What is a Constable?
A constable is a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions. They also serve legal documents and perform other duties.
What does a Constable do in Texas:
A county constable in Texas has the following duties:
- Serves as a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations
- Serves warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas and temporary restraining orders
- Serves as bailiff for Justice of the Peace Court
Primary Function of a Dallas County Constable
A primary task of many constables is to serve legal documents as required by the local civil court system. One example of such documents is a citation that indicates intent to sue. Property owners use constables to help evict tenants who have not paid rent. Constables serve subpoenas issued by the court and they help to enforce temporary restraining orders. While most of a constable’s work involves civil cases, she might also work with the criminal court system. Since the constable is an officer of the local court, any legal documents to be served outside of the home jurisdiction passes to constables in the jurisdiction where they are to be served. If no constabulary is available in that jurisdiction, the local sheriff’s office may handle the case.
Can the Constable Enforce Traffic Laws:
Constables are like any other law enforcement officer in that they have the power to enforce traffic laws. Depending on the state, constables usually can make traffic stops within their small jurisdiction; some states restrict their authority to rural areas. In most states, the sheriff’s office or state highway patrol handle any long-distance chases.
