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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 23, 2017 01:22 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Scott Wagner |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Constable Standards and Modernization Act |
| In the near future, I will introduce legislation to address concerns outlined in a Joint State Government Committee report on constables. Constables provide invaluable services to the counties, municipalities, and citizens of our state, including serving more warrants than any other form of law enforcement. These elected officials perform their duties virtually tax free, as the funds for income and training are derived from fees they charge to those for whom they perform civil service and upon whom they serve warrants. All of their equipment, insurance, and bonds are financed out of pocket. With fiscal responsibility already a necessity for constables, if we utilized them more effectively, they could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue while saving taxpayers millions in future expenses. My bill will establish greater professionalism and accountability, constitutionally-compliant oversight, and a method to remove rogue constables, increase officer effectiveness and safety by authorizing access to common law enforcement tools, modernize constable training, and give elected constables more managerial control over their deputies while clarifying the extent of their authority. This legislation is the product of a joint reform effort by numerous law enforcement agencies and government sources around the state. It enjoys the support of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Constables, the largest constable organization in Pennsylvania. By the nature of their office, constables are uniquely suited to help Pennsylvania citizens, the state’s finances, and other law enforcement officers at the same time. By modernizing their training, resources, and responsibilities, constables will be prepared to meet Pennsylvania’s 21st century law enforcement needs. |