Ellis County Constable PCT 3

05/21/2026

What Is a Writ of Possession?

In Justice of the Peace Court, landlord-tenant eviction cases begin when a landlord, property owner, or property manager files a case with the court. Once filed, Constables serve the legal process on the defendant, providing notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing.

As we have discussed before, Constables also serve as bailiffs for Justice of the Peace Courts. Court security and civil process service are both normal and important duties of the Constable’s Office.

If the Judge rules in favor of the plaintiff, and the legal appeal period has passed, the plaintiff may request a Writ of Possession. A writ of possession is a court order that allows the Constable’s Office to return possession of the property to the plaintiff. If necessary, this may include removing all legally dispossessed occupants from the residence or business.

One of the most common questions we receive is:

“How long will this take?”

In Ellis County Precinct 3, our office policy is to attempt to schedule writs of possession as soon as our schedule allows. However, several factors must be considered.

The Constable’s Office in each Ellis County precinct is normally made up of the elected Constable and a small number of deputy constables. In Precinct 3, that includes Constable Curtis Polk Jr. and two deputy constables.

Our office balances a high volume of civil papers, evictions, small claims documents, Attorney General papers, and many other court-related duties. We also provide courtroom security, sometimes up to four days per week. Because writs of possession are scheduled in two-hour blocks, scheduling them requires careful coordination around the day-to-day operations of the office.

Another important factor is the availability of the plaintiff. Under the law, the plaintiff is responsible for having a moving crew present to remove all property from inside the residence or business at the time the writ is executed.

Weather can also affect scheduling. Since personal property is being placed outside, our office does not conduct writs of possession during inclement weather, including rain, sleet, snow, or other unsafe conditions. This is done to help protect personal property and to keep moving crews, deputies, and others safe.

With all of that said, the exact timeline can vary. Most writs are scheduled five or more days from the date they are filed, depending on scheduling availability. However, by law, a writ may be executed after it has been signed by the Judge.

Our office strives to notify the defendant in advance whenever possible. This gives the occupants time to remove their belongings and vacate the property on their own. We believe in treating every person with dignity and respect. Physical removal is only used when compliance does not occur after proper notice and opportunity to vacate.

The photo below is an example of just how busy the office can be with scheduled writs, while still balancing all other duties of the Constable’s Office.

Ellis County Constables generally follow the same process, though each precinct may have minor procedural differences.

For questions about Ellis County Precinct 3 procedures, you may contact our office at:

Ellis County Constable Precinct 3
972-825-5007

Please note that the Constable’s Office does not have clerical staff. Deputies may be in the field, in court, or serving civil process when you call. Please leave your information for a return call, or call before coming to the office to make sure a deputy is available to assist you.

Proudly serving the citizens of Ellis County Precinct 3.

05/16/2026

Honoring those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving and protecting Ellis County 🙏💙💙

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

During National Police Week, the Ellis County Constable’s Office Precinct 3 joins our community and our nation in honoring the brave men and women of law enforcement who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.

These officers were more than a badge. They were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, friends, coworkers, and servants of their communities. Their courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We also lift up the families, agencies, and communities forever changed by their loss. May they always know that their loved ones’ service mattered, their sacrifice is honored, and their memory lives on.

To the fallen: we remember you.
To their families: we stand with you.
To those still serving: we thank you.

Ellis County Constable’s Office Precinct 3
Honor. Service. Sacrifice.

Take a look at what someone created with ChatGPT.

05/06/2026

One of the primary functions of the Ellis County Constable’s Office is the safety and protection of the Justice of the Peace Court.

In Ellis County Precinct 3, our deputies are responsible for providing court security for the courtroom of Judge Dan Cox and ensuring that everyone who enters the court can do so in a safe, orderly, and respectful environment.

Before court begins, deputies inspect and prepare the courtroom for any possible safety concerns. As individuals arrive, deputies screen bags, purses, and other items, and may use metal-detecting wands as part of the security process. These steps are not meant to inconvenience anyone, but to protect the Judge, court staff, attorneys, witnesses, plaintiffs, defendants, and every member of the public who comes before the court.

Justice of the Peace Courts handle a wide variety of matters, including evictions, small claims, debt claims, traffic cases, and other important legal proceedings. Emotions can sometimes run high, and our deputies are there to maintain peace, provide security, assist the court, and help ensure the process remains fair and professional for everyone involved.

Court security is more than standing at a door. It is planning, awareness, communication, preparation, and service. The Constable’s Office takes this responsibility seriously because the courthouse should always be a place where justice can be carried out safely and respectfully.

We are proud to serve the citizens of Ellis County and to support the Justice of the Peace Court through safety, professionalism, and dedication.

04/29/2026

Range Day

04/27/2026

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ELLIS COUNTY CONSTABLE PCT 3
Across Texas, one of the primary responsibilities of a Constable’s Office is providing security for the Justice of the Peace Court. That is also true here in Ellis County Precinct 3, where our deputies are responsible for the safety and security of Judge Dan Cox, his court staff, and everyone who enters the courtroom.

On each court date, the work begins before the first case is ever called. Deputies pre-screen the courtroom to identify any potential threats before the public is allowed inside. Once that is complete, the courtroom is prepared for hearings, and the screening process begins.

Our deputies check bags, purses, and other personal items, along with using metal-detecting wands for security screening. After check-in is complete, participants are allowed to enter the courtroom. Once everyone is seated, one of our deputies provides instructions on courtroom rules and proper court protocol.

During the hearings, deputies monitor access, maintain order, assist the Judge and court staff, and help ensure the safety of all parties involved.

Justice of the Peace Court handles a wide range of matters. These may include evictions, small claims, debt claims, traffic cases, and many other issues. Some court dockets may last only 30 minutes, while others may continue for several hours depending on the number and complexity of the hearings. No matter the length of the docket, the Constable’s Office must maintain security and protection throughout the entire process.

We are also extremely thankful for our dedicated reserve deputies. These men and women are not paid, yet they give their time to help us cover court and continue serving the citizens of Ellis County. With only three full-time staff members handling court security, civil process, and multiple writs of possession, commonly known as “sit outs,” their assistance is invaluable.

Our office averages around 40 civil papers per week, in addition to court responsibilities and other duties. Without the help of our reserve deputies, it would be very difficult to keep every area of service moving efficiently.

The layout of the beautiful historic courthouse courtroom for JP3 requires a minimum of two deputies to properly cover screening and protection of the Judge and court staff, with three deputies being optimal for courtroom safety. Because of this, it is not unusual for all full-time staff to be needed during court hearings.

We are honored to serve alongside Judge Cox and his staff as we provide service to the citizens of Ellis County. Judge Cox has often reminded litigants that Justice of the Peace Court is considered “the people’s court,” giving citizens an opportunity to have their cases heard in a fair and respectful setting.

It is our honor, as the Ellis County Constable’s Office Precinct 3, under the leadership of Constable Curtis Polk Jr., to serve this court and our community.

04/14/2026

A vitally important part of the Ellis County Constable’s Office Precinct 3 is our Reserve Deputy program. Our reserve deputies are fully certified Texas Peace Officers. Some are retired, while others hold dual commissions with other law enforcement agencies. What they all share is a dedication to service and a willingness to step in and help this community whenever needed.

We are extremely grateful for the support they provide in helping supplement manpower in a very busy office. Their service is especially important in our courts, where a minimum of two deputies, and sometimes three, are needed for screening and courtroom security. In an office with just over three full-time deputies, it would be very difficult at times to handle courtroom security, civil process, and eviction proceedings without the assistance of these dedicated reserve deputies.

Today, we want to say thank you to all of our reserve deputies:
Deputy Jesse Mosley Jr.
Deputy Loretta Black
Deputy Byron Hopkins
Deputy Thomas Ben-Bear

Today, we are proud to highlight Deputy Jesse Mosley Jr.

Deputy Mosley has spent many years serving others while holding both Peace Officer and EMT certifications. He graduated from the Navarro College Police Academy in 1978, followed by Basic and Advanced Dallas SWAT training in 1989. He later earned his Classroom Instruction Certificate in 2003 and his Fi****ms Instructor Proficiency Certificate in 2004. In 2013, he pursued Mental Health Officer certification, and in 2017 he achieved his Texas Master Peace Officer License.

Deputy Mosley has shared that he is grateful for the experience he has gained serving in rural, urban, and academic settings, working with people of all ages and backgrounds. He retired in 2020 as a campus officer for Navarro College, where he had the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with upcoming generations of law enforcement officers.

He has also said it has been an honor to work alongside servant leaders such as former Sheriffs John Gage and Ray Stewart, as well as Dr. Martin and Dr. Nolte at Navarro College. In his words, “It is a blessing to serve our community and be part of a team that exemplifies respect and integrity.”

Deputy Mosley also shared that years ago he served alongside then-Lieutenant Curtis Polk Sr., and now proudly serves under his son, Constable Curtis Polk Jr. He said he could not be prouder to have served and to continue serving alongside both of these outstanding public servants.

Deputy Mosley has been married to his wife, Jeannine, for 36 years, and they are members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waxahachie.

Thank you, Deputy Jesse Mosley Jr., for your continued service, your experience, and your faithful dedication to the citizens of Ellis County.

04/05/2026

Wishing all a very blessed Easter 🙏He is Risen!