About the Constable's Office

The office of Constable is one of the oldest law enforcement positions, dating back to the Roman Empire and mentioned in the Magna Carta. Constables have existed in Texas since 1823 when Stephen F. Austin formed the first group of constables and commissioned them to keep the peace.

The current office of Constable is established by Section 18, Article V of the Texas Constitution which prescribes the election of one Constable to a four year term for every precinct in each county. Article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure designates the Constable and Deputy Constable as "Peace Officers" to have the responsibilities and requirements of all other law enforcement positions.

There are approximately 780 elected constables in the state of Texas. Travis County has five constable precincts. Constable Precinct Three is located in southwest Travis County. The Precinct Three area of Travis County includes the cities of Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Rollingwood, Sunset Valley, Westlake and Briarcliff.

Constables are constitutionally authorized peace officers, having the same arrest powers and duties as municipal police officers and sheriffs. The primary function of the constable's office, however, is to effectively and efficiently process and execute civil and criminal process in accordance with Federal and State laws, Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and Travis County local rules.

The constable's office is an essential element of our justice system. Their duties should also provide proactive support to their community to reduce truancy and juvenile delinquency. Community policing should be a priority with the development and implementation of services that help to reduce crime. Providing training and support for neighborhood watch programs can be an effective means of reducing crime.

Constable's offices are one of many law enforcement agencies that serve the needs of our community. Trust and confidence in the leadership of a constable is vital for those working in the constable's office, for local law enforcement working with the constable's office and for our community.