Excerpts from the Bylaws

A Posse member must be a United States citizen, have a valid Arizona driver's license, and have good moral character (verified by a background screening conducted by MCSO). A further requirement for Communications Posse membership is the possession of an amateur radio license. If a new member does not have an amateur radio license, then that member must receive at least a Technician class license within one year of membership, transfer to another MCSO Posse, or resign membership with the Communications Posse.

A Posse member is not granted any law enforcement powers except when in the presence of a Sworn Compensated or Sworn Reserve Deputy.

Communications Posse members are not allowed to use Amateur Radio equipment on the Sheriff's Office frequencies, unless a situation occurs in which life and/or property is in immediate danger, in accordance with FCC part 97.403. That rule is stated as follows: "No provision of these rules prevents the use by an amateur station of any means of radiocommunication at its disposal to provide essential communication needs in connection with the immediate safety of human life and immediate protection of property when normal communication systems are not available."

Posse membership may be terminated whenever the member no longer has the qualifications required for membership, resigns, refuses to comply with the bylaws, engages in conduct that brings discredit to the Posse and the Sheriff's Office, or if the Sheriff or a designated officer deems it necessary to terminate the membership.

A person may be a member of several different Sheriff's Posses, if desired.

Annual Communications Posse dues are $15.00.

A member leaving the Posse must return his badge. The cost of the badge will be refunded. If a member wishes to keep his badge, it must be mounted at the member's expense, and the cost will not be refunded ("mounting" a badge consists of welding it to a plaque, embedding it in plastic resin, or similar mounting such that it cannot be worn again).

Posse members must purchase a uniform. Two types are available - 1. a golf shirt stenciled with the appropriate MCSO logos worn with denim jeans, casual shoes, and a Stetson or MCSO ballcap, or 2. a regulation MCSO Class B uniform with Posse sleeve insignia.

Minimum duty performance is to participate in at least one duty shift (participation in an event organized by the MCSO) per month, and to attend at least 8 of the 12 monthly meetings, which are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Required training for the Communications Posse consists of at least the following courses: Law and Legal, Radio Procedures, Emergency First Care, and Traffic Control. Other MCSO training courses are available.

The Communications Posse or individual Posse members (while on duty) are not allowed to influence legislation, influence the public in a referendum, or participate in any political campaign. Although off-duty Posse members are free to exercise their civil rights as American citizens and as residents of the State of Arizona, they may not present themselves as official representatives of the Posse or MCSO with regard to any political position, candidate, or issue.

The current Bylaws are located here.