Under Pennsylvania Law, Constables are Public Officials and Law Enforcement Officers elected or appointed to their position in accordance with statute.

     A Constable is a sworn Law Enforcement/Peace Officer/Police Officer that can arrest for felonies, misdemeanors, breaches of the peace or any unlawful acts committed in their presence anywhere in the Commonwealth, with or without a warrant.

     A Constable is also an officer empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders, as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies.

     Constables are also charged with maintaining order at the election polls and ensuring that no qualified elector is obstructed from voting. Constables are the only law enforcement officials permitted at the polls on election day.

     Simply put… Constables are the citizens elected Law Enforcement “Police” Officers that serve the Courts and belong to the executive branch of government.

     Constables are elected at the municipal level, however, State law governs them. They have statewide authority, thus, the title became “State Constable.”

     Constables are empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws throughout the Commonwealth. Municipal Police officers are empowered to enforce criminal and traffic laws within their jurisdiction. The sheriff is empowered to enforce criminal, civil, and traffic laws within their respective counties.