The Role of Constables in Connecticut

Santo Galatioto Jr. teaches history at Windsor Locks Public School in Connecticut. In addition, Santo Galatioto Jr. has served as a constable for the town of Orange, Connecticut, for the past 10 years. 

With a history dating back to the Roman Empire, the title of constable is one of the world's oldest law enforcement positions. In the United States, constables emerged during the Colonial era and have played an important role in American society since. Today, Connecticut and 22 other states have constables, but their duties and responsibilities vary throughout the country. 

Constables in Connecticut are either appointed or elected, and each type serves a specific function depending on local ordinances. In most cases, appointed constables handle general law enforcement duties while those elected to the position are responsible for carrying out sheriff-like civil tasks, such as serving court papers and tax warrants. 

Under Connecticut state law, constables are elected to the position during regular municipal elections every two years, and most towns can have up to seven constables at any given time. Once in office, elected constables are only paid when they perform a specific task. 

Appointed constables are less common. Today, they are typically found in Connecticut towns not served by state troopers or an organized police force.

Co-ed Offerings at Boy Scouts of America

Santo Galatioto Jr. has taught seventh- and eighth-grade history at Connecticcut’s Windsor Locks Public School since 2016. Beyond his professional pursuits, Santo Galatioto Jr. maintains membership in Holy Infant Church and supports organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America. 

In 2018, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) began welcoming girls into its Cub Scout program, which serves youth in kindergarten through the fifth grade. Although the decision to include both boys and girls in Cub Scouting is relatively new, the organization has been offering co-ed programming for more than four decades. 

For over 20 years, the BSA's Exploring and Venturing programs have been connecting young males and females with exciting activities that build character as well as leadership and life skills. The two programs give participants the opportunity to explore careers and various interests, including sports, community service, and science.

Alongside its other co=ed offerings, BSA will now give older girls the opportunity to earn the Eagle Scout rank through a program that begins in 2019. While the organization will continue to be known as Boy Scouts of America, the name of the program for older youth will be rebranded Scouts BSA to reflect that it welcomes both male and female Scouts. More information about BSA programming is available at www.scouting.org.