Deaf Smith County Constable

08/28/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Fernando Herrera

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

08/28/2025

As we continue to start our Herd sports seasons, it’s important to remember to cheer with passion and pride in a positive way. There is a “Zero Tolerance” policy for any verbal or physical abuse towards any players, coaches or officials.

Officials may remove unruly spectators without warning. Please help us support the Herd the right way and keep our games safe for everyone involved.

Go Herd!

08/08/2025

As the new school year approaches, buses will soon be sharing our roads. Please exercise caution, remain vigilant, and come to a complete stop for school buses as required. Let's work together to ensure our children's safety throughout the upcoming academic year!

07/23/2025

DPS: Joint operation leads to 39 arrests in Deaf Smith County

The Texas Department of Public Safety says 39 people were arrested after a 2-day joint operation with the Hereford Police Department and Deaf Smith Co. Sheriff’s Office.

04/26/2025

04/22/2025

Welcome to the official website of the Hereford, Texas Police Department.  The city of Hereford, Texas is located in the Texas Panhandle and is the county seat for Deaf Smith County.  Hereford is home to over 15,000 people and is home to a variety of industries including cattle feedlot operations,...

03/24/2025

Keep your guns out of the wrong hands! From trigger locks to gun safes, there’s a safe storage option to fit every budget. Find out more at SafeGunStorageTexas.com today!

Keeping a gun stored safely protects the children in our home and prevents dangerous accidents. Learn more about safe gun storage in Texas.

01/02/2025

Taking the oath of office for the Deaf Smith County Constable's office to begin a 25th year.

11/27/2024

11/27/2024

Constable's History
The Constable is the oldest law enforcement position in the world, first mentioned in France at the beginning of the 5th century, where it was known as the Count of the King's Stables. By the turn of the 6th century, the Constables were the Chief Household Officers and commanded the King’s Armies in the King's absence. In the year 871 AD, King Alfred of England, declared the Constables to be the highest judge of military offenses and in matters of chivalry and honor. The Constable was also named by the King to be the supreme arbitrator in tilts, tournaments, and martial displays. Becoming noted peacekeepers under King William "The Conqueror" in 1066, the Constable and their responsibilities were expanded with the adoption of the Magna Carta, which became the pattern for most of the world's constitutions and described Constables for the first time in written law.

In Texas on March 5, 1823 Constable Thomas Alley was appointed in Stephen F. Austin's original colony and sworn in by Judge John Tumlinson. Later, another Constable was sworn in by Judge Tumlinson, thus making the two Constables the first law enforcement officers in Texas. The office of Constable was later written into law in the Texas Constitution, stating the Constable would be elected by the people in each area, known as precincts. In Galveston County, all Constable’s Offices trace their origins back to 1838, when the county of Galveston was formally established.

11/27/2024

Constable's Authority
The Office of Constable is mandated by Article 5, Section 18 of the Texas Constitution, which states that in each Justice of the Peace precinct, a Constable shall be elected.

A Constable is a licensed, commissioned peace officer, elected by county constituents every four years for a particular area (Precinct) of that county. Each Constable’s Office is a separate and unique law enforcement agency, independent of all other county departments, elected officials, and law enforcement agencies.

In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Constables have the same duties and powers as any other peace officer, such as municipal police and Sheriffs, and may enforce all criminal laws, traffic laws, and conduct criminal investigations. In addition, by statute, Constables must serve all warrants, precepts, and civil process lawfully directed to them. Therefore, the Constable is the chief process server for the Justice Court. Constables are required by law to be present, or ensure one of their Deputy Constables are present, during hearings held by the Justice of the Peace.

To meet the challenges and demands of taking on the full responsibilities of being a peace officer as well as the added liabilities of processing civil cases, all Texas Constables and Deputy Constables MUST be licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, attend and complete a police academy, fulfill all ongoing continuing education requirements for peace officers, and completed bi-annual training specific to civil process.