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What is a Pennsylvania State Constable?
Although the job title dates back some 351 years (to 1664), most of us don’t know exactly what a constable is, though we probably are quite familiar with the magisterial system.
To put it succinctly, a constable is to a district magistrate what the sheriff is to the Court of Common Pleas.
Constables serve judicial processes, arrest warrants and levies for which they are paid fees; they are not paid a salary by the state or any other authority. Constables are mandated by law to ensure the protection of voters at polling places throughout the commonwealth.
Interestingly, the Pennsylvania constable who is elected to a six-year term is not considered a member of the state judicial system, but rather the executive branch of government and is answerable to the governor.
Constables are not allowed to have red lights on their vehicles, are not empowered to enforce motor vehicle laws, but they can be mustered by local or state police for traffic-control duties as situations arise.
There have been questions regarding the “arrest powers” of Pennsylvania’s constables. Constables are “sworn officers,” much the same as police officers, and their authority extends to warrantless arrests for crimes that they observe.
What about training? Newly elected or appointed deputy constables are required to complete education and training under Pennsylvania Act 49 before the beginning of his or her official duties; if the constable or deputy is to carry a side arm, he or she much complete additional training mandated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Whether or not we are in agreement with the duties of the constable, or the men and women who serve in the position, we are reminded that the role of constable in Pennsylvania is a time-honored tradition dating back well before the recollections of our grandfathers.
Tom Kenney
Candidate for constable
South Abington Township
Lackawanna County