Constables

What Is a Constable?

A constable is an elected or appointed officer of a municipality whose duties are like those of a sheriff, though the powers are less.

Constables perform two main functions:

  1. Preserve the peace specifically at the polls during Primary and General Elections.
  2. Perform judicial duties to serve writs, warrants, bail pieces, etc.

For more on Constables please visit the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) website. For a listing of Constables searchable by name, county, etc. please visit the PCCD database.

Becoming a Constable

Constables are elected at the municipal and/or precinct level to six-year terms. Constable elections were held in 2021 during the Primary and General municipal elections. The next constable elections will take place in 2027.

In the event no candidates seek election to constable a qualified elector of that municipality/precinct may seek appointment by the President Judge by circulating a petition and collecting a minimum of ten signatures of voters registered within the municipality/precinct they reside. Vacated offices are filled by a court appointed constable until the next regularly scheduled constable election to include a full six year term if necessary. 

You can click on the below links to view and print out the petitions needed for the various rolls of Constables.

Constable Appointment Petition with Instructions

Election Day Constable Appointment Petition with Instructions

Deputy Constable Petition with Instructions

Election Day Deputy Constable Petition with Instructions

Insurance Requirements

Constables performing judicial duties have the added requirement of filing proof of liability insurance each year at no charge at the Clerk of Courts.

Appointing Deputy Constables

Deputy Constables aka "Election Day Constables"…

Constables are required under Pennsylvania law to be present at their polling place(s) on Election Day to preserve order at the polls. If the constable is unable to attend, a deputy constable must assume the duties of the constable on Election Day. A constable may appoint a deputy to serve on Election Day only with the approval of the Court.

  1. The constable completes a request for appointment of deputy constable and presents it to the Court.
  2. The President Judge denies or grants the request.
  3. The order is filed in the Clerk of Courts office.
  4. No bond is posted.
  5. Oath must be taken prior to assuming their Election Day duties.
  6. There is no filing fee.

 

The Constables Code of Ethics:

As an elected public servant, sworn to carry out the constitutional responsibilities of the position of Constable.

  1. I shall dutifully carry out the duties of my office.
  2. I shall, at all times, function without prejudice or regard for an individual's race, religion or place of birth.
  3. I shall never be a part of an attempt to inhibit or evade the law.
  4. I shall at all times act in a manner in which understanding and justice is communicated to those with whom I come into contact in my work.
  5. I shall conduct my private life unblemished and mindful of others.
  6. I shall be courteous and maintain self-restraint, scorn, ridicule and contempt.
  7. I shall be a part of the professional organizations designed to protect and upgrade the performance of the Constables.
  8. I shall not personally solicit for funds in the performance of my work to enhance any organization.
  9. I shall seek every opportunity for such training as will enhance my ability to do a better job.
  10. I recognize my badge of authority as a symbol of the public trust and I recognize that as a law enforcement officer, I shall never bring disgrace upon the people, whose faith and confidence elected me as their Constable.
  11. I recognize my duty to protect the constitutional rights of all people.
  12. I shall strive to adhere to the aforementioned as long as I serve as Constable.
  13. I shall never speak with criticism of a fellow Constable except at the appropriate professional forum provided by an appropriate constables' organization.
  14. I shall never knowingly infringe upon the operation of another Constable.
  15. I shall never resort to unnecessary force in the performance of my duties.
  16. I shall not accept gratuities offered by anyone employing my services.
  17. I shall perform my duties expeditiously and promptly, and I shall transmit an immediate report to those whose work I have accepted.