Constables are elected Peace Keepers within the municipality or electoral district for which they were elected by. Constable's are the oldest law enforcement position in the world. History records Constable's in France in the beginning of the 5th century. The first Constables in the territory called Penn's Woods began serving in the year 1664. In the year 1681 Pennsylvania officially became a Comm
onwealth and in 1787 became a Commonwealth State of the U.S.A. Constables were amongst the first public officials of the Commonwealth. Constable’s are considered to be the "Peoples Peace Officer" because of their Constitutional origin, and as elected officials they are independent of other governing bodies, this gives the Constable the freedom and authority to perform his duties according to statute, in the interest of justice. 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. A Constable is also an officer empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system, by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies. While Constables primarily serve the Courts, they belong to the executive branch of government. Constables are elected at the municipal level, however State law governs Constables and they have statewide authority, thus the title became "State Constable". Constables are empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws.