PENNSYLVANIA STATE CONSTABLE

What is a Constable?

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 felony crimes and 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.  They have statewide authority, thus, the title became "State Constable".

 

Constables are empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws.  Police officers are empowered to enforce criminal and traffic laws.  A Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the County and is empowered to enforce criminal, civil, and traffic laws.