What is a Constable ?

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A Constable is a sworn Law Enforcement/Peace Officer that can arrest for felony crimes and breaches of the peace committed in his presence, or by warrant anywhere in the Commonwealth.

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Under Pennsylvania Law, Constables are Public Officers Elected, Appointed or Deputized to their position in accordance with the Laws of Elections.

In Lancaster there are currently:

55 Elected Constables
and
13 Deputy Constables

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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.

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A Constable is also an Officer empowered to carry out the business of the Statewide Magisterial District Court System by serving Warrants of Arrest,  transporting prisoners for their Preliminary Hearings, Service of Summons, Complaints and Subpoenas, and as well as Orders of Eviction and Judgement Levies.

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What's The Difference ?
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Constables are empowered to enforce both Criminal and Civil Laws. They  have State Wide jurisdiction.

Police Officers are empowered to enforce Criminal and Traffic Laws. Their jurisdiction lies where they are employed. 

The Sheriff is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the County and is empowered to enforce Criminal, Civil, and Traffic Laws. 

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Did You Know?

Constables purchase all of their own equipment to perform their job. This includes uniforms, firearm, vehicles with safety devices, restraint devices, office supplies, vehicle and liability insurance and any other cost associated with the job.  Taxpayers do not shoulder this burden and do not normally pay any hourly rate to the Constable.
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Fees charged by Constables are set by State Law.
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A $5.00 fee is added to DEFENDANTS costs that go into a training fund administered by the State at no cost to the taxpayer.

Civil Service Fees are paid by the Plaintiff at no cost to the taxpayer. 
​Summary Warrant Fees are paid for by the Defendant, normally at no cost to the taxpayer.
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Because Constables DO NOT receive an hourly rate and operate on a piece rate basis, Constables must be ACTIVE in serving process to be successful and to provide good service to the Magisterial District Court.

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