A Texas Constable is an elected position provided by the Texas Constitution of 1876 (Article 5, Section 18). Depending on the population of the county, each Texas precinct of a county, and counties may have between one and eight precincts. An Elected Constable has a term of four years.
AUTHORITY: In Texas, constables and their deputies are fully empowered peace officers. The duties of a Texas Constable generally include providing bailiff for the Justice of the Peace courts within their precinct and provide the service of Civil Process for documents to be served for addresses within the precinct.
CONSTABLE’S JURISDICTION: The constable’s original jurisdiction covers the county of election but also the entire state in most criminal and civil matters. Constables may make a warrantless arrest for any offense committed in their presence or view anywhere in Texas, except for offenses under Texas Transportation Code, Title 7, Subtitle C, which cover most moving traffic violations. However, they may enforce all state and local laws while in their county, including traffic offenses. Constables may serve arrest warrants anywhere in the state of Texas.
