What is a Pennsylvania STATE CONSTABLE and what do we do?

Pennsylvania State Constables are the oldest type of Law Enforcement Officers in the State. Constables are sworn and commissioned Law Enforcement/Peace Officers and are sometimes referred to as "The Peoples Officer" because they are elected by the people, to serve the people. 

PA State Constables were established in 1664 and are still in service today.  Constables are elected by the citizens of each municipality & serve a 6-year term.  Every municipality in the Commonwealth has the right to elect a constable. Constables not only serve their municipality but also have statewide jurisdiction.

PA State Constables were originally tasked as Peace Officers to quell disturbances of the peace. They were eventually given additional tasks of serving warrants as well as criminal and civil processes. This includes serving summons, PFA's, evictions, & more. Constables also provide prisoner & mental health transports.

Constables are empowered by law to make warrantless arrests for crimes committed in their presence and by warrant anywhere within the Commonwealth. This includes but not limited to on view arrests for any breaches of peace, disorderly or riotous conduct, vagrancy, drunkenness, or any act endangering persons/property.

 Constables also may enforce dog laws, forest laws, felony drug laws, ordinance violations, and more.  Constables are required by law to protect the polls on each election day and are the only law enforcement allowed at the poles except in an emergency.

Constables provide services to the community, citizens, organizations, courts, and more. For a full list of services provided by my office, please click the link below. 

What is the Office of State Constable?

The Office of Constable is a law enforcement and criminal justice agency within the commonwealth that consist of an elected constable and deputy constable(s) which are Peace Officers whose duty is to preserve the peace, protect the public, and may serve the courts. 

Myths and Facts about Pennsylvania State Constables

Why is having State Constable's in PA Important?