They are tasked with a variety of duties but are best known for their work with the court system. Constables may, but are not required to, serve judicial process, writs, arrest warrants, levies and collect fines. The constables collect fees for providing these services for the court system. The fees are covered by the defendant in criminal cases or the plaintiff in civil cases. It should be noted
that constables are not taxpayer supported, therefore they do not receive a salary for their compensation. As peace officers, they can perform various duties that help preserve the peace between two disputing parties, help protect persons and property (not security) for community organizations/events, places of worship, and local businesses. Constables are compensated for these duties by the requesting party for the service. Constables are mandated by law to also work at their election polls at every election. Constables are the only law enforcement officer allowed to exercise jurisdiction at the poll. Their primary duty is to ensure peaceful access to the polls for all voters, and to resolve disputes, either viewed or directed by the Judge of Elections. Constables are elected at the municipal level to serve six-year terms. If no candidates seek election, a qualified elector of that municipality may seek appointment by the President Judge by circulating a petition and collecting at least 10 signatures of voters registered within the municipality they reside. Who do constables answer to? Constables belong to the executive branch of government and are answerable to the governor. While constables do perform services for the court system, they do not belong to the judicial branch. What kind of training do constables have to go through? All constables must complete the Constables' Education and Training Program. They are required to complete 80 hours of basic training. After they are certified, constables are required to perform an additional 20 hours of continuing education training every year they serve. This training may be free of charge from the Constables' Education and Training Fund, or the constable may have to share in the costs of training or bear the full costs of training. Like other law enforcement agencies, constables are state certified, under Act 49. Are constables allowed to carry fi****ms? Yes, however, they are not required to carry a firearm in performance of their duties by law, however they must be certified to work judicial jobs, as directed by the PA Supreme Court Guidelines to the magisterial court in 2013. If a constable does not plan to carry a firearm, they do not have to be trained. If a constable does plan to carry a firearm, they are required to go through 40 hours of basic fi****ms training and become certified. After they receive their initial fi****ms certification, armed constables must take 5 hours of annual fi****ms qualification every year. Does a constable need insurance? Yes. Constables must file proof of current professional liability insurance with the Clerk of Courts. The insurance must cover the constable in the performance of their duties. The minimum coverage is $250,000 per incident and a minimum aggregate of $500,000 per year. A copy of insurance certification is on file with the county clerk of court/prothonotary. They must also carry a bond, filed at the county clerk of court/prothonotary, in the amount of $3,000 - $5,000.
