First in Law Enforcement
Constables were one of many political institutions introduced into English Law by the Norman conquerors whose “Conestabulus” or “Count of the Stable”. The earliest conception of Constables were as regulators of games and conservators of the peace. The term ‘constable’ is derived from the Latin `comes stabuli’, an officer who regulated all matters of chivalry, tilts, tournaments and feats of arms. Constables were responsible for keeping the militia and armaments of the King and villages in a state of preparedness. The Office of Constable was introduced into British common law around 1088 AD. It was the duty of each free citizen to assume the responsibility as a local Parish Constable for the term of one year. The position was unpleasant, unpopular, and unpaid. The serving Constable was expected to combine his work as Constable with his ordinary work. Despite the earliest conceptions of Constables as mere regulators of games and conservators of the peace, it is beyond question that by the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries their duties had expanded considerably. Eventually, the position evolved into the institution we know today (with it’s contemporary professional framework established in the 19th century).
Constables in the newly forming colonies of America brought with them some of the trappings of the British Constable. Under William Penn’s governance, Constables were chosen during the early organization of the Pennsylvania colony. Constables were charged with the duties of local peacekeeper. They were required to maintain the peace, execute warrants, and to ensure that no unruly crowds were allowed to gather. Constables were appointed to hold governance over a particular geographic region. Later on with the incorporation of townships and boroughs provisions were made for the election or appointment of Constables within those districts. The Office of Constable in Pennsylvania has existed since 1664, dating the office as the oldest form of law enforcement in the Commonwealth. The Office of Constable predates County Sheriffs, local municipal Police Departments and the Pennsylvania State Police – all of whom have derived some of their most basic powers and authority from the position of Constable.
Did You Know?
Constables (as early peacekeepers of the colonies) often wore stovepipe hats or tall custodial hats (such as their British counterparts). The reinforced hats were sometimes used by early peacekeepers to climb over walls or as a step to gain a vantage point as they watched over their jurisdiction.
