The Constable's Heritage

...a proud tradition of service

The word "constable" comes to us from the Latin, "come stabuli," the "head of the stables at the imperial court." The first men to perform the role of constable were special, trusted men who guarded the royal stable and armaments

In ancient Rome order was kept by a select group of men chosen for their courage and good judgement. They were the first organized group to perform the functions that we have come to associate with the constable.

In feudal times the office of Constable was a high military rank. The Constable was the highest militia rank and decided on all questions of chivalry and honor.

The constable was introduced into British Common Law following the Norman invasion of 1066 AD. Originally his job was to keep the militia and the kings armaments in a state of preparedness to defend the village communities throughout England. The Constable was the representative of the King in all military affairs. In France the Constable was one of the five great offices, taking precedence immediately after the King himself.

The Blackstone Commentaries on the Common Law provide for a broad range of Constable duties and powers. Only the most responsible and competent of men could be considered for the position of Constable. Constables were entrusted with collecting taxes, arresting lawbreakers, conducting searches, transporting prisoners and serving all criminal and civil papers. Even the local drugstore had to open its books and records to the Constable.

The Constable was the first law enforcement officer in the new American colonies. While he sprang from uniquely English roots, his American growth was far ranging and diverse. The Constable's duties varied from place to place according to the needs of the people he served. The Constable was the sealer of weights and measures. He surveyed lands, announced marriages, and executed all warrants. The Constable meted out physical punishment and generally kept the peace.

The first American constable with these powers was Joshua Pratt in Plymouth colony in 1634. While many of the duties were delegated to other officials, in general the constable was responsible for the "Watch and Ward," the Ward during the day, and the Watch during the night. The New England settlers went as far as to appoint Indian constables, each holding office for a year and responsible for overseeing the nine other Indians under his command.

Today the office of Constable has evolved in many forms. In some places he is appointed, in others he is elected. His powers vary from simply the service of process to those of policemen and sheriff.

Generally constables work on a fee plus mileage basis, with the fee paid by the wrongdoer, not the taxpayer. Constables are available for a variety of assignments for the judicial and executive branches of government. They serve criminal and civil process, transport prisoners, collect back taxes and debts owed the government, and provide a trained, professional manpower pool ready to serve in times of emergency on a twenty four hour a day basis, all at no cost to the taxpayer. All other law enforcement officers owe their status to the Constable and can trace their own history back to the heritage of the Constable.

It is this proud tradition of service and responsibility that makes today's professional constable a vital, much needed component of the delivery of justice system.