History of Constables
First mentioned in the Magna Carta in 1215, the office of constable is the oldest in county government.
In Texas, Stephen F. Austin included constables in the 1823 proposed Codes of Civil and Criminal Regulations, later approved by the Mexican government of the administration of justice within Austin's colonies. The first two constables were appointed in Austin's Colony that same year.
The constitution of the Republic of Texas, signed on March 17, 1836, established that a "sufficient number of constables" be elected, and the office of constable was included in the Texas Constitution of 1845, 1869 and 1876.
Over the years, some familiar figures have spent part of their law enforcement careers as constables or deputy constables, including Virgil and Wyatt Earp, John Selman, "Wild Bill" Hickok and Texas Ranger Clint Peoples.
Today, more than 750 elected constables serve in the state of Texas. The number of justice of the peace and constable precincts in each county is determined by the population, base on the most recent national census.
As authorized peace officers, constables are the first link in the county's chain of law enforcement, and they function as chief process servers of the justice of the peace courts for four year terms. They can subpoena witnesses, serve as bailiffs, execute judgments, perform patrol functions and conduct criminal investigations.
Constables have state-wide jurisdiction to execute criminal processes, and county-wide jurisdiction to execute civil processes. They also may execute processes issued by some state agencies.
In larger counties, the constable may also assist the county and district clerks.
Other duties of the constable include keeping account of financial transactions and seized property, along with money collected by court order.