What are Pennysvania State Constables
Constables are quite possibly the oldest law enforcement position in the world. History records Constables in Europe towards the beginning of the 5th century, when they were known as the Counts of the King's Stables. By the beginning of the 6th century they were known as the Chief Household Officers and commanded the military in the King's absence. In the year 871 A.D. King Alfred of England, declared that the Constable was the highest judge in the military and in matters of chivalry and honor. He was also named by the King to be the supreme arbitrator in tournaments and martial displays.
The first Constables in the territory of Penn's Woods (Pennsylvania) began serving in the year 1664. In the year 1681 Pennsylvania became a Commonwealth and later a State of the United States of America. Constables were amongst the very first public officials of the Pennsylvania. They represented the law and order within the state of Pennsylvania until labor unrest in the 19th century helped to establish the more defined local and state police system, as we know it today. Constables, however, still remain a very vital part of the law enforcement community by serving criminal and civil writs and process statewide.
So what exactly does the Pennsylvania State Constable do in the law enforcement business today? The Constable may enforce all laws regarding breaches of the peace (disturbing the peace) and make arrests for any felonies committed in the constable's presence. Modern Constables also have full authority to serve civil process and warrants. Because of statewide jurisdiction, constables act as an effective law enforcement arm of the Minor Judiciary and sometimes the Common Pleas Courts, providing service of summary, criminal, and bench warrants, as well as civil process, and prisoner transport. Their statewide jurisdiction allows a constable to serve a warrant anywhere within the Commonwealth, and if need be, civil process as well.
The Pennsylvania State Constable is the law enforcement arm of the Statewide District Court System of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Minor Judiciary. In order to be certified as a law enforcement officer and carry out the many aspects and responsibilities of the job, the Constable is required to undergo basic training (Act 49) before being fully certified by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. In addition, all certified Constables must attend annual training updates, just as most other law enforcement and legal agencies do. Constables in Pennsylvania are elected and serve a six-year term, they are peace officers by virtue of the office they hold, and upon completing state certification and training, they may also serve as the law enforcement arm of the court.
