General Membership Meetings

Meetings are held three times a year at rotating locations throughout Washington State. Current and prospective WACOPS members or affiliate members are welcome to attend. Voting rights are held by delegates who have been elected to represent a respective member association in good standing.

Winter Meeting: Held in Olympia to facilitate direct member engagement with the Legislature. The agenda includes issue briefings, strategy sessions, lobbying training, legislative speakers, individual meetings with local legislators during WACOPS annual Day on the Hill, as well as our highly attended Legislative Reception. Our meeting takes place Jan. 24-26, 2018 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

Spring Meeting: Members review outcomes of the previous Legislative Session and set strategy for campaigns during election years. Delegates vote on endorsements and contributions to candidates and ballot measures. 2018 location: Tulalip/Marysville, Wash.

Fall Meeting: Attendees evaluate ongoing and emerging issues that may be selected to be part of WACOPS' Legislative Priorities in the following Session of the Washington State Legislature. Members also conduct much of the associations internal business at this meeting: setting WACOPS annual budget, making updates to WACOPS' Strategic Plan, holding elections for open positions on the Executive Board, and modifications to WACOPS' by-laws.
(2017: Spokane; premier sponsor: Seattle's Finest; second sponsor: Spokane Law Enforcement Credit Union)

Meeting Agendas
As an association founded to advocate on behalf of law enforcement, each meeting incorporates an aspect of our legislative strategy. Other agenda items (speakers, trainings and activities) during meetings are structured around of WACOPS Mission and Strategic Plan with common elements recurring on an annual schedule.

Proxy Voting
In the event your guild is unable send a representative to a meeting your delegate's vote can be represented by designating another guild's delegate as a proxy. In order to temporarily transfer for your voting rights, print and complete the Proxy Voting Form (PDF). 

Room Scholarships
A limited number of room scholarships are available as needed for guilds that cannot otherwise afford to send a delegate or for prospective members interested in joining WACOPS. Contact WACOPS Office Manager, Lynn Jacobs, for availability.

Career Training & Education
WACOPS is committed to providing opportunities for members to develop and enhance their ability to lead within their guild, local community, and state. Our Training Committee is charged with identifying national and state experts on subject areas most relevant to our members.

Speakers & Guest Presentations
Representatives from WACOPS Labor Defense Group (LDG) and Public Safety Employees Insurance and affiliates, such as the LEOFF Board and Behind the Badge Foundation, provide information on upcoming changes in services or policies, briefings on events and projects, as well as best practices to maximize your benefits.

Networking and Entertainment
After business is wrapped up for the day, attendees have the option to socialize with other members over drinks and snacks in the WACOPS hospitality suite. During the second evening of each meeting, a "Fun Night" activity is planned to highlight a unique aspect of our host city. 

Benevolent Fund Raffle
In order to defray costs for fallen and injured officers, WACOPS created the Benevolent Fund. Through this fund we assist with funeral and burial costs and provide help to families of surviving and disabled officers. A raffle is held at each general membership meeting to raise money for this fund. Members are encouraged to bring items for the raffle as well as request donations for the raffle.