A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions.

Contents 1 Etymology 2 Historical usage 2.1 Byzantine Empire 2.2 France 2.3 England/Britain 2.4 Other European nations 3 Modern usage by country 3.1 Denmark 3.2 Finland 3.3 United Kingdom and the Commonwealth 3.3.1 Canada 3.3.2 Channel Islands 3.4 United States 3.4.1 Alabama 3.4.2 Arizona 3.4.3 Arkansas 3.4.4 California 3.4.5 Connecticut 3.4.6 Delaware 3.4.7 Georgia 3.4.8 Idaho 3.4.9 Kentucky 3.4.10 Massachusetts 3.4.11 Maine 3.4.12 Michigan 3.4.13 Mississippi 3.4.14 Nevada 3.4.15 New Hampshire 3.4.16 New Jersey 3.4.17 New York 3.4.18 Ohio 3.4.19 Pennsylvania 3.4.20 South Carolina 3.4.21 Tennessee 3.4.22 Texas 3.4.23 Utah 3.4.24 Vermont 3.4.25 Wisconsin 3.4.26 West Virginia 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

Etymology

Historically, the title comes from the Latin comes stabuli (count of the stables) and originated from the Eastern Roman Empire; originally, the constable was the officer responsible for keeping the horses of a lord or monarch. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. A count is a Nobleman in European countries The word count comes from French comte, itself from Latin A stable is a Building in which Livestock, especially Horses are kept The horse ( Equus caballus) is a hoofed ( Ungulate) Mammal, one of eight living species of the family Equidae. ^[1][2] The title was imported to the monarchies of medieval Europe, and in many countries developed into a high military rank and great officer of State (e. A monarchy is a Form of government in which supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in an individual who is the Head of state, often for life or Military rank is a system of hierarchical relationships in Armed forces or civil institutions organized along military lines g. the Constable of France). The Constable of France (connétable de France from Latin comes stabuli for " Count of the stables" as the First Officer of the Crown was one

Most constables in modern jurisdictions are law enforcement officers; in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth of Nations and some European countries, a constable is the lowest rank of police officer, while in the United States a constable is generally an elected peace officer with lesser jurisdiction than a sheriff. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A law enforcement officer (also called peace officer) in North America, is any public-sector person charged with upholding the peace, mainly SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI. However, in the Channel Islands a constable is an elected office-holder at the parish level. The Channel Islands ( Norman: Îles d'la Manche, French: Îles Anglo-Normandes or Îles de la Manche) are a group of Islands A civil parish in the United Kingdom is a unit of local government.

Historically, a constable could also be someone in charge of the defence of a castle. A castle is a defensive structure seen as one of the main symbols of the Middle Ages. Even today, there is a Constable of the Tower of London. Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower) is a historic monument in central London

The equivalent position is that of Marshal. Marshal (also sometimes spelled marshall in American English, but not in British English) is a word used in several official titles of various branches

Historical usage

Byzantine Empire

The position of constable originated from the Byzantine Empire; by the 5th century AD the comes stabuli, or count of the stable, was responsible for the keeping of horses at the imperial court. The 5th century is the period from 401 to 500 in accordance with the Julian calendar in Anno Domini / Common Era. The horse ( Equus caballus) is a hoofed ( Ungulate) Mammal, one of eight living species of the family Equidae. ^[2] Later on, the position became a high military office.

Byzantine administrative structures were largely adopted by Charlemagne in developing his empire; the position of Constable, along with the similar office of Marshal, spread throughout the emerging states of Western Europe during this period. Charlemagne (ˈʃɑrlɨmeɪn Carolus Magnus or Karolus Magnus meaning Charles the Great) (747 – 28 January 814 was King of the Franks from 768 to his Marshal (also sometimes spelled marshall in American English, but not in British English) is a word used in several official titles of various branches ^[1] In most medieval nations, the constable was the highest-ranking officer of the army, and was responsible for the overseeing of martial law. Martial law is the system of rules that takes effect when the military takes control of the normal administration of justice ^[3]

France

Main article: Constable of France

The Constable of France (Connétable de France), under the French monarchy, was the First Officer of the Crown of France and was originally responsible for commanding the army. The Constable of France (connétable de France from Latin comes stabuli for " Count of the stables" as the First Officer of the Crown was one This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. List of Queens and Empresses of France Wikipedia_talkFeatured_lists#Proposed_change_to_all_featured_lists for an explanation of this and other inclusion tags below The Great Officers of the Crown were the most important officers of state of the royal court in France during the Ancien Régime and Bourbon Restoration An army (from Latin Armata "act of arming" via Old French armée) in the broadest sense is the land-based Armed forces His symbol of office was a sword in a sheath of royal blue. ^[3] Some constables were prominent military commanders in the medieval period, such as Bertrand du Guesclin who served from 1370 to 1380. Bertrand du Guesclin (c 1320 &ndash 13 July 1380) known as the Eagle of Brittany, was a Breton Knight and French military commander

England/Britain

See also: Lord High Constable and Parish constable

The office of the constable was introduced in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and was responsible for the keeping and maintenance of the king's armaments and those of the villages as a measure of protecting individual settlements throughout the country. Parish Constable was the term used to determine a Law enforcement officer, usually unpaid and part-time serving a parish. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland ^[4]

The office of Lord High Constable, one of the Great Officers of State, was established in England and Scotland during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154) and was responsible for the command of the army. In the United Kingdom, the Great Officers of State are traditional Crown ministers who either inherit their positions or are appointed to exercise certain largely England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland Scotland ( Gaelic: Alba) is a Country in northwest Europethat occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Stephen often referred to in history as Stephen of Blois (c 1096 &ndash 25 October, 1154) was the last Norman King of England The term was also used at the local level within the feudal system however, describing an officer appointed to keep order. Feudalism, a term first used in the early modern period (17th century in its most classic sense refers to a Medieval Europe Political system composed ^[5] One of the first descriptions of the legal role of a constable comes from Bracton, a jurist writing between 1220 and 1250^[6]:

In whatever way they come and on whatever day, it is the duty of the constable to enroll everything in order, for he has record as to the things he sees; but he cannot judge, because there is no judgment at the Tower, since there the third element of a judicial proceeding is lacking, namely a judge and jurisdiction. Henry of Bracton, also Henry de Bracton, also Henrici Bracton,or Henry Bratton also Henry Bretton (ca He has record as to matters of fact, not matters of judgment and law. ^[7]

In Bracton's time, anyone seeing a "misdeed" was empowered to make an arrest, whether or not they were a constable. The role of the constable in Bracton's description was as the "eyes and ears" of the court, finding evidence and recording facts on which judges could make a ruling. By extension, the constable was also the "strong arm" of the court (i. e. , of the common law), marking the basic role of the constable that continues into the present-day. Common law refers to law and the corresponding legal system developed through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive ^[8]

In 1285, King Edward I of England passed the Statute of Winchester, which "constituted two constables in every hundred to prevent defaults in towns and highways". Edward I (17 June 1239 – 7 July 1307 popularly known as Longshanks, was a King of England who achieved historical fame by conquering large parts of Wales and almost ^[9] There are records of parish constables by the 17th century in the county records of Buckinghamshire; traditionally they were elected by the parishioners, but from 1617 onwards were typically appointed by justices of the peace in each county. As a means of recording the passage of Time, the 17th Century was that Century which lasted from 1601 - 1700 in the Gregorian calendar Buckinghamshire (abbreviated Bucks) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace ^[9]

The system of policing by unpaid parish constables continued in England until the 19th century; in the London metropolitan area it was ended by the creation of the Metropolitan Police in 1829, ^[10] and outside London by the County Police Act 1839, which allowed counties to establish full-time professional police forces. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The 19th century of the Common Era began on January 1, 1801 and ended on December 31, 1900, according to the Gregorian calendar London ( ˈlʌndən is the capital and largest urban area in the United Kingdom. "Metropolitan Police" redirects here See also Metropolitan police. For the game see 1829 (board game. Year 1829 ( MDCCCXXIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display The County Police Act 1839 (2&3 Vict c 93 (also known as The Rural Police Act) was an Act of Parliament passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom A county is a Land area of Regional Government within a larger State. However, the term "constable" was still used by officers of the new police forces, and most outside London were headed by a chief constable. Chief Constable is the title given to the Chief police officer of every territorial police force in the United Kingdom except the two responsible for Greater ^[11][12] This system is still used today.

Other European nations

The position of hereditary constable persists in some current or former monarchies of Europe. A monarchy is a Form of government in which supreme power is actually or nominally lodged in an individual who is the Head of state, often for life or The position of Lord High Constable of Scotland is hereditary in the family of the Earl of Erroll. The Lord High Constable is a hereditary now ceremonial office of Scotland. The title Earl of Erroll is an ancient one in the Peerage of Scotland. There is also a hereditary constable of Navarre in Spain; this position is presently held by the Duchess of Alba. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. The Dukes of Alba ( es: Duque de Alba) are Spanish nobility and Grandees of Spain. ^[3]

Historically, many other hereditary constables existed as officers of state in former monarchies. Examples are the Constable of Castile (Condestable de Castilla) and the Constable of Portugal (Condestável do Reino). Constable of Castile (Spanish:Condestable de Castilla was a title created by John I, King of Castile in 1382, to substitute the title Alférez Mayor Constable of Portugal (Condestável or Constable of the Kingdom (Condestável do Reino was a title created by the King of Portugal Ferdinand I in

Modern usage by country

Denmark

In the Danish armed forces the ranks "Konstabel" and "Overkonstabel" are used for junior soldiers, sailors and airmen. The rank is more or less equal to a private. A Private is a Soldier of the lowest Military rank (equivalent to NATO Rank Grades OR-1 to OR-3 depending on the force served in

Finland

In the Finnish Police, the lowest rank of police officer is called nuorempi konstaapeli, translated into English as (Junior) Constable. Law enforcement in Finland falls under the jurisdiction of the Finnish Police a national police agency Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force ^[13] The next rank is vanhempi konstaapeli or Senior Constable. The next highest rank (equivalent to a Police Sergeant in the English-speaking world) is ylikonstaapeli (yli- "leading"), literally "Over-Constable". Sergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries police forces and other uniformed organizations around the world ^[14]

United Kingdom and the Commonwealth

In the legal systems of the United Kingdom and similar jurisdictions, a constable has the additional legal powers of arrest and control of the public given to him or her directly by a sworn oath and warrant, rather than being delegated powers that he or she has simply because of employment as a police officer. The three major legal systems of the world today consist of civil law, Common law and Religious law. An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the investigation and prevention of crime It is usual for Police officers take an Oath to uphold the law Most often the term warrant refers to a specific type of Authorization; a Writ issued by a competent officer usually a Judge or Magistrate Technically this means that each sworn constable is an independent legal official rather than simply an agent of the police. It also means that all sworn police officers of all ranks in these countries legally are constables, since it is from this office that they derive their powers, although the term usually refers to a police officer who holds no rank.

Senior Constable can sometimes mean the head of the police force in an area, but this is not the case in the UK. In Australia it generally refers to a police officer of the rank above constable. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The New South Wales Police Force has three grades of Senior Constable, namely Senior Constable (2 chevrons), Incremental Senior Constable (2 chevrons and a bar) and Leading Senior Constable (2 chevrons and 2 bars). However Leading Senior Constable is not a rank per se, rather it is a temporary "training" position and is not senior to Incremental Senior Constable.

Head Constable is the title for a police sergeant in some Commonwealth police forces. It was also the title of some British police force chiefs until police ranks were standardised. Law enforcement in the United Kingdom is organised separately in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales (administration of Police matters

For more information, see police or United Kingdom police. Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force Law enforcement in the United Kingdom is organised separately in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales (administration of Police matters

Canada

In Canada, as in the United Kingdom, Constable (translated to Canadian French as Gendarme^[15]) is the lowest rank in most police services, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Canadian French is an Umbrella term for the varieties of the French language used in Canada. Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force ^[16]

In addition, the chief officers of some municipal police services in Canada, notably Vancouver Police Department, carry the title of Chief Constable. Chief of Police is the title typically given to the head of a Police department, particularly in North America. A municipality is an administrative entity composed of a clearly defined territory and its population and commonly denotes a City, Town, or Village, or The Vancouver Police Department ( VPD) is the Police force for the City of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. Chief Constable is the title given to the Chief police officer of every territorial police force in the United Kingdom except the two responsible for Greater ^[17]

Channel Islands

In Jersey and Guernsey, the elected heads of the Parishes are titled "constables" (connétables in French). The Bailiwick of Jersey ( Jèrriais: Jèrri) is a British Crown dependency off the coast of Normandy, France. The Bailiwick of Guernsey (Bailliage de Guernesey is a British Crown dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. A parish as an Administrative division of several countries. In England and in one American state ( Louisiana) it is sometimes called French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people The constables are entitled each to carry a silver-tipped baton of office.

In Jersey, each parish elects a constable for a three year mandate to run the parish and also represent the parish in the legislature, the States of Jersey. The Channel Island of Jersey is divided into twelve administrative districts or parishes All have access to the sea and are named after the saints to whom their The States of Jersey ( French: États de Jersey) is the Parliament of Jersey. The constable presides over the Roads Committee, the Conseil Paroissial (except St. Helier) and Parish Assemblies. The twelve constables also collectively sit as the Comité des Connétables. The constable is the titular head of the Honorary Police. There is an Honorary Police ( French: Police Honorifique) force in each parish in Jersey. With the Roads Inspectors, Roads Committee and other officers, the constable of each parish also carries out the visites du branchage twice a year.

In Guernsey, each parish elects two constables, the senior constable and the junior constable. The Bailiwick of Guernsey (Bailliage de Guernesey is a British Crown dependency in the English Channel off the coast of Normandy. Persons elected generally serve a year as junior and then senior constable. The senior constable presides over the Douzaine that runs the parish. The constables are responsible for enforcing the brancage (summer hedge-cutting) and also have the power to declare any parishioner insane. Traditionally insanity or madness is the behaviour whereby a person flouts societal norms and may become a danger to himself and others

United States

In the United States, there is no consistent use of the office of constable across the states, and use may vary even within a state. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A constable may merely be an official responsible for service of process: such as summonses and subpoenas for people to appear in court in criminal and/or civil matters. Service of process is the procedure employed to give Legal notice to a person (such as a defendant of a Court or administrative body's exercise of A summons (also in Britain known as a claim form) is a legal document issued by a court (a judicial summons) or by an administrative agency of government (an A subpoena (səˈpiːnə is commonly defined as a written command to a person to Testify before a Court or be punished Or, they may be fully empowered law enforcement officers. They may also have additional specialized duties unique to the office. In some states, a constable may be appointed by the judge of the court which he or she serves; in others the constable is an elected or appointed position at the village, precinct or township level of local government. A precinct is a space enclosed by the walls or other boundaries of a particular place or building or by an arbitrary and imaginary line drawn around it A township (or Municipality) is a settlement which has the status and powers of a unit of local government

The office developed from its British counterpart during the colonial period. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Prior to the modernization of law enforcement which took place in the middle 19th century, local law enforcement was performed by constables and watchmen. Watchmen were groups of men usually authorised by a state government or society to deter criminal activity and provide law enforcement ^[18] Constables were appointed or elected at the local level for specific terms and, like their UK counterparts the Parish Constable, were not paid and did not wear a uniform. Parish Constable was the term used to determine a Law enforcement officer, usually unpaid and part-time serving a parish. However, they were often paid a fee by the courts for each writ served and warrant executed. In Law, a writ is a formal written order issued by a body with administrative or judicial Jurisdiction. Most often the term warrant refers to a specific type of Authorization; a Writ issued by a competent officer usually a Judge or Magistrate Following the example of the British Metropolitan Police established in 1829, the states gradually enacted laws to permit municipalities to establish police departments. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located "Metropolitan Police" redirects here See also Metropolitan police. This differed from the UK in that the old system was not uniformly abolished in every state. Often the enacting legislation of the state conferred a police officer with the powers of a constable, the most important of these powers being the common law power of arrest. Common law refers to law and the corresponding legal system developed through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive Police and constables exist concurrently in many jurisdictions. Perhaps because of this, the title "constable" is not used for police of any rank. The lowest rank in a police organization would be officer, deputy, patrolman, trooper, and historically, private, depending on the particular organization. A Private is a Soldier of the lowest Military rank (equivalent to NATO Rank Grades OR-1 to OR-3 depending on the force served in

In many states, constables do not conduct patrols or preventive policing activities. In such states the office is relatively obscure to its citizens.

A constable may be assisted by deputy constables as sworn officers or constable's officers as civil staff, usually as process servers. In some states, villages or towns, an office with similar duties is marshal. Marshal (also sometimes spelled marshall in American English, but not in British English) is a word used in several official titles of various branches

Alabama

In Alabama, a constable is traditionally elected in each precinct, a subdivision of a county. Alabama (formally the State of Alabama;) is a State located in the southern region of the United States of America. A precinct is a space enclosed by the walls or other boundaries of a particular place or building or by an arbitrary and imaginary line drawn around it A county is a Land area of Regional Government within a larger State. Constables are peace officers and have full powers of arrest, stop and search within their county. A law enforcement officer (also called peace officer) in North America, is any public-sector person charged with upholding the peace, mainly An arrest is the act of depriving a person of his or her liberty usually in relation to the investigation and prevention of crime ^[19][20][21] They are generally responsible for serving warrants and acting as process servers, as well as patrolling the streets and providing security for civic events. Most often the term warrant refers to a specific type of Authorization; a Writ issued by a competent officer usually a Judge or Magistrate Service of process is the procedure employed to give Legal notice to a person (such as a defendant of a Court or administrative body's exercise of They are not funded from general tax revenues; instead, constables' fees are paid by the criminals they arrest. In the sociological field, crime is the breach of a rule or Law for which some governing authority or force may ultimately prescribe a Punishment ^[22]

In Mobile County, all constables are required to complete law enforcement training, except for those currently in office who are grandfathered in. Mobile County is a County of the US state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of a tribe of Indians, the Maubila tribe (see Mobilian A grandfather clause is a term used in US English for an exception that allows an old rule to continue to apply to some existing situations when a new rule will apply to all future situations ^[23][24] In some other counties, the office of constable has been largely abandoned.

Arizona

In Arizona, a constable is an elected officer of the county for the Justice of the Peace Court and must live in the precinct to which they are elected. A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace A precinct is a space enclosed by the walls or other boundaries of a particular place or building or by an arbitrary and imaginary line drawn around it The constable serves a four year term and has similar powers and duties to sheriffs. SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI.

In Arizona law, the authority of constables is defined by Arizona Revised Statutes Title 22, Section 131. Constables have the same powers as sheriffs, but their primary responsibility is the service of process for the Justice of the Peace courts, serving summons subpoenas, and perform orders, injunctions, and writs. SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI. Service of process is the procedure employed to give Legal notice to a person (such as a defendant of a Court or administrative body's exercise of A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace A summons (also in Britain known as a claim form) is a legal document issued by a court (a judicial summons) or by an administrative agency of government (an A subpoena (səˈpiːnə is commonly defined as a written command to a person to Testify before a Court or be punished A court order (or court ruling) is an official proclamation by a Judge (or panel of judges that defines the legal relationships between the parties to a hearing An injunction is an Equitable remedy in the form of a Court order, whereby a party is required to do or interact with in certain ways all right or to refrain from In Law, a writ is a formal written order issued by a body with administrative or judicial Jurisdiction. ^[25] Constables must undergo training, and their expenses are paid by the county board of supervisors. A county is a Land area of Regional Government within a larger State. The Board of Supervisors is the body governing Counties in the U ^[26] Constables receive a salary from their respective counties based on the number of registered voters who reside in their precinct. Constables are peace officers but in Arizona do not regularly perform police functions such as patrol and criminal investigations. Although Constables do not regularly perform police functions, some Constables and Deputy Constables are certified officers by this state and take enforcement action when necessary.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, a constable is an elected office at the township level, although Constables are considered county officers. Arkansas ( is a state located in the southern region of the United States. A township in the United States refers to a small geographic area A county of the United States is a local level of government created as a subdivision of a state by the state government or by the federal or territorial government as a subdivision ^[27] The office of Constable, which is a partisan office, is guaranteed by the 1874 Constitution of Arkansas, which provides for the election of a constable in each township for a two-year term. A political party is a Political organization that seeks to attain and maintain political power within Government, usually by participating in electoral Year 1874 ( MDCCCLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common The Constitution of the State of Arkansas is the governing document of the U A township (or Municipality) is a settlement which has the status and powers of a unit of local government ^[28] Constables are peace officers with full police powers. A law enforcement officer (also called peace officer) in North America, is any public-sector person charged with upholding the peace, mainly

California

Historically, constables in California were attached to the justice courts, the lowest tier of the state court system (whereas sheriffs were attached to the county superior courts, and marshals to the municipal courts). A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI. In Common law systems a superior court is a Court of general Competence which typically has unlimited Jurisdiction with regard to civil and In the United States, a state court has Jurisdiction over disputes with some connection to a U When the state courts were unified in 2000, with the superior court fulfilling all judicial functions, the need for the position of constable was eliminated. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. In Common law systems a superior court is a Court of general Competence which typically has unlimited Jurisdiction with regard to civil and ^[29] The few constables that remained on duty when the state courts were reorganized in 2000, even in remote regions of the state, were eventually absorbed into sheriff or police agencies. Constables as such had full police powers and carried out occasional to frequent patrol work in addition to their paper serving duties, and were attached to the former justice courts, and were either elected by popular vote or appointed by the presiding judge of the county's supreme court.

Connecticut

There are two types of constables in Connecticut.

Special Constables are appointed by Towns. In general, they are appointed to serve as police officers and expected to have or complete the requirements of the Police Officer Standards & Training Council in order to do so. Special Constables normally work under the supervision of a Resident State Trooper contracted by the town (a requirement of the Connecticut State Police if the Town wishes their Constables to be dispatched by the State Police or have access to the radio and computer system of the State Police). The system of Resident State Trooper and Constables is used by many medium sized towns as a cost effective way of providing increased police patrols while the State Police retain primary responsibility to provide additional levels of supervision, dispatch, Detective, and other specialized services.

Constables who are elected officials are generally limited to serving civil process within the town they are elected by. The election are held every two years, except communities which by local ordinance or charter have set the term of office at four years. While a small number of towns will also allow the Constables to perform traffic control and event security functions, most strictly prohibit their Constables from acting in any official capacity on behalf of the Town. The authority to act as a law enforcement officer by nature of their office was removed in 1984, at which time they became subject to the Police Officer Standards & Training Council requirements. In 1984 these requirements were for 480 hours of training, which could be completed in 120 hour long "blocks" which were offered as part-time evening classes. With completion of each block came expansion of the types of law enforcement the officer could perform. While it was never common after 1984 to have elected Constables with law enforcement powers, there were a few who did complete certification. As of 2007, POST requirements of 680 hours of training provided on a full-time basis for new officers, followed by 400 hours of training provided by a certified Field Training Officer make completing the requirements to be a law enforcement officer impractical for elected Constables.

Historically, Constables had been the key office for providing law enforcement in rural Connecticut. Connecticut never developed a strong institution of County Sheriffs providing general police services. From colonial times through the 1940s, Town Constables would work with two other Town officials -- the Investigating Grand Juror and Prosecuting Grand Juror -- in the initial handling of criminal investigations, arrests, and the "binding over" of serious crimes from the Town's Justice Court to a higher court. A series of reforms in regulations, statutes, and the state Constitution in the 1950s and 1960s removed the involvement of towns in these matters. In towns without a local Police Chief, investigations became the exclusive responsibility of the State Police, while State Prosecutors took over the prosecution of cases, and the court system was flattened by the elimination of courts with criminal venue below the level of the Superior Court.

Delaware

Transplanted from England to Delaware in the early colonial period, the constable’s main responsibilities were keeping the peace, serving the courts, and executing court orders and process. Under the Duke of York’s government the constable was elected from one of four overseers of the town or parish. He had the responsibility to pursue and apprehend offenders and bring them before the justice of the peace, whip, or punish offenders by order of the court, take bail for a person arrested, help to settle estates, and keep proper accounts of fines collected. Legislation relating to constables does not appear in the Delaware Laws until 1770. This act required constables at the end of their terms to return the names of three freeholders to the Court of General Sessions, who then appointed one to serve the next year. At least one constable was appointed for each hundred, and appointees had to be residents of the hundred in which they served. After 1832 the Levy Court of each county appointed the constables, although the Governor could also fill appointments if Levy Court was in recess. The constable had a number of duties, many of which continue today. He executed all orders, warrants, and other process directed by any court, judge, or justice of the peace; ensured that the peace of the State be kept; arrested all persons committing riot, murder, theft, or breach of the peace, and carried them before a justice of the peace; attended elections to ensure that the peace be kept; and enforced the laws of the State. ^[30]

(1) Justice of the Peace court constables are appointed by the Chief Magistrate. The constables duties include execution of court orders, writs and warrants, serving summonses and subpoenas, collecting debts and fines, and providing courtroom security. ^[31]

(2) Any non-profit corporation, civic association, or governmental entity which has buildings and grounds open to the public may request for the appointment of constables to serve as law enforcement officers in order to protect life and property. The Board of Examiners shall appoint and commission such numbers of constables as it deems necessary to preserve the peace and good order of the State. To be approved by the Board of Examiners, a constable must meet the minimum standards established by the Council on Police Training. The constable shall exercise the same powers as police officers while in the performance of the lawful duties of their employment. ^[32]

(3) Code enforcement constable are appointed by any county or municipal Chief Executive with limited authority to enforce only ordinances pertaining to building, housing, sanitation, or public health codes. ^[33]

Georgia

In Georgia, constables are court officers whose powers and duties are: (1) To attend regularly all sessions of magistrate court; (2) To pay promptly over money collected by them to the magistrate court; (3) To execute and return all warrants, summonses, executions, and other processes directed to them by the magistrate court; and (4) To perform such other duties as are required of them by law or as necessarily appertain to their offices. ^[34]

Idaho

The office of constable was first established in Idaho in 1887; constables originally attended the Justice of the Peace courts and were officers of a precinct. The State of Idaho ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. Year 1887 ( MDCCCLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace A precinct is a space enclosed by the walls or other boundaries of a particular place or building or by an arbitrary and imaginary line drawn around it ^[35] Although the Idaho Statutes still provide for the appointment of election constables to keep order during elections (Title 34, Chapter 11)^[36] and define constables as peace officers,^[37], the position was effectively eliminated in 1970, when the Idaho Legislature's Election Reform Act removed all provisions for the appointment of constables. The State of Idaho ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America. An election is a Decision-making process by which a population chooses an individual to hold formal office A law enforcement officer (also called peace officer) in North America, is any public-sector person charged with upholding the peace, mainly Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The Idaho Legislature is the state legislature of the US state of Idaho. As such, there are no longer any constables serving in Idaho. ^[35]

Kentucky

In Kentucky, constables are elected from each magistrate district in the state. The Commonwealth of Kentucky ( is a state located in the East Central United States of America. A magistrate is a judicial officer In Common law systems a magistrate usually has limited authority to administer and enforce the Law. There are between three and eight magistrate districts in each county. A county of the United States is a local level of government created as a subdivision of a state by the state government or by the federal or territorial government as a subdivision Under Section 106 of the Kentucky Constitution, constables have the same countywide jurisdiction as the county sheriff. The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky is the document that governs the United States Commonwealth of Kentucky. SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI. ^[38]

Prior to the 1970s, the main function of the constables was to provide court service and security to the Justice of the Peace courts. This article is about the Decade 1970-1979 For the Year 1970 see 1970. A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace However, since these have been eliminated by judicial reform, the office of constable now has few real functions. Constables still have the power of arrest and to execute warrants, subpoenas, summonses and other court documents, and are required to execute any court process given to them. Most often the term warrant refers to a specific type of Authorization; a Writ issued by a competent officer usually a Judge or Magistrate A subpoena (səˈpiːnə is commonly defined as a written command to a person to Testify before a Court or be punished A summons (also in Britain known as a claim form) is a legal document issued by a court (a judicial summons) or by an administrative agency of government (an On the approval of the Fiscal Court (the legislature of the county) they may equip their vehicles with oscillating blue lights and sirens. The Fiscal Court, under the Kentucky Constitution of 1891, is the name given to the county Legislature and governing body of each of the A legislature is a type of representative Deliberative assembly with the power to create amend and change Laws The law created by a legislature is called Legislation In Greek mythology, the Sirens ( Greek singular Seirēn; Greek plural Seirēnes) were three dangerous bird-women ^[38]

Most constables in Kentucky are not paid a salary, but are paid fees for services rendered. A salary is a form of periodic payment from an Employer to an Employee, which may be specified in an Employment contract. However, state law provides for payment of an annual salary of $9,600 to constables in counties with a population of over 250,000; as of the 2000 U.S. Census, this only applies in Louisville Metro/Jefferson County and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. Jefferson County is a County located in the US state of Kentucky. Lexington (officially Lexington-Fayette Urban County is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 68th largest in the United States. The payment has become a point of controversy, since constables in Kentucky have few actual duties. ^[38] The state has authorized a salary of up to $9,600 a year, but the Louisville Metro Council cut it to $100 a month, plus expenses. The Louisville Metro Council is the city legislature of Louisville Kentucky (Louisville Metro

Anyone standing for election as a Constable must be at least 24 years of age, a resident of Kentucky for at least 2 years, and a resident of the county and district for at least a year prior to election. ^[38] Since Constables are Constitutional peace officers they are exempt from attending the mandatory Department of Criminal Justice Training academy, although they may choose to do so. Sheriffs, Coroners, and Jailers are also exempted law enforcement officers. The Kentucky Constables Association is affiliated with the National Constables Association.

Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts General Law (G. L. ) Chapter. 41, constables:

-are appointed by the town selectmen or elected every three years.

-can serve process, criminal warrants and have the same powers as sheriffs in execution of their duties.

-can serve any writ or other process in a personal action in which the damages are not laid at a greater sum than eight hundred dollars, and in a replevin in which the subject matter does not exceed in value eight hundred dollars, and any writ or other process under chapter two hundred and thirty-nine.

-with a warrant or writ may convey prisoners and property in his custody beyond the limits of his town, either to the justice who issued it or to the jail or house of correction of his county. If a warrant is issued against a person for an alleged crime committed within any town, any constable thereof to whom the warrant is directed may apprehend him in any place in the commonwealth.

The jurisdiction of the constable is usually within the town the constable is appointed/elected. (Beard Vs. Seavey, 191 Mass. 503) except when “on a capias (bench warrant), in a criminal case, outside the town for which he was (appointed) but within the same county, and within the jurisdiction of the court issuing the warrant. Sullivan Vs. Wentworth 137 Mass. 233

Constables may arrest:

-without warrant any person trespassing or gambling in a public conveyance or private place. G. L. chap. 271, sec. 2

-without a warrant any person who he finds committing a trespass, on a dwelling house, building, boat or improved or enclosed land, wharf or pier of another G. L. chap. 266, sec. 120

-for illegally manufacturing, selling or exposing or keeping for sale, storing, transporting, importing or exporting alcoholic beverages or alcohol G. L. chapter. 138, sec. 55

-without warrant any persons unlawfully riding upon a locomotive engine, tender, freight car, caboose or other conveyance not part of a passenger train G. L. chap. 160,sec. 220

A constable may enter any “…billiard, pool. sippio room, bowling alley, skating rink, the licensed premises of a common victualer or room connected therewith, or a grove required to be licensed under section one hundred and eighty-eight, or any building therein, for the purpose of enforcing any law…” G. L. chap. 140 sec. 201

A constable has the common law and statutory power to arrest in cases involving breach of the peace.

A constable may enforce election laws. G. L. chap. 56, sec. 57

There is no state mandated training (including firearms) for constables.

Constables may be armed while on duty with a license to carry firearms issued by the town or city police department.

Constable may have blue/red light on their vehicle if they have a permit- G. L. chap. 90 sec. 7E

In some cities constables must be licensed http://www.somervillema.gov/CoS_Content/documents/forms/Constable%20Application.pdf

Massachusetts constable information http://www.constable.com/contact.html

• Massachusetts Constabulary

Maine

Constables have all of the powers and duties of police officers once they have completed training required by the state. Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force

Michigan

Upon gaining statehood, constables continued to be appointed at the county level as had been done when Michigan was a territory. The Constitution of 1850, however, required that each township elect at least one but not more than four constables. A constitution is a system for government often Codified as a written document that establishes the rules and principles of an autonomous political entity With few exceptions cities also elected constables by ward. In addition to serving the justice courts of their county, "constables have always been peace officers . . . in the territory of their constituents. " However their role was vastly altered upon adoption of the Constitution of 1963 when their office was deleted as was the office of justice of the peace. A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace They were not named as officers of the new District Court. District courts are a category of Courts which exists in several nations And by the end of the 1970s their election was no longer statutorily mandated. Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification became required if they were to perform general peace officer duties. As of 2007 there are very few elected city constables and less than 10% of Michigan's 1242 townships continue to elect constables.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, constables are law enforcement officers elected from single-member districts in each county. Mississippi ( is a state located in the Deep South of the United States Mississippi law provides for one constable per Justice Court district in the county, from a minimum of two such districts in counties with less than 35,001 people, to a maximum of five districts in counties with more than 150,000 people.

By law, constables keep and preserve the peace within the county; advise justice court judges or other officers of all riots, routs, unlawful assemblies, and violations of the penal laws; execute and return all processes directed to them by any county, chancery or circuit court (not just the Justice Courts); and attend the justices' courts of their districts.

All counties are required to provide their constables with at least two complete uniforms, some type of motor vehicle identification which clearly indicates that the motor vehicle is being used by a constable in his official capacity, and a blue flashing light for use on official duty. Other than standard fees for attending court, serving processes, etc. , state law does not otherwise require counties to pay or otherwise compensate constables for their jobs.

According to Mississippi code Title 19 Chapter 25 Section 11, a Constable is the only county official with the authority to arrest the Sheriff of said county by bench warrant of the Circuit or Chancery court absent authority of the State Attorney General. However, the same code section permits marshals or police officers of municipalities within the county to effect an arrest of the Sheriff under warrant, too.

Mississippi code Title 19 Chapter 19 defines the roles, powers, and duties of constables. ^[39]

The Mississippi Constables Association maintains a website at http://msconstables.org/.

Nevada

The constable is an elected peace officer. They are primarily process servers; the Nevada statutes define their responsibilities and fees.

New Hampshire

Constables are elected peace officers. They have broad law enforcement powers, including motor-vehicle laws.

New Jersey

A constable is considered a "peace officer" under NJ statutes. Modern-day New Jersey police officers inherit their authority from the constable. Constables may exercise their functions and perform their duties anywhere in the county wherein the appointing municipality is located. Constables are appointed by their city government (city council) via the Clerk's Office and their office term is determined by the municipal government body. They answer to the city council or police chief via monthly activity reports. There seems to be some confusion as to whether they should be identified as municipal, town, city or county constables.

Their powers are mainly focused on the enforcement of civil law although state legislature grants them the power to also enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws^[40]. Currently, there is legislation pending approval which will require all current and future NJ constables to undergo police training within six months of appointment^[41].

New York

Constables serve at the pleasure of the local towns and villages, usually in a civil aspect for the courts. However, constables are considered law enforcement officers under New York State law. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous Their powers can be limited by each jurisdiction.

Constables are considered peace officers (NY Criminal Procedure Section 2. 10) and have arrest powers within their jurisdiction while on duty (section 2. 20) and must complete peace officer training as approved by the NY Division of Criminal Justice Services. see http://www.peaceofficeracademy.com/

There are restrictions on whether appointed constables can have peace officer powers based on the whether the municipality is a town or village and the number of residents. If a constable is not appointed as a constable with peace officer powers, they can only serve civil process?

Ohio

The appointment of constables is authorized by the Ohio Revised Code, which defines several roles for them. Constables serve as police officers of some small towns and townships, or as officers of some minor courts. A township (or Municipality) is a settlement which has the status and powers of a unit of local government A "special constable" may also be appointed by a municipal court judge for a renewable one-year term upon application by any three "freeholders" (landowners) of the county, who are then responsible for paying the special constable.

Duly-sworn Ohio constables are considered "peace officers" under Ohio law, as are sheriffs, municipal police officers, state park rangers, Highway Patrol officers, etc. A highway patrol is either a Police agency created primarily for the purpose of overseeing and enforcing Traffic safety Compliance on roads and highways , and have full law-enforcement authority within their jurisdictions (The Ohio Administrative Code defines a township constables jurisdiction as statewide). In Law, jurisdiction (from the Latin ius iuris meaning "law" and dicere meaning "to speak" is the practical Authority With some exceptions, constables must post bonds and undergo police training. They are required to serve court papers when so ordered, and to apprehend and bring to justice any lawbreakers or fugitives, suppress riots or unlawful assemblies, enforce state law and generally keep the peace. A fugitive is a person who is fleeing from Custody, whether it be from private Slavery, a government Arrest, government or non-government questioning Riots are a form of Civil disorders characterized by disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of Violence, Vandalism or other

It has been suggested that the office is redundant and should be eliminated; a proposal was mounted to give counties the option to eliminate the office of constable where it is no longer required. A county of the United States is a local level of government created as a subdivision of a state by the state government or by the federal or territorial government as a subdivision ^[42]

Pennsylvania

Constables in Pennsylvania are elected and serve a six-year term, they are Peace Officers by virtue of the office they hold, upon completing state certification and training, they may also serve as the Law Enforcement Arm of the Court. Constables primarily serve the District Courts but may also assist in serving the Common Pleas Court, when requested by the Sheriff.

As Public Officials Constables are required to file an annual Statement of Financial Interests with the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission .

Each Constable may with approval of the President Judge, appoint Deputies to work under his authority. Each Deputy is given the same authority as the Constable himself, but serves at the pleasure of the elected Constable.

Constables are considered to be the "People's Peace Officers" because of their Constitutional origin, and as elected officials they are independent of other governing bodies; this gives the Constable the freedom and authority to perform his duties according to statute, in the interest of justice.

Under Pennsylvania Law, Constables are Public Officers, elected or appointed to their position in accordance with the laws of elections.

A Constable is a sworn Law Enforcement / Peace Officer that can arrest for summary, misdemeanor and felony crimes and/or breaches of the peace committed in his presence, or by warrant anywhere in the commonwealth.

A Constable is also an officer empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system, by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies.

Constables are also charged with maintaining order at the election polls and ensuring that no qualified elector is obstructed from voting, Constables are the only Law Enforcement Officials permitted at the polls on election day.

While Constables primarily serve the Courts, they belong to the executive branch of government.

Constables are elected at the municipal level, however State law governs Constables and they have statewide authority, thus the title became "State Constable".

Constables have powers that differ from those of police officers and sheriffs. Constables are empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws. Police Officers are empowered to enforce criminal and traffic laws. Sheriffs are the chief law enforcement officer of the County and are empowered to enforce criminal, civil and traffic laws.

Link to source: http://www.pastateconstable.org/history.html

Link to laws governing Constables in PA: http://pafoc.org/index_files/Authority.htm

South Carolina

Constables are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina and are generally used to assist the police in any particular jurisdiction. They mainly have arrest authorities while they are escorted by police in that jurisdiction. They can act with full police powers in instances of emergencies when police are not immediately available and when a threat of life is present. Any handguns they carry must be concealed unless they are in a state approved uniform.

South Carolina State Constable Alliance http://www.scconstable.org/

Tennessee

Constable is an elected position with full power of arrest and is a state peace officer. The Tennessee State Constitution was amended in 1978 so as not to require counties to have this office; prior to this point, it was mandatory to elect constables in each county. The Constitution of the State of Tennessee defines the form structure activities character and fundamental rules (and means for changing them of the U Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Subsequent statutory law has allowed its continuance in certain counties, with the stipulation that there be no more than half as many constables in a county as there are county commissioners in that county, except in counties where the general law provides for an exception by county population brackets. Constables are elected to four year terms in August of the years coincident with presidential elections; unexpired terms are filled by special election, but such special election must be held coincidentally with another, scheduled election. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by A by-election or bye-election (called special election in the United States) is an Election held to fill a political office that has become vacant In some counties, constable is a partisan office; in others all candidates run as independents. A political party is a Political organization that seeks to attain and maintain political power within Government, usually by participating in electoral In Politics, an independent is a Politician who is not Affiliated with any Political party.

Texas

See article: Texas Constable

The Texas Constitution of 1956 (Article 5, Section 18) provides for the election of a constable in each precinct of a county, and counties may have between one and eight precincts each depending on their population. The Texas Constable is enshrined in the Texas Constitution of 1956 (Article 5 Section 18 which provides for the election of a Constable in each precinct The Constitution of the State of Texas is the document that describes the structure and function of the government of the U Currently, the term of office for Texas constables is four years. However, when vacancies arise, the commissioners court of the respective county has the authority to appoint a replacement to serve out the remaining term.

In Texas, constables and their deputies are fully empowered peace officers with county-wide jurisdiction and thus, may legally exercise their authority in any precinct within their county ^[43]; however, some constables’ offices limit themselves to providing law enforcement services only to their respective precinct, except in the case of serving civil and criminal process. Constables and their deputies may serve civil process in any precinct in their county and any contiguous county and can serve warrants anywhere in the state.

The duties of a Texas constable generally include providing bailiffs for the justice of the peace court(s) within his precinct and serving process issued therefrom and from any other court. Bailiff (from Late Latin baiulivus, Adjectival form of baiulus) is a Governor or Custodian (cf A Justice of the Peace ( JP) is a Puisne Judicial officer appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace Moreover, some constables’ offices limit themselves to only these activities but others provide patrol, investigative, and security services as well.

In 2000, there were 2,630 full-time deputies and 418 reserve deputies working for the 760 constables’ offices in Texas. Of this number, 35% were primarily assigned to patrol, 33% to serving process, 12% to court security, and 7% to criminal investigations. The Harris County Precinct 4 and 5 Constables’ Offices are the largest constables’ offices in Texas with over 300 deputies each. ^[44]

Utah

Utah Constables are appointed by the political governing body which they serve - County, City, etc. They are fully empowered peace officers but are not tasked with "General Law Enforcement Duties. " They serve process, provide court security (Bailiff duties), transport prisoners, seize property, enforce writs of all types and effect service of arrest warrants and may make probable cause arrests.

Vermont

Constables are generally elected by the town. They are charged with service of process; the destruction of unlicensed or dangerous dogs or wolf-hybrids, and of injured deer; removal of disorderly people from town meetings; collection of taxes, when no tax collector is elected; and other duties. A town meeting is a meeting where the population of an entire geographic area is invited to participate in a gathering often for a political administrative or legislative purpose Constables have full law enforcement authority unless the town votes to either remove the authority or require training before such authority is exercised. Cities and villages may also have constables. Their duties and method of selection are governed by the corporation's charter. A corporation is a separate legal entity usually used to conduct business

Wisconsin

Constables are responsible for enforcing Town ordinances and assisting with animal control.

West Virginia

David F. Green of Davy, West Virginia was the last person to hold the elected office of Constable in West Virginia.

References

See also

• Policing in the United Kingdom
• Policing in the United States
• sheriff
• marshal

External links

• Patrick Colquhoun, A Treatise on the Functions and Duties of a Constable. London: W. Law enforcement in the United Kingdom is organised separately in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales (administration of Police matters Policing in the United States is one of three major components of the Criminal justice system along with Courts and Corrections. SHERIFF is a telecom fraud detection and management system originally developed by BT and MCI. Marshal (also sometimes spelled marshall in American English, but not in British English) is a word used in several official titles of various branches Patrick Colquhoun ( 14 March 1745 - 25 April 1820) was a merchant statistician Magistrate, and founder of the first regular Preventive Bulmer and Co. , 1803.
• François Hotman, "Of the Constable and Peers of France," 'Franco-Gallia: Or, An Account of the Ancient Free State of France, and Most Other Parts of Europe, Before the Loss of Their Liberties. François Hotman ( August 23, 1524 - February 12, 1590) was a French Protestant lawyer and writer associated with the Legal [1574], 2nd ed. 1721 English translation from the original Latin. Project Gutenberg e-text # 17894. Project Gutenberg, abbreviated as PG, is a volunteer effort to Digitize, archive and distribute Cultural works HTML Version from Constitution.org.

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