant. The Executive Officer shall assume command during the absence of the Captain. This person will conduct the initial interview for all prospective new members making certain that all applications are complete and ensuring at least half of the references are contacted and the Captain and Drill Officer have been consulted before application is sent for the Sheriff’s approval. The Executive Officer will also assist the Captain in the planning of all special events to include communication with any organization or individual which would request the assistance of the TCSP. Coordinates with the Training Department ensuring the certified posse members maintain state and department certification criteria. (If the Executive Officer is not a commissioned officer then this duty will be assigned to a commissioned officer).
SECTION C: Drill Officer
Third in command with the rank of Lieutenant. The Drill Officer shall assume command during the absence of the Captain and Executive Officer. The Drill Officer is responsible for the selection of drill routines for rodeo performances, parades formations, and ceremonial activities. This officer will decide which members are qualified to participate in any function. He shall make certain that all uniforms, horses and tack meet the requirements of the events. Must meet with all new applicants to determine horsemanship and inspect horses for posse standards before any application can be processed.
SECTION D: Drill Sergeant
The assistant to the Drill Officer with the rank of Sergeant. This officer shall assist the Drill Officer to ensure posse guidelines are met during events.
SECTION E: Treasurer
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall attend to all financial requirements of the TCSP to include the preparation of a financial statement for each monthly meeting.
SECTION F: Secretary
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall be responsible for all posse correspondence with the posse members. In addition, the Secretary shall keep the minutes of all business and officer meetings and maintain an attendance roll of each posse function.
The Secretary shall also maintain on file, a copy of health requirements, required by the TCSP, or mandated by law, of each horse participating in any posse function.
SECTION G: Supply Officer
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall be responsible for all posse tack and supplies. Purchases must be made with approval from the Captain and Advisory Council. Supply Officer shall keep current inventory and price list of tack and supplies as well as a listing of vendors for additional purchases.
SECTION H: Chaplin
This officer with the rank of Sergeant shall attend to all special personal and emotional needs of the posse members and their families.
SECTION I: Sweetheart
A posse sweetheart to represent the TCSP at all appropriate functions. The Sweetheart will be voted upon by the Advisory Council on an annual basis and be effective on January 1 of each year. There will be no limit on the terms served. Requirement shall be a dependent of an active posse member, own horse and transportation, sash and crown will be provided by TCSP. The posse sweetheart must maintain an academic C average or above. She must attend at least 50% of the posse functions to be considered active.
SECTION J: Grievance Committee
The purpose of this committee, which shall consist of all the officers, is to provide any member the opportunity to express their grievance against any posse member or policy as laid down by the organization. Members in good standing (financial obligations current and attendance requirements met) may request a hearing with the committee only after they have first personally expressed their concern with the alleged offending member. All issues must be brought to the attention of the Captain or Executive Officer before the escalation to higher command. Any violation of these procedures may result in termination of membership or this organization.
SECTION K: Advisory Council
The Advisory council is the governing body of the TCSP. The members of this council are the ranking officers whom are appointed by the Captain. Changes to the by-laws may only be made by this council. General membership must submit change request to the council for review.
ARTICLE THREE
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A: The membership of the TCSP serves under the direction and authority of the Sheriff of Tarrant County and shall be limited to 100 members. Each member is required to participate a minimum of 4 volunteer service hours each calendar year and to pay annual dues. The dues amount is set by the Advisory Council. January 1 is the annual due date. Members with outstanding dues not paid by March 1st will be placed in an inactive member status and will not be allowed to participate in posse functions until dues are paid. Individuals with dues outstanding as of June 1st will be removed as posse members and will be required to submit their ID’s to the Captain or Executive Officer.
Membership is divided into several categories:
Sub 1: Active Members: Voting status
Requires completion of new member probation, no outstanding debt to the Posse, including dues, and a participation level of not less than 50%.
Sub 2: Inactive Member: non-voting status
This is a member whose participation level has fallen below 50% or whose outstanding debt is over 60 days. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Captain for illness or family conflicts.
Sub 3: Candidate: non-voting status
Before a prospective member will be issued a badge or an ID card the following must be completed.
1.A completed application from the candidate to the Captain or Executive officer. The Drill Officer and sergeant must approve applicant’s horse and the riding skills, and then the Advisory Council must approve applicant.
2.Notification from the department of the Sheriff’s approval.
3.Purchase of one complete uniform and all tack.
4.Payment of annual dues (submitted with application)
5.Signature of badge acceptance.
6.Have own transportation.
7.90 Day probation period (from issue date of ID card) if membership is revoked for any reason, dues will be returned to member upon return of ID card.
Sub 4: Lifetime member: Non-voting status
Members who complete 15 years of membership may request to become a lifetime member. Lifetime members will be exempt from paying annual dues and will not have voting rights. Lifetime members will still be required to maintain current uniform and ID cards. A minimum of 4 hours volunteer service must be recorded each calendar year. This would include any services provided by the posse (i.e., monthly meetings, riding events, and posse approved functions) provided the member meets the qualifications for the event. Participation will still be recorded for any volunteer awards that may be presented by the Department. Request for lifetime membership must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and will be voted upon by the Officer Committee.
Lifetime members who wish to return to active status may do so by submitting a written request to the Secretary and will be voted upon by the Officer Committee.
Sub 5: Associate Member: non-voting status
Associate membership shall be available to the following persons:
Associate Members shall:
1.Submit a completed membership application to the Captain or Executive officer.
2.Receive approval of horse and riding skills from the Drill Officer and sergeant and membership approval from the Advisory Council.
3.Pay annual dues at 50% of the general membership dues amount (submitted with application)
No background check is required
No ID Card will be issued
Participation is not required to remain an Associate Member (although participation will be tracked for reporting purposes)
Associate Members may participate in Christmas Party and other events deemed appropriate by the Captain and Executive Officer
Associate Members that do not comply with the requirements may be asked to relinquish their membership and cease participation.
ARTICLE FOUR
UNIFORMS AND HORSE TACK
SECTION A: Uniforms
1. Shirts Command black long sleeve with department patches
2. Pants Wrangler black knit-82BK
3. Hats Black felt for winter. Resistol straw (natural) both hats with black eyelets and band; no stampede string
4. Boots Black cowboy or ropers
5. Belt Black basket weave or unlined ranger style 107 brass.
6. Tie Black clip-on with tie tack.
7. Jacket Black waist length uniform coat (brass buttons with department patches, no fur collar.
8. Slicker Yellow, split back, duster length.
9. Insignia Two S.D.’s for shirt collar, name tag, one cross pistol whistle holder, one whistle with chain, and one badge (all insignia must be brass)
10. Gloves Black leather.
SECTION B: Trail Uniform
1. Shirt Wrangler blue denim cotton western shirt
2. Pants Wrangler dark blue jeans.
3. Boots Dark in color cowboy or roper.
4. Badges Worn above the left shirt pocket.
SECTION C: Horse Tack
1.Tan leather split ear headstall purchased from the Posse. (Tie down optional, but if used must be leather, chin strap also
2.Brown nylon webbed girth or cotton string girth (nylon webbed girth purchased from the Posse and worn for parades and ceremonial events, cotton or webbed for all events. Must be kept in clean condition).
3.Posse breast collar and saddle cover; both purchased from the Posse.
4.Tan saddle to be approved by Drill Lt or Sgt.
5.Split leather reins purchased from the Posse.
ARTICLE FIVE
HORSE REQUIREMENTS
SECTION A: Gender
Only mares and gelding are acceptable. No stallions are to be ridden during Posse functions, including practices. All horses must be approved by the Drill Lt. or Sgt.
SECTION B: General Appearances
Horses may be of any breed, color, registered, or grade and must be a minimum of 14.2 hands. No kickers are allowed at any Posse function. All new horses must meet all requirements.
SECTION C: Health
It is the responsibility of each member to maintain the health and appearance of their horse. Members will not be permitted to participate with any horse without current negative coggins papers being on file with the Posse Secretary for subject horse. Members will not be permitted to participate with any horse that exhibits outward signs of a communicable disease, extensive parasite infection, excessive abuse or acute lameness. Any candidate for membership must show proof of current negative coggins for the subject horse before any participation with the Posse.
SECTION D: Grooming
Horses must be clean and groomed with bridle paths at all events. Hooves are to be blackened for parades and ceremonial events.
SECTION E: Inspections
Inspections of uniforms, horses and tack, shall be conducted by the Drill Lt. or Sgt. Members not meeting the requirements for the events may not be allowed to participate in that event. Also, if more members show up for an event than the event allows, then some members may be asked not to participate at that event.
SECTION F: Officer Representation
The Posse will not participate at any function unless there is a Ranking Officer (Captain, Lt., or Sgt.) present. If a Sgt. is the only ranking officer present, then that Sgt. will be in command and will be responsible for the Posse conducting itself in a professional manner.
SECTION G: Insurance
The TCSP carries no liability insurance for rider or horse. Each member is responsible for their own medical/vet expenses in case of injury due to accidents.
TARRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE
Amendment to Constitution and By-Laws
April 2, 2018
This change is under Article Three, Section A: Membership
Sub 5: Associate Member: non-voting status
Associate membership shall be available to the following persons:
Associate Members shall:
8.Submit a completed membership application to the Captain or Executive officer.
9.Receive approval of horse and riding skills from the Drill Officer and sergeant and membership approval from the Advisory Council.
10.Pay annual dues at 50% of the general membership dues amount (submitted with application)
No background check is required
No ID Card will be issued
Participation is not required to remain an Associate Member (although participation will be tracked for reporting purposes)
Associate Members may participate in Christmas Party and other events deemed appropriate by the Captain and Executive Officer
Associate Members that do not comply with the requirements may be asked to relinquish their membership and cease participation.
Amendment to Constitution and By-Laws
March 9, 2015
The Change is under Article Two, Section G: Supply Officer
Supply Officer
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall be responsible for all posse tack and supplies. Purchases must be made with approval from the Captain and Advisory Council. Supply Officer shall keep current inventory and price list of tack and supplies as well as a listing of vendors for additional purchases.
This officer position’s responsibilities were separated from the Treasurer’s. The position was inserted as Section G and the other positions were re-positioned as appropriate.
The change is to Article Three, Section A: Membership
Each member is required to participate a minimum of 4 volunteer service hours each calendar year.
Individuals with dues outstanding as of June 1st will be removed as posse members and will be required to submit their ID’s to the Captain or Executive Officer.
TARRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE
ARTICLE ONE
PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
SECTION A: The organization shall be known as the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Posse.
SECTION B: The purpose of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Posse (TCSP) shall be to act as a public relations organization under the guidelines set forth by the Sheriff of Tarrant County. The TCSP will perform this function in a professional and moral manner with the ideology preserving the Tarrant County’s Western Heritage Image. The TCSP shall under any circumstances aid and support the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department upon the request of the Sheriff of Tarrant County. Officers who are commissioned by Tarrant County will meet and maintain state and department requirements for Peace Officer Certification.
ARTICLE TWO
OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
SECTION A: Captain
Appointed by the Sheriff of Tarrant County. The Captain shall manage the operation of the organization and appoint additional officers to serve as an advisory council with the specific titles and duties set forth by the Captain. This council will be the governing body for the TCSP.
SECTION B: Executive Officer
Second in command with the rank of Lieutenant. The Executive Officer shall assume command during the absence of the Captain. This person will conduct the initial interview for all prospective new members making certain that all applications are complete and ensuring at least half of the references are contacted and the Captain and Drill Officer have been consulted before application is sent for the Sheriff’s approval. The Executive Officer will also assist the Captain in the planning of all special events to include communication with any organization or individual which would request the assistance of the TCSP. Coordinates with the Training Department ensuring the certified posse members maintain state and department certification criteria. (If the Executive Officer is not a commissioned officer then this duty will be assigned to a commissioned officer).
SECTION C: Drill Officer
Third in command with the rank of Lieutenant. The Drill Officer shall assume command during the absence of the Captain and Executive Officer. The Drill Officer is responsible for the selection of drill routines for rodeo performances, parades formations, and ceremonial activities. This officer will decide which members are qualified to participate in any function. He shall make certain that all uniforms, horses and tack meet the requirements of the events. Must meet with all new applicants to determine horsemanship and inspect horses for posse standards before any application can be processed.
SECTION D: Drill Sergeant
The assistant to the Drill Officer with the rank of Sergeant. This officer shall assist the Drill Officer to ensure posse guidelines are met during events.
SECTION E: Treasurer
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall attend to all financial requirements of the TCSP to include the preparation of a financial statement for each monthly meeting.
SECTION F: Secretary
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall be responsible for all posse correspondence with the posse members. In addition, the Secretary shall keep the minutes of all business and officer meetings and maintain an attendance roll of each posse function.
The Secretary shall also maintain on file, a copy of health requirements, required by the TCSP, or mandated by law, of each horse participating in any posse function.
SECTION G: Supply Officer
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall be responsible for all posse tack and supplies. Purchases must be made with approval from the Captain and Advisory Council. Supply Officer shall keep current inventory and price list of tack and supplies as well as a listing of vendors for additional purchases.
SECTION H: Chaplin
This officer with the rank of Sergeant shall attend to all special personal and emotional needs of the posse members and their families.
SECTION I: Sweetheart
A posse sweetheart to represent the TCSP at all appropriate functions. The Sweetheart will be voted upon by the Advisory Council on an annual basis and be effective on January 1 of each year. There will be no limit on the terms served. Requirement shall be a dependent of an active posse member, own horse and transportation, sash and crown will be provided by TCSP. The posse sweetheart must maintain an academic C average or above. She must attend at least 50% of the posse functions to be considered active.
SECTION J: Grievance Committee
The purpose of this committee, which shall consist of all the officers, is to provide any member the opportunity to express their grievance against any posse member or policy as laid down by the organization. Members in good standing (financial obligations current and attendance requirements met) may request a hearing with the committee only after they have first personally expressed their concern with the alleged offending member. All issues must be brought to the attention of the Captain or Executive Officer before the escalation to higher command. Any violation of these procedures may result in termination of membership or this organization.
SECTION K: Advisory Council
The Advisory council is the governing body of the TCSP. The members of this council are the ranking officers whom are appointed by the Captain. Changes to the by-laws may only be made by this council. General membership must submit change request to the council for review.
ARTICLE THREE
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION A: The membership of the TCSP serves under the direction and authority of the Sheriff of Tarrant County and shall be limited to 100 members. Each member is required to participate a minimum of 4 volunteer service hours each calendar year and to pay annual dues. The dues amount is set by the Advisory Council. January 1 is the annual due date. Members with outstanding dues not paid by March 1st will be placed in an inactive member status and will not be allowed to participate in posse functions until dues are paid. Individuals with dues outstanding as of June 1st will be removed as posse members and will be required to submit their ID’s to the Captain or Executive Officer.
Membership is divided into several categories:
Sub 1: Active Members: Voting status
Requires completion of new member probation, no outstanding debt to the Posse, including dues, and a participation level of not less than 50%.
Sub 2: Inactive Member: non-voting status
This is a member whose participation level has fallen below 50% or whose outstanding debt is over 60 days. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Captain for illness or family conflicts.
Sub 3: Candidate: non-voting status
Before a prospective member will be issued a badge or an ID card the following must be completed.
1.A completed application from the candidate to the Captain or Executive officer. The Drill Officer and sergeant must approve applicant’s horse and the riding skills, and then the Advisory Council must approve applicant.
2.Notification from the department of the Sheriff’s approval.
3.Purchase of one complete uniform and all tack.
4.Payment of annual dues (submitted with application)
5.Signature of badge acceptance.
6.Have own transportation.
7.90 Day probation period (from issue date of ID card) if membership is revoked for any reason, dues will be returned to member upon return of ID card.
Sub 4: Lifetime member: Non-voting status
Members who complete 15 years of membership may request to become a lifetime member. Lifetime members will be exempt from paying annual dues and will not have voting rights. Lifetime members will still be required to maintain current uniform and ID cards. A minimum of 4 hours volunteer service must be recorded each calendar year. This would include any services provided by the posse (i.e., monthly meetings, riding events, and posse approved functions) provided the member meets the qualifications for the event. Participation will still be recorded for any volunteer awards that may be presented by the Department. Request for lifetime membership must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and will be voted upon by the Officer Committee.
Lifetime members who wish to return to active status may do so by submitting a written request to the Secretary and will be voted upon by the Officer Committee.
Sub 5: Associate Member: non-voting status
Associate membership shall be available to the following persons:
- Those who do not desire to be full members
- Those who do not qualify to be full members
Associate Members shall:
1.Submit a completed membership application to the Captain or Executive officer.
2.Receive approval of horse and riding skills from the Drill Officer and sergeant and membership approval from the Advisory Council.
3.Pay annual dues at 50% of the general membership dues amount (submitted with application)
- Behave in a professional manner befitting the Tarrant County Sheriff
- Purchase trail uniform
- Not utilize TCSP tack or chaps in public appearances
- Relinquish previously issued ID cards, uniform shirts, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department patches (if applicable) to the Captain or Executive Officer.
No background check is required
No ID Card will be issued
Participation is not required to remain an Associate Member (although participation will be tracked for reporting purposes)
Associate Members may participate in Christmas Party and other events deemed appropriate by the Captain and Executive Officer
Associate Members that do not comply with the requirements may be asked to relinquish their membership and cease participation.
ARTICLE FOUR
UNIFORMS AND HORSE TACK
SECTION A: Uniforms
1. Shirts Command black long sleeve with department patches
2. Pants Wrangler black knit-82BK
3. Hats Black felt for winter. Resistol straw (natural) both hats with black eyelets and band; no stampede string
4. Boots Black cowboy or ropers
5. Belt Black basket weave or unlined ranger style 107 brass.
6. Tie Black clip-on with tie tack.
7. Jacket Black waist length uniform coat (brass buttons with department patches, no fur collar.
8. Slicker Yellow, split back, duster length.
9. Insignia Two S.D.’s for shirt collar, name tag, one cross pistol whistle holder, one whistle with chain, and one badge (all insignia must be brass)
10. Gloves Black leather.
SECTION B: Trail Uniform
1. Shirt Wrangler blue denim cotton western shirt
2. Pants Wrangler dark blue jeans.
3. Boots Dark in color cowboy or roper.
4. Badges Worn above the left shirt pocket.
SECTION C: Horse Tack
1.Tan leather split ear headstall purchased from the Posse. (Tie down optional, but if used must be leather, chin strap also
2.Brown nylon webbed girth or cotton string girth (nylon webbed girth purchased from the Posse and worn for parades and ceremonial events, cotton or webbed for all events. Must be kept in clean condition).
3.Posse breast collar and saddle cover; both purchased from the Posse.
4.Tan saddle to be approved by Drill Lt or Sgt.
5.Split leather reins purchased from the Posse.
ARTICLE FIVE
HORSE REQUIREMENTS
SECTION A: Gender
Only mares and gelding are acceptable. No stallions are to be ridden during Posse functions, including practices. All horses must be approved by the Drill Lt. or Sgt.
SECTION B: General Appearances
Horses may be of any breed, color, registered, or grade and must be a minimum of 14.2 hands. No kickers are allowed at any Posse function. All new horses must meet all requirements.
SECTION C: Health
It is the responsibility of each member to maintain the health and appearance of their horse. Members will not be permitted to participate with any horse without current negative coggins papers being on file with the Posse Secretary for subject horse. Members will not be permitted to participate with any horse that exhibits outward signs of a communicable disease, extensive parasite infection, excessive abuse or acute lameness. Any candidate for membership must show proof of current negative coggins for the subject horse before any participation with the Posse.
SECTION D: Grooming
Horses must be clean and groomed with bridle paths at all events. Hooves are to be blackened for parades and ceremonial events.
SECTION E: Inspections
Inspections of uniforms, horses and tack, shall be conducted by the Drill Lt. or Sgt. Members not meeting the requirements for the events may not be allowed to participate in that event. Also, if more members show up for an event than the event allows, then some members may be asked not to participate at that event.
SECTION F: Officer Representation
The Posse will not participate at any function unless there is a Ranking Officer (Captain, Lt., or Sgt.) present. If a Sgt. is the only ranking officer present, then that Sgt. will be in command and will be responsible for the Posse conducting itself in a professional manner.
SECTION G: Insurance
The TCSP carries no liability insurance for rider or horse. Each member is responsible for their own medical/vet expenses in case of injury due to accidents.
TARRANT COUNTY SHERIFF’S POSSE
Amendment to Constitution and By-Laws
April 2, 2018
This change is under Article Three, Section A: Membership
Sub 5: Associate Member: non-voting status
Associate membership shall be available to the following persons:
- Those who do not desire to be full members
- Those who do not qualify to be full members
Associate Members shall:
8.Submit a completed membership application to the Captain or Executive officer.
9.Receive approval of horse and riding skills from the Drill Officer and sergeant and membership approval from the Advisory Council.
10.Pay annual dues at 50% of the general membership dues amount (submitted with application)
- Behave in a professional manner befitting the Tarrant County Sheriff
- Purchase trail uniform
- Not utilize TCSP tack or chaps in public appearances
- Relinquish previously issued ID cards, uniform shirts, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department patches (if applicable) to the Captain or Executive Officer.
No background check is required
No ID Card will be issued
Participation is not required to remain an Associate Member (although participation will be tracked for reporting purposes)
Associate Members may participate in Christmas Party and other events deemed appropriate by the Captain and Executive Officer
Associate Members that do not comply with the requirements may be asked to relinquish their membership and cease participation.
Amendment to Constitution and By-Laws
March 9, 2015
The Change is under Article Two, Section G: Supply Officer
Supply Officer
This officer, with the rank of Sergeant, shall be responsible for all posse tack and supplies. Purchases must be made with approval from the Captain and Advisory Council. Supply Officer shall keep current inventory and price list of tack and supplies as well as a listing of vendors for additional purchases.
This officer position’s responsibilities were separated from the Treasurer’s. The position was inserted as Section G and the other positions were re-positioned as appropriate.
The change is to Article Three, Section A: Membership
Each member is required to participate a minimum of 4 volunteer service hours each calendar year.
Individuals with dues outstanding as of June 1st will be removed as posse members and will be required to submit their ID’s to the Captain or Executive Officer.