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Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Constables and their Deputies "real cops"?
- Who are Texas Peace Officers?
- What is the Constable’s Jurisdiction?
- Can Constables arrest and conduct traffic stops?
- What type of training do Constables receive?
- Who do the Constables work for?
- What do Constables do?
- Which Constable's Office serves what areas of Bexar County?
- How does someone get in contact with the office?
- Do Deputy Constables collect warrant or civil payments over the phone?
Are Constables and their Deputies "real Cops"?
Yes. In fact, according to many historians, they believe the word “COP” was first used in the mid-1800’s to describe a Constable On Patrol, thus giving them the nickname of COP. Additionally, Constables are one of two law enforcement agencies created by the Texas Constitution, which can be found under Article 5 Section 18. Their authority to enforce the laws of this state comes from the Texas Code and Criminal Procedures 2.12 “Who are Peace Officers”.
According to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 2.12 “Who are Peace Officers”, the following is a list of Texas Peace Officers in the order given: 1. Sheriff and their Deputies, 2. Constable and their Deputies, 3. Marshals or Police Officers, 4. Texas Rangers and Officers commissioned by T.D.P.S., 5. Investigators of the District Attorneys, etc.. For a complete list of Texas Peace Officers, please refer Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 2, Article 12
What is the Constable’s Jurisdiction?
The Constable is elected to a precinct in his county. However, they have county-wide jurisdiction and in some cases, jurisdiction in the adjacent counties. They can arrest for any felony offenses committed in their presence throughout the state of Texas.
Can Constables arrest and conduct traffic stops?
Yes. Constables have all the powers and responsibilities of any Texas Peace Officer under the Texas Code and Criminal Procedure 14.03. They can arrest, with or without warrant, those individuals found in violation of any laws. Furthermore, they can issue out citations to those individuals found in violation of the Texas Transportation Code. In other words, constables can lawfully arrest and or detain a person for investigative purposes and conduct traffic stops.Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 14, Article 3
What type of training do Constables receive?
The Constable(s) and his deputies are fully licensed Texas Peace Officers who have met the minimum 618 hours of classroom and tactical training required by the State of Texas (T.C.O.L.E.). In addition to the minimum 618 hours required, they are also mandated to take a 20 hour course in Civil Process every 4 years and an additional 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Additionally, Precinct 1 deputies are required to qualify with their firearms once every year, which also includes a night time shoot.
Who do the Constables work for?
Presently, Bexar County has four precincts overseen by four elected Constables. Although the Constables are funded by the Commissioners Court, they are not under the Court’s immediate direction. The Constables are held accountable by the people who elect them into office. Each precinct Constable is budgeted a paid staff consisting of approximately 18 to 25 deputies and a reserve unit ranging in numbers equivalent to their paid staff who are under their direction.
The primary duty of the Constable(s) is to preserve the peace within their precinct. In addition to this statutory duty, the Constables have other enforcement responsibilities authorized by the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and Texas Property Code. All Constables have the duty of serving and executing civil court orders from a variety of courts throughout the state. Although a big percentage of the constable’s duties consist of the enforcement of civil law, judicial security, and warrants; the constables are well trained and prepared to handle any situation which might arise involving any breach of the peace.
Which Constable's Office serves what areas of Bexar County?
You may look at the Bexar County Precinct Locator to locate the correct Constable Precinct.
How does someone get in contact with the office?
They may call (210) 335-2806 from 8 - 5pm Monday-Friday. The call will be given to an officer who will help address their matter. In case of an actual emergency, please dial 9-1-1 for your local 24 hour law enforcement agency.
Do Deputy Constables collect warrant or civil payments over the phone?
NO, Deputy Constables will not collect any payment(s) over the phone for any active warrants or civil matters. However, they may at times inform you the proper way to make a payment(s), which are, 1.) in person at the Justice of the Peace Courts or 2.) online at the Justice of the Peace ePay system.