What is a Constable?
A constable is a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions. They also serve legal documents and perform other duties.
What does a Constable Do in Texas?
A county constable in Texas has the following duties:
- Serves as a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations
- Serves warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas and temporary restraining orders
- Serves as bailiff for Justice of the Peace Court
For more complete information about the responsibilities of a constable and other county officials, see the "Guide to Texas Laws for County Officials."
Please note: Some duties performed by officials may vary within individual counties.
Constable Requirements
Constables are required to attain 40 hours of continuing education biannually, 20 hours of which must be in civil process. Per 2013 Texas Senate Bill No. 686, Texas Eighty-Third Legislature
See the full continuing education requirements and more.
County Constable Qualifications11
A County Constable must meet the following qualifications at the time of appointment or election:
- U.S. Citizen
- Resident of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months
- Resident of the district for at least six consecutive months
- Registered to vote in the area of office sought
- At least 18 years of age
- Not have been finally convicted of a felony from which they have not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities
- Not have been determined by a court with probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote
- An active or inactive licensed peace officer12
Candidates for this office generally must meet the above qualifications at the time of filing.
For more information, see the Secretary of State Elections Division website.
Legal source: V.T.C.A., Tex. Occ. Code, Sec. 1701.3545
11Vernon's Ann. Texas Const. Art. 5, §18; V.T.C.A., Election Code §141.001; Local Government Code §86.0021; Occupations Code §1701.3545
12or be eligible to be licensed under Sections 1701.309 and 1701.312 of the Occupations Code and have at least an associate’s degree from an institution of higher education accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or be a special investigator under Article 2.122(a) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, or be an honorably retired peace officer or honorably retired federal criminal investigator who holds a certificate of proficiency issued under Section 1701.357 of the Occupations Code.