Constables

January 31, 2023 – We were lucky to have York County Constable Todd Ross inform our club about the duties of a constable. Todd is a retired York City policeman and was the owner of Eye See You Detective Agency.  A constable is an elected or appointed officer of a municipality whose duties are similar to those of a sheriff, though the powers are less. Constables perform two main functions of preserving the peace specifically at the polls during Primary and General Elections and perform judicial duties to serve writs, warrants, bail pieces, etc. The Commission on Crime and Delinquency, through its Bureau of Training Services, trains and certifies the Commonwealth's elected and appointed constables and deputy constables. There are 21 certified constables in York County. Training consists of basic and firearms education, which leads to certification to perform judicial duties and receive payment.  Annual Continuing Education training is required to maintain certification. Constables and deputy constables are not employed by the PCCD, the Board or the Training Program, per Supreme Court Decision, In Re: Act 147 of 1990, which ruled that constables and deputy constables are “independent contractors for the minor judiciary”. Their powers are a range to collect evidence needed to identify suspects and support their fair and effective trial.  This includes a range of powers to maintain public order, prevent anti-social behaviour and manage known offenders and suspects. As independent contractors, constables are responsible to pay all of their expenses including, training, vehicle, firearms, equipment, insurance and all other expenses related to performing their duties. Constables are elected at the municipal level to six-year terms. Constable elections were held during the Primary and General municipal elections.