![]() ![]() In many states, constables do not conduct patrols or preventive policing activities. The lowest rank in a police organization would be officer, deputy, patrolman, trooper, and historically, private, depending on the particular organization. Perhaps because of this, the title "constable" is not used for police of any rank. Police and constables exist concurrently in many jurisdictions. Often the enacting legislation of the state conferred a police officer with the powers of a constable, the most important of these powers being the common law power of arrest. This differed from the UK in that the old system was not uniformly abolished in every state. ![]() Following the example of the British Metropolitan Police established in 1829, the states gradually enacted laws to permit municipalities to establish police departments. They were often paid a fee by the courts for each writ served and warrant executed. Constables were appointed or elected at the local level for specific terms and, like their UK counterparts the Parish Constable, were not paid and did not wear a uniform. Prior to the modernization of law enforcement in the middle 19th century, local law enforcement was performed by constables and watchmen. The office developed from its British counterpart during the colonial period. Their jurisdiction can vary from statewide to county/parish and local township boundaries based on the state's laws. In some states the constable is an elected or appointed position at the state or local level of local government. Constables may have additional specialized duties unique to the office. They can also be fully empowered law enforcement officers. ![]() A constable may be an official responsible for service of process: such as summonses and subpoenas for people to appear in court in criminal and/or civil matters. In the United States, there is no consistent use of the office of constable throughout the states use may vary within a state. ![]()
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