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.