2023S0237-2 03/06/23
By: Birdwell, Hughes, Kolkhorst S.R. No. 280
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the bicentennial of the establishment of the Office of
Constable in Texas, which will be celebrated on March 7, 2023, at
the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, The Office of Constable was first established in
Texas in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin when Texas was still a part of
Mexico, and both the Office of Constable and the Office of
Justice of the Peace were authorized by the Texas Constitution;
Texas Constables serve as the elected law enforcement officials
of their precincts, and matters of law are brought before a
precinct's Justice of the Peace, who serves as the local judicial
representative; and
WHEREAS, Constables serve as officers of the Justice of
the Peace Court and are associate members of the Texas Department
of Public Safety; they work closely alongside Texas State
Troopers in the execution of their respective law enforcement
duties, and both operate under the jurisdiction of the local
Justice of the Peace Court, which serves as their primary court;
Texas Constables are elected to four-year terms by the people of
the county precinct they serve, and they fulfill their duties as
officers of the court by serving as bailiffs, executing both
civil and criminal processes issued by Texas courts, and
enforcing criminal laws as certified peace officers; and
WHEREAS, Constable offices across Texas manage a range of
public service and law enforcement responsibilities and may
operate traffic divisions, criminal investigation divisions, and
patrol and special response teams according to the priorities of
each precinct; constables have continuous jurisdiction within
their county and contiguous counties and report only to the
governor and the citizens that elect them to serve; today there
are approximately 780 elected constables who serve the citizens
of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Considered to be the "Peoples' Police,"
constables' authority as law enforcement officers was provided
for in the original Texas Constitution; the men and women elected
to uphold the responsibilities of the Offices of Constable and
Justice of the Peace perform their official duties with courage,
integrity, and knowledge of the law, and they contribute
immeasurably to the stability of our justice system, the safety
of the citizens of Texas, and the peace and order of our society;
and
WHEREAS, In honor of the bicentennial of this
distinguished office, it is indeed fitting that a special day be
set aside to recognize the contributions to our state by these
esteemed public officials and to demonstrate our appreciation
for the important role they play in our state's judicial system
and in the safety and well-being of Texas citizens; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend the exemplary Texans who uphold this
vital and historic office and extend to all best wishes for an
enjoyable visit to the State Capitol and for a memorable
celebration of the bicentennial of the Office of Constable in
Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.