Connecticut House Bill HB06109

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/11
• Refer: 1/25/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Constables Who Perform Criminal Law Enforcement Duties.

Impact

By granting constables the power to arrest without a warrant and to execute search warrants, HB 06109 significantly impacts the landscape of law enforcement in Connecticut. This bill not only increases the operational capabilities of constables but also strengthens the collaborative efforts between constables and local police departments. The legislative intent behind this enhancement is to ensure that law enforcement resources are utilized efficiently, particularly in areas where constables may serve as the primary law enforcement authority.

Summary

House Bill 06109 seeks to enhance the authority of constables in the state of Connecticut who are certified and perform criminal law enforcement duties. The bill amends existing statutes to allow these constables the ability to arrest individuals committing felony offenses without a warrant. Furthermore, the legislation clarifies the powers given to constables concerning the service of search warrants, aligning their authority more closely with that of standard police officers. This change aims to extend necessary law enforcement capabilities to constables, enabling them to effectively address criminal activity within their jurisdictions.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide essential tools for constables, it may raise concerns regarding oversight and the uniformity of law enforcement practices across the state. Critics might argue that expanding the powers of constables could lead to inconsistencies in how criminal law is enforced, underscoring the importance of maintaining stringent training and certification processes for constables engaged in criminal law enforcement. Additionally, the inclusion of impersonation of a constable in the offense of impersonation of a police officer highlights significant concerns about public trust in law enforcement personnel and the necessity of clear distinctions in authority and accountability.