Texas voters will choose a constable in each county precinct this year. Here is your guide to understanding the role of the constable in law enforcement in the county.
What does a constable do?
According to the Texas Association of Counties, a constable:
- 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
What else does the Constable’s Office do?
The Constable’s Office Patrol Division responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, provides district patrol, county park patrol and traffic enforcement. The Constable's Office also executes warrants, serves civil papers, performs drug education and drug detection operations, accident and complaint response, according to the offices for Harris County Precincts 3 and 4.
What is the term of a constable?
Constables are elected to four-year terms.
What qualifications must a constable have?
According to legislature passed in 2005, a constable must have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning, and be an active, inactive or retired peace officer. Constables also complete at least 40 hours of continuing education training during their four-year term.
Who will I see on the ballot this year?
Here are the contested races for constable in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend counties.
Harris County
Precinct 1
- Joe Danna, Republican
- Alan Rosen, Democrat *
Precinct 2
- Daniel Vela, Republican
- Christopher Diaz, Democrat*
Precinct 3
- Dan Webb, Republican
- Sherman Eagleton, Democrat
Precinct 4
- Mark Herman, Republican*
- Jeff McGowen, Democrat
Precinct 6
- Richard Gonzales, Republican
- Silvia Trevino, Democrat
Precinct 8
- Phil Sandlin, Republican*
- Heather Perry, Democrat
Montgomery County
Precinct 1
- Philip Cash, Republican
- T. Mack, Democrat
Fort Bend County
Precinct 1
- Mike Beard, Republican
- Mark Salinas, Democrat
* incumbent
