The first Law enforcement office of Pennsylvania, Constables were originally appointed as the law enforcement entity of the land given to William Penn from King Charles II during the colonization of Pennsylvania. Back then, the primary duties included maintaining the peace and executing warrants directed to them by the local Justice of the Peace. By the 1830’s current day police forces began to form and the duties of the Constable changed. By 1873 Constables were given uniform powers throughout the Commonwealth. In 1972 the District Court System was created as part of the Unified Court System of PA.

In 1994 the Constables Training Act 44 was passed by the State legislature to form a training authority for the Constables. The PCCD is responsible for training BOTH Constables and County Sheriff’s Departments.

Today’s Constables still have full authority to make warrant and on-sight arrests just as other law enforcement officers do, but their more common duties are to serve the Magisterial District Court system. The typical duties of PA Constables consist of:

• Private, civil, and official services for their municipal government and citizens.
• Serving Arrest Warrants, both issued by the MDJ and Bench Warrants issued by the Court of Common Pleas
• Civil process including levies and executions. (as ordered by the court)
• Civil commitments (as ordered by the court)
• Service of Protection from abuse orders (PFA’s).
• District Court security.
• Prisoner transportation.
• Evictions.
• Orders of possession.
• Truancy enforcement
• Civil and criminal subpoena service

Constables also serve as the only law enforcement agency in force at any election polling place.

Constables may also assist local law enforcement as requested, operating under the control of their local municipal authority/Police Chief (by PA Statute).

Constables do not receive any funding for their safety equipment (uniforms, bullet proof vests, weapons, vehicles etc). They must pay for everything out-of-pocket, unless their local jurisdiction assists them with such items.

Constables do not get paid a salary, and therefore USE NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS for judicial work. All fees are incurred upon the defendant, or in civil matters by the person bringing the suit.

Constables are locally-elected law enforcement officers. They are available to serve their communities (both municipal government as well as individual citizens), to assist local Police Departments (if requested), to provide assistance to code enforcement officers, are permitted (by statute) to handle animal enforcement issues, and to provide other services that our local government might need.

Constables are proud to serve our communities, our counties, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.