[cz_40p]

In Pennsylvania the office of Constable is largely an anachronism from the past. One of their few official duties are to be present at the polls (because police can't). Other than work the polls, constables official duties are to serve the District Justices. Kinda of like a junior tipstaff, warrant server and occasional transporter of a prisoners. Constables have little arrest power in PA. What little arrest power they have is directly tied to the warrant in their hand. They can arrest for "crimes on view", much like a citizens arrest. They CAN NOT do traffic stops. They CAN NOT have emergency lights on their vehicles. Constables in PA must buy all of their own equipment,uniforms and vehicles. They are paid a set fee for every warrant served, and a fee for "working the polls". They are one step above Duane "The DOG" Chapman.

Most constables in PA never discharge the office they are elected to. Less than half of constables have taken the added training , or carry the liability insurance required to carry a weapon. These uncertified constables can however work the polls. Elections are their one shot at playing policeman. The main job of a constable at a polling place is make folks refrain from distributing campaign material inside the polls.

Anyone can run for constable in their ward. Twelve signatures on a petition, and you are on the ballot. Most folks just run to get the badge! You know the old guy who pulls out a badge, when the kids skateboard past his property. There are a constables who do make a job out of it. They are mostly confined to serving paper for the minor judiciary (District Court).

The PA Constables lack of substantive training puts them a great disadvantage when dealing with the public. In my opinion, most constables in Pennsylvania are cop wanna-be's. They are looked upon with disdain by most of the Law Enforcement community.

Quite frankly the office needs to be abolished in PA.