PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 3334                      PRINTER'S NO. 3573

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


HOUSE BILL

No. 2538 Session of 1978


        INTRODUCED BY MESSRS. DOYLE, STAPLETON, O'KEEFE, LYNCH, PRATT,
           MRS. TAYLOR, MESSRS. GARZIA AND DiCARLO, JUNE 5, 1978

        AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, HOUSE OF
           REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, SEPTEMBER 11, 1978

                                     AN ACT

     1  Relating to the office of constable.                              <--

     2                         TABLE OF CONTENTS                          <--
     3  Chapter 1.  Preliminary Provisions
     4     Section  101.  Short title.
     5     Section  102.  Application.
     6     Section  103.  Definitions.
     7  Chapter 2.  Selection and Qualifications
     8     Section  201.  Election.
     9     Section  202.  Qualifications for office.
    10     Section  203.  Physical and mental examination.
    11     Section  204.  Disqualification and removal from office.
    12     Section  205.  Vacancies.
    13  Chapter 3.  Powers and Duties
    14     Section  301.  Service of process.
    15     Section  302.  Police powers in certain municipalities.
    16     Section  303.  Transportation of prisoners and mental
    17                    patients.

     1     Section  304.  Protection of district justice.
     2     Section  305.  Election day powers.
     3     Section  306.  Acceptance of security and bail.
     4     Section  307.  Unlawful acts relative to constables.
     5     Section 308.  Recovery of certain vehicle registrations and
     6                   licenses.
     7  Chapter 4.  Service of Process
     8     Section  401.  General power to serve process.
     9     Section  402.  Supreme Court to promulgate rules.
    10     Section  403.  Service of civil and administrative process.
    11     Section  404.  Service of criminal process.
    12  Chapter 5.  Compatible and Incompatible Offices and Activities
    13     Section  501.  Compatible activities.
    14     Section  502.  Incompatible offices and activities.
    15  Chapter 6.  Deputy Constables
    16     Section  601.  Appointment.
    17     Section  602.  Qualifications.
    18     Section  603.  Powers and duties.
    19     Section  604.  Special deputy constables for election.
    20  Chapter 7.  Administrative Provisions
    21     Section  701.  Office of Constable Administrator.
    22     Section  702.  Local administration.
    23     Section  703.  Priority of constable business.
    24     Section  704.  Policies and procedures relating to fees.
    25     Section  705.  Records.
    26     Section  706.  Registration and identification cards.
    27     Section  707.  Uniforms.
    28  Chapter 8.  Education
    29     Section  801.  Constables Education Board.
    30     Section  802.  Course of instruction.
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     1     Section  803.  Rules and regulations.
     2     Section  804.  Completion of course.
     3  Chapter 9.  Financial Provisions
     4     Section  901.  Compensation of constables.
     5     Section  902.  Compensation of deputies.
     6     Section  903.  Form of payment.
     7     Section  904.  Fees for specific services.
     8     Section  905.  Additional hourly compensation.
     9     Section  906.  Payment for travel.
    10     Section  907.  Multiple service of process.
    11     Section  908.  Services performed by more than one constable.
    12     Section  909.  Service of process by mail.
    13  Chapter 10.  Miscellaneous Provisions
    14     Section 1001.  Repeals.
    15     Section 1002.  Effective date and transitional provisions.
    16  AMENDING TITLE 42 (JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE), ADDING      <--
    17     PROVISIONS RELATING TO CONSTABLES AND WARRANT OFFICERS AND
    18     MAKING CERTAIN REPEALS.
    19     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    20  hereby enacts as follows:
    21                             CHAPTER 1                              <--
    22                       PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
    23  Section 101.  Short title.
    24     This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Constables
    25  Act."
    26  Section 102.  Application.
    27     This act shall apply throughout the Commonwealth except in
    28  the first judicial district.
    29  Section 103.  Definitions.
    30     The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
    19780H2538B3573                  - 3 -

     1  have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
     2  meanings given to them in this section:
     3     "Constable."  A constable elected or appointed pursuant to
     4  this act.
     5     "Magisterial district."  A magisterial district established
     6  pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. §1501 et seq.
     7                             CHAPTER 2
     8                    SELECTION AND QUALIFICATIONS
     9  Section 201.  Election.
    10     There shall be one constable elected for a term of six years
    11  for each magisterial district,
    12  Section 202.  Qualifications for office.
    13     Each candidate for the office of constable shall be at least
    14  18 years of age, shall be a resident of the magisterial
    15  district, and shall have met the educational qualifications set
    16  forth in Chapter 8.
    17  Section 203.  Physical and mental examination.
    18     Every constable elected pursuant to this act shall be
    19  required to pass a physical and mental examination prior to
    20  receiving his commission. The standards for such examination
    21  shall be set by the Constable Administrator.
    22  Section 204.  Disqualification and removal from office.
    23     (a)  Any person convicted of a felony shall be disqualified
    24  from seeking or holding the office of constable.
    25     (b)  Any constable convicted of a felony while in office
    26  shall be suspended from his duties upon initial conviction.
    27  After any and all appeals are finally exhausted, the suspension
    28  shall result in immediate removal from office if the conviction
    29  stands and the resulting vacancy shall be filled pursuant to
    30  section 205. If the constable is acquitted, the suspension shall
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     1  be lifted.
     2  Section 205.  Vacancies.
     3     If the office of constable becomes vacant for any reason, the
     4  president judge of the judicial district in which the vacancy
     5  exists shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy
     6  giving first consideration to deputies in the district. The
     7  person so appointed shall hold office until the first Monday in
     8  January after the municipal election occurring more than 60 days
     9  after the vacancy first occurs, at which election an eligible
    10  person shall be elected for the unexpired term.
    11                             CHAPTER 3
    12                         POWERS AND DUTIES
    13  Section 301.  Service of process.
    14     Constables shall have the power and duty to serve and execute
    15  civil, criminal and administrative process pursuant to the
    16  provisions of Chapter 4.
    17  Section 302.  Police powers in certain municipalities.
    18     (a)  Any municipality that has no organized municipal police
    19  force may formally appoint as a police officer the appropriate
    20  constable or constables as otherwise provided by law. When a
    21  constable is acting pursuant to such appointment, he shall have
    22  all the powers and be subject to the same restraints as a
    23  policeman would have in the municipality if it had an organized
    24  police force.
    25     (b)  No constable shall perform police duties pursuant to
    26  this section unless such constable has been certified pursuant
    27  to the act of June 18, 1974 (P.L.359, No.140), referred to as
    28  the Municipal Police Education and Training Law.
    29  Section 303.  Transportation of prisoners and mental patients.
    30     Constables shall have the authority when directed by a
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     1  district justice or a court to transport prisoners and mental
     2  patients.
     3  Section 304.  Protection of district justice.
     4     Upon the request of and the showing of just cause by the
     5  district justice in whose magisterial district the constable
     6  serves and subject to the approval of the president judge of the
     7  judicial district, a constable shall provide personal protection
     8  to the district justice while the district justice is performing
     9  his duties.
    10  Section 305.  Election day powers.
    11     Constables shall have the powers and duties imposed upon them
    12  by the election laws of this Commonwealth.
    13  Section 306.  Acceptance of security and bail.
    14     A constable is authorized to accept security or bail for a
    15  defendant's appearance before a district justice in summary
    16  cases.
    17  Section 307.  Unlawful acts relative to constables.
    18     Any person who knowingly, willfully and forcibly obstructs,
    19  resists or opposes any constable in serving or attempting to
    20  serve or execute any legal process or order; or in making a
    21  lawful arrest with or without a warrant; or assaults any duly
    22  authorized constable, in serving or executing any such legal
    23  process or order or because of having served or executed the
    24  same; or rescues another in legal custody; or whoever being
    25  required by any constable, neglects or refuses to assist him in
    26  the execution of his office in any criminal case; or in the
    27  preservation of the peace, or in apprehending and securing any
    28  person for a breach of the peace, shall be guilty of a
    29  misdemeanor of the third degree and shall be subject to arrest
    30  on view by a constable or other authorized peace officer.
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     1  Section 308.  Recovery of certain vehicle registrations and
     2                licenses.
     3     A constable shall have the power and duty to recover expired,
     4  suspended, or revoked vehicle registrations and licenses for the
     5  Department of Transportation. The department shall notify in
     6  writing the appropriate constable to recover all suspended or
     7  revoked vehicle registrations and licenses.
     8                             CHAPTER 4
     9                         SERVICE OF PROCESS
    10  Section 401.  General power to serve process.
    11     A constable is authorized to serve and execute any lawful
    12  process issued by a district justice or any other lawful civil,
    13  criminal or administrative process.
    14  Section 402.  Supreme Court to promulgate rules.
    15     The Supreme Court shall promulgate general rules relating to
    16  the service of process issued by the court of common pleas and
    17  district justices and the service of process by mail.
    18  Section 403.  Service of civil and administrative process.
    19     A constable is authorized to serve civil and administrative
    20  process within the judicial district in which he is elected or
    21  appointed regardless of whether or not the process emanates from
    22  his own judicial district.
    23  Section 404.  Service of criminal process.
    24     A constable is authorized to serve criminal process anywhere
    25  in this Commonwealth when the process is issued from his
    26  judicial district. A constable is authorized to serve any
    27  criminal process within his judicial district no matter where
    28  such process was originally issued.
    29                             CHAPTER 5
    30         COMPATIBLE AND INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES AND ACTIVITIES
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     1  Section 501.  Compatible activities.
     2     Nothing in this or any other act shall be construed to
     3  prohibit a constable as a private citizen from engaging in the
     4  following activities if he so elects:
     5         (1)  School security duties.
     6         (2)  Municipal security duties.
     7         (3)  Traffic duty at special events.
     8  Section 502.  Incompatible offices and activities.
     9     The following offices and activities are incompatible with
    10  the office of constable:
    11         (1)  District attorney.
    12         (2)  Assistant district attorney.
    13         (3)  Sheriff.
    14         (4)  Deputy sheriff.
    15         (5)  County treasurer.
    16         (6)  Judge of election.
    17         (7)  Inspector of election.
    18         (8)  Private detective.
    19         (9)  Police officer except as provided in chapter 3.
    20         (10)  Any other position in the unified judicial system.
    21         (11)  Private collection agent.
    22         (12)  Bail bondsman.
    23                             CHAPTER 6
    24                         DEPUTY CONSTABLES
    25  Section 601.  Appointment.
    26     The constable may request authorization from the president
    27  judge to appoint up to four deputies. Upon written approval of
    28  such request by the president judge, the constable may appoint
    29  such deputies. The president judge need not approve the
    30  individuals appointed as deputies.
    19780H2538B3573                  - 8 -

     1  Section 602.  Qualifications.
     2     A deputy constable shall be subject to the same standards
     3  required of an elected constable and shall present evidence of
     4  having met those requirements prior to receiving his commission.
     5  A deputy so appointed shall be the agent of the constable and
     6  shall be regulated and supervised by the constable and removable
     7  by him for just cause.
     8  Section 603.  Powers and duties.
     9     A deputy constable shall have the same powers and duties as a
    10  constable except that the deputy may not appoint another deputy
    11  nor may he exercise the powers authorized in section 302.
    12  Section 604.  Special deputy constables for election.
    13     Notwithstanding the limitations imposed by this chapter on
    14  the appointment of deputies, a constable may appoint without
    15  court approval one special deputy constable per precinct to
    16  perform appropriate duties at the polls on election day. Such
    17  special deputies powers shall only extend to those powers
    18  granted constables generally regarding elections and their
    19  appointment shall expire at the close of the polls.
    20                             CHAPTER 7
    21                     ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
    22  Section 701.  Office of Constable Administrator.
    23     There is hereby established within the Administrative Office
    24  of the Pennsylvania Courts the Office of Constable
    25  Administrator. The Supreme Court shall appoint a constable
    26  administrator.
    27  Section 702.  Local administration.
    28     (a)  The president judge of each judicial district may
    29  appoint or direct a suitable person to serve as local
    30  administrator of the constable system within the judicial
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     1  district.
     2     (b)  In addition, the president judge of each judicial
     3  district may establish a central office for constables to
     4  provide for the efficient and equitable distribution of work.
     5  Section 703.  Priority of constable business.
     6     A constable should devote the time necessary for prompt and
     7  proper disposition of the business of his office, which should
     8  be given priority over any other occupation, business,
     9  profession, pursuit or activity.
    10  Section 704.  Policies and procedures relating to fees.
    11     The constable administrator shall establish policies and
    12  procedures for the collection and payment of constable's fees.
    13  Such procedures shall include but not be limited to providing
    14  adequate auditing and accounting procedures as to fines, costs
    15  and fees paid to and collected by district justices, constables
    16  and deputy constables. Fees shall be as provided in Chapter 9.
    17  Section 705.  Records.
    18     Each constable shall maintain accurate records regarding all
    19  the functions performed by him and his deputies. Such records
    20  shall be open for inspection by the constable administrator and
    21  the president judge and local administrator of the judicial
    22  district and as otherwise provided by law. The constable
    23  administrator shall issue rules prescribing the type and manner
    24  of records to be kept.
    25  Section 706.  Registration and identification cards.
    26     Each constable and deputy constable should be registered and
    27  issued an identification card by the constable administrator.
    28  Section 707.  Uniforms.
    29     Each constable may wear a uniform when engaged in the duties
    30  of his office; however, no constable shall wear his uniform when
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     1  acting in a private capacity. The constable administrator shall
     2  prescribe the specifications for the standardized constable
     3  uniform.
     4                             CHAPTER 8
     5                             EDUCATION
     6  Section 801.  Constables Education Board.
     7     The Constables Education Board is hereby established which
     8  shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor with
     9  the advice and consent of a majority of the members elected to
    10  the Senate. Three members shall be members of the bar of the
    11  Pennsylvania Supreme Court, three members shall be constables,
    12  and one member shall be a lay citizen representing the public at
    13  large. Three members shall be appointed for terms of five years,
    14  three members shall be appointed for terms of four years, and
    15  one member shall be appointed for a term of three years, and
    16  until their successors have been appointed and qualified.
    17  Thereafter each appointment shall be for a term of five years
    18  and until a successor has been appointed and qualified. Four
    19  members of the board shall constitute a quorum. No action of the
    20  board shall be valid unless it shall have the concurrence of at
    21  least four members. Each member shall be paid $50 for each day
    22  or part thereof upon which he attends a board meeting, or
    23  performs any duty assigned to him by the chairman; and, he shall
    24  be reimbursed for reasonable traveling or other expenses
    25  incurred incident to such attendance and to such assigned duty.
    26  The board shall organize by electing a chairman. The board shall
    27  prescribe and approve the subject matter and the examination for
    28  the course of instruction and training required by this act. The
    29  Department of Education shall serve as the administrative
    30  officers of the board and in such capacity shall, subject to the
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     1  direction of the board, administer the course of instruction and
     2  training and conduct the examination.
     3  Section 802.  Course of instruction.
     4     Constables shall complete a course of training and
     5  instruction in the duties of their office as jointly prescribed
     6  by the board and the Department of Education and shall
     7  successfully pass an examination prior to assuming office if
     8  elected or within nine months after being elected or upon taking
     9  office pursuant to an appointment to fill a vacancy. The
    10  department shall make the course of instruction available at
    11  such times as determined by it and the board, so as to insure
    12  that any constable, to be elected or appointed may qualify to
    13  assume office as soon as possible. By regulation the board shall
    14  direct the department to conduct the course at such time, at
    15  such places and in such manner as it shall prescribe. In
    16  addition to those required by this act to complete the course of
    17  training and instruction and successfully pass an examination,
    18  any interested person may apply to the department to be enrolled
    19  in the course of instruction and take the examination, subject
    20  to such rules and regulations as the department with the
    21  approval of the board may determine. Any such interested person
    22  who successfully completes the course and passes the examination
    23  shall secure an appropriate certificate from the department.
    24  Section 803.  Rules and regulations.
    25     The department shall, with the approval of the board, have
    26  the power to promulgate such rules and regulations as are
    27  necessary to carry out its duties under this act.
    28  Section 804.  Completion of course.
    29     Upon the successful completion of the course of training and
    30  instruction and examination, the department shall issue a
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     1  certificate in the form prescribed by the board, certifying that
     2  such person is qualified to perform his duties as required by
     3  this act. Such certificate shall be filed in the office of the
     4  prothonotary of the county in which the constable resides. In
     5  the event that an elected or appointed constable fails to obtain
     6  and file such certificate in the proper prothonotary's office
     7  within nine months after his election or appointment, said
     8  office of constable shall be vacant, such vacancy to be filled
     9  as provided in Chapter 2.
    10                             CHAPTER 9
    11                        FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
    12  Section 901.  Compensation of constables.
    13     Constables shall be compensated for their services by the
    14  payment of fees authorized pursuant to this chapter.
    15  Section 902.  Compensation of deputies.
    16     Deputy constables shall be compensated for their services
    17  pursuant to agreements made with the constable. The constable
    18  shall be entitled to receive all fees payable as a result of his
    19  deputies' services and such constable shall be responsible for
    20  the payment of compensation to his deputy pursuant to their
    21  agreement. The constable shall compensate the deputy not less
    22  than 75% of the fee collected for the services performed.
    23  Compensation payable to the deputy shall be paid to him on or
    24  before the 15th of the month following the service performed.
    25  Section 903.  Form of payment.
    26     Constables are authorized to accept cash, check or money
    27  order in payment for their services. A receipt shall be provided
    28  for any payment received.
    29  Section 904.  Fees for specific services.
    30     (a)  The fees to be charged and received by constables shall
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     1  be as follows:
     2         (1)  The sum of $6 for summary defendants, $8 for
     3     misdemeanor defendants, and $10 for felony defendants for:
     4             (i)  each warrant or writ executed on behalf of the
     5         Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof;
     6             (ii)  arresting persons guilty of and bringing such
     7         persons with or without a warrant before the judiciary
     8         for breach of peace, riotous or disorderly conduct,
     9         drunkenness, or who may be engaged in the commission of
    10         any unlawful act tending to imperil the personal security
    11         or endanger the property of the citizens, or violating
    12         any ordinance of any municipality for which a fine or
    13         penalty may be imposed, or offending or suspected of
    14         offending against the laws of this Commonwealth, or
    15         violating timberlands, or the violation of any other law
    16         of this Commonwealth;
    17             (iii)  taking the defendant before the district
    18         justice for purposes of making bail;
    19             (iv)  taking defendant before issuing authority where
    20         defendant does not owe money, or no fine or costs are
    21         stated on warrant or for arraignment;
    22             (v)  conveying defendants to jail on mittimus or
    23         warrants or order of judiciary or because judiciary is
    24         not available; or
    25             (vi)  taking defendant before the district justice
    26         from prison or lock-up.
    27         (2)  The sum of $6 for the performance of the following
    28     services:
    29             (i)  for serving citation on defendant;
    30             (ii)  for voluntary appearance at a hearing on a
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     1         summary citation or a misdemeanor case;
     2             (iii)  for executing a search warrant and making
     3         return;
     4             (iv)  for executing discharge to jailer;
     5             (v)  for serving notice of possession or turning over
     6         property to landlord without forcible ejectment on order
     7         of possession;
     8             (vi)  for accepting security or bail in a summary
     9         case; or
    10             (vii)  for recovery of an expired, suspended or
    11         revoked vehicle registration or license.
    12         (3)  The amount stated for the following services:
    13             (i)  For transporting a prisoner from another
    14         judicial district to the issuing authority within the
    15         constable's judicial district for hearing or arraignment,
    16         the sum of $20 per constable if within 50 miles or $50
    17         per constable if over 50 miles.
    18             (ii)  For appearance in court when subpoenaed or
    19         summoned, the sum of $7.50 per hour or fraction thereof,
    20         with a minimum of one hour.
    21             (iii)  For the assistance of a deputy on any service,
    22         the sum of $2 for misdemeanor or summary defendants and
    23         $10 for felony defendants.
    24             (iv)  For serving subpoena, in all cases, or
    25         judiciary notice to hearing in any civil case, the sum of
    26         $6 for the first witness or defendant, plus $2 for each
    27         additional witness or defendant at the same address.
    28             (v)  For levying goods, including schedule of
    29         property levied upon and set aside each address, the sum
    30         of $20.
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     1             (vi)  For posting notice of levy each address levied,
     2         $5 per notice, no more than three notices.
     3             (vii)  For posting sale notice, each notice $5, no
     4         more than two notices.
     5             (viii)  For advertising sale of personal property of
     6         defendant by posting of handbills, the sum of $5.
     7             (ix)  For clerk at sale, the sum of $15.
     8             (x)  For holding sale, 3% on all proceeds.
     9             (xi)  For forcible ejectment on order of possession,
    10         the sum of $30.
    11             (xii)  For making return of net found on any process
    12         which shall be certified by the constable or deputy
    13         constable, the sum of $2.
    14             (xiii)  For transporting mental patients within the
    15         judicial district the sum of $10, or if outside the
    16         judicial district, the sum of $20.
    17  Section 905.  Additional hourly compensation.
    18     In addition to the fees authorized in section 904 for
    19  specific services, the constable administrator may promulgate
    20  rules authorizing payment to constables at an hourly rate not to
    21  exceed $7.50 per hour for designated services and functions not
    22  otherwise covered.
    23  Section 906.  Payment for travel.
    24     (a)  Constables shall be compensated for actual mileage
    25  travelled at the rate of 17¢ per mile. Actual mileage travelled
    26  shall be computed using the district justice's office as the
    27  starting point and computing the distance from the district
    28  justice's office to the first stop made by the constable and by
    29  adding the distance from the first stop to the second stop and
    30  so forth to all subsequent stops. The ending point shall be the
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     1  district justice's office.
     2     (b)  Constables shall be compensated for other travel
     3  expenses not to exceed accountable expenses if travel is by
     4  means other than motor vehicle.
     5  Section 907.  Multiple service of process.
     6     In criminal and civil cases when multiple processes are
     7  served, a constable shall be paid for each process served even
     8  though service may be performed at one time. The constable shall
     9  be paid only one mileage or expense fee, except in those
    10  instances when multiple trips are required and approved.
    11  Section 908.  Services performed by more than one constable.
    12     When a service is performed by more than one constable or
    13  deputy under authorization of the president judge or the local
    14  administrator, compensation shall be payable as provided in
    15  section 904.
    16  Section 909.  Service of process by mail.
    17     When service of process is authorized by mail, the costs of
    18  postage shall be imposed upon the party instituting the
    19  proceedings. Such costs shall be recoverable by the prevailing
    20  party.
    21                             CHAPTER 10
    22                      MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
    23  Section 1001.  Repeals.
    24     (a)  The act of July 20, 1917 (P.L.1158, No.401), referred to
    25  as the Constable Fee Law, is repealed absolutely.
    26     (b)  All other acts or parts of acts inconsistent with this
    27  act are repealed to the extent of any inconsistency.
    28  Section 1002.  Effective date and transitional provisions.
    29     This act shall take effect January 1, 1979. However, any
    30  constables in office on such effective date shall remain in
    19780H2538B3573                 - 17 -

     1  office until the next election. Any constable elected following
     2  the effective date of the act who has served previously as a
     3  constable for a period of at least four years shall be exempt
     4  from the requirements of Chapter 8.
     5     SECTION 1.  THE DEFINITION OF "OFFICER ENFORCING ORDERS" IN    <--
     6  SECTION 102 OF TITLE 42, ACT OF NOVEMBER 25, 1970 (P.L.707,
     7  NO.230), KNOWN AS THE PENNSYLVANIA CONSOLIDATED STATUTES,
     8  AMENDED APRIL 28, 1978 (NO.53), IS AMENDED AND DEFINITIONS ARE
     9  ADDED TO READ:
    10  § 102.  DEFINITIONS.
    11     SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS CONTAINED IN SUBSEQUENT
    12  PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE WHICH ARE APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIC
    13  PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE, THE FOLLOWING WORDS AND PHRASES WHEN
    14  USED IN THIS TITLE SHALL HAVE, UNLESS THE CONTEXT CLEARLY
    15  INDICATES OTHERWISE, THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM IN THIS SECTION:
    16     * * *
    17     "CONSTABLE."  A CONSTABLE ELECTED OR APPOINTED PURSUANT TO
    18  SUBCHAPTER C OF CHAPTER 29 (RELATING TO CONSTABLES).
    19     * * *
    20     "OFFICER ENFORCING ORDERS."  INCLUDES:
    21         (1)  A RECORDER OF DEEDS WHEN THE ORDER AFFECTS THE
    22     OWNERSHIP OF AN INTEREST IN PROPERTY DESCRIBED OR DESCRIBABLE
    23     BY A DOCUMENT WHICH HAS BEEN OR MAY BE FILED OR RECORDED IN
    24     HIS OFFICE, OR RELATES TO THE INDEXING OF DOCUMENTS FILED OR
    25     RECORDED IN HIS OFFICE.
    26         (2)  A REGISTER OF WILLS.
    27         (3)  A SHERIFF.
    28         (4)  A CONSTABLE.
    29         (5)  A WARRANT OFFICER.
    30     * * *
    19780H2538B3573                 - 18 -

     1     "WARRANT OFFICER."  A WARRANT OFFICER OF THE PHILADELPHIA
     2  TRAFFIC COURT APPOINTED PURSUANT TO SUBCHAPTER D OF CHAPTER 29
     3  (RELATING TO WARRANT OFFICERS).
     4     * * *
     5     SECTION 2.  TITLE 42 IS AMENDED BY ADDING A SECTION TO READ:
     6  § 1904.  CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR OF PENNSYLVANIA.
     7     THE SUPREME COURT SHALL APPOINT AND MAY REMOVE A CONSTABLE
     8  ADMINISTRATOR OF PENNSYLVANIA WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
     9  OF PENNSYLVANIA COURTS.
    10     SECTION 3.  CHAPTER 21 OF TITLE 42 IS AMENDED BY ADDING A
    11  SUBCHAPTER TO READ:
    12                             CHAPTER 21
    13                  JUDICIAL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
    14                               * * *
    15                            SUBCHAPTER F
    16                     CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD
    17  SEC.
    18  2151.  CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD.
    19  2152.  COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
    20  2153.  ORGANIZATION.
    21  2154.  STAFF.
    22  2155.  POWERS AND DUTIES.
    23  § 2151.  CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD.
    24     (A)  GENERAL RULE.--THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD SHALL
    25  CONSIST OF SEVEN MEMBERS SELECTED AS PROVIDED IN THIS
    26  SUBCHAPTER.
    27     (B)  SEAL.--THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD SHALL HAVE A SEAL
    28  ENGRAVED WITH ITS NAME AND SUCH OTHER INSCRIPTION AS MAY BE
    29  SPECIFIED BY GENERAL RULE. A FACSIMILE OR PREPRINTED SEAL MAY BE
    30  USED FOR ALL PURPOSES IN LIEU OF THE ORIGINAL SEAL.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 19 -

     1  § 2152.  COMPOSITION OF BOARD.
     2     (A)  GENERAL RULE.--THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD SHALL
     3  CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WITH
     4  THE CONSENT OF A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS ELECTED TO THE SENATE:
     5         (1)  THREE PERSONS WHO SHALL BE CONSTABLES.
     6         (2)  ONE PERSON WHO SHALL BE A DISTRICT JUSTICE.
     7         (3)  THREE OTHER PERSONS.
     8     (B)  TERMS OF OFFICE.--THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL SERVE
     9  FOR TERMS OF FIVE YEARS AND UNTIL A SUCCESSOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED
    10  AND QUALIFIED. A VACANCY ON THE BOARD SHALL BE FILLED FOR THE
    11  BALANCE OF THE TERM.
    12     (C)  COMPENSATION.--MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL BE PAID $50
    13  FOR EACH DAY OR PART THEREOF UPON WHICH SUCH MEMBER ATTENDS A
    14  BOARD MEETING OR PERFORMS ANY DUTY ASSIGNED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
    15  MEMBERS SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR REASONABLE TRAVELING AND OTHER
    16  EXPENSES INCURRED INCIDENT TO SUCH ATTENDANCE AND ASSIGNED DUTY.
    17  § 2153.  ORGANIZATION.
    18     ANNUALLY THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD SHALL ELECT A
    19  CHAIRMAN AND OTHER OFFICERS OF THE BOARD, WHO SHALL HOLD OFFICE
    20  AT THE PLEASURE OF THE BOARD. THE BOARD SHALL ACT ONLY WITH THE
    21  CONCURRENCE OF A MAJORITY OF ITS MEMBERS.
    22  § 2154.  STAFF.
    23     THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHALL SERVE AS THE ADMINISTRATIVE
    24  OFFICER OF THE BOARD AND AS SUCH SHALL PROVIDE SUCH STAFF
    25  ASSISTANCE AS THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD MAY REQUIRE.
    26  § 2155.  POWERS AND DUTIES.
    27     THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD SHALL EXERCISE THE POWERS AND
    28  PERFORM THE DUTIES VESTED IN AND IMPOSED UPON THE BOARD BY
    29  SUBCHAPTER C OF CHAPTER 29 (RELATING TO CONSTABLES) AND ANY
    30  OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES VESTED IN AND IMPOSED UPON THE BOARD BY
    19780H2538B3573                 - 20 -

     1  LAW.
     2     SECTION 4.  SUBCHAPTER C OF CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 42 IS AMENDED
     3  BY ADDING SECTIONS TO READ:
     4                             CHAPTER 29
     5           OFFICERS SERVING PROCESS AND ENFORCING ORDERS
     6                               * * *
     7                            SUBCHAPTER C
     8                             CONSTABLES
     9  SEC.
    10  2941.  ELECTION.
    11  2942.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE.
    12  2943.  VACANCIES.
    13  2944.  COMPATIBLE AND INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES AND ACTIVITIES.
    14  2945.  EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
    15  2946.  DEPUTY CONSTABLES.
    16                ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
    17  2951.  LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR.
    18  2952.  PRIORITY OF CONSTABLE BUSINESS.
    19  2953.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO FEES.
    20  2954.  RECORDS.
    21  2955.  REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
    22  2956.  UNIFORMS.
    23  2957.  COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES GENERALLY.
    24  2958.  SPECIFIC FEES.
    25  2959.  DISTRIBUTION OF PROCESS OUTSIDE THE JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
    26                         POWERS AND DUTIES
    27  2965.  SERVICE OF PROCESS.
    28  2966.  POLICE POWERS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES.
    29  2967.  TRANSPORTATION OF PRISONERS AND MENTAL PATIENTS.
    30  2968.  PROTECTION OF DISTRICT JUSTICE.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 21 -

     1  2969.  ELECTION DAY POWERS.
     2  2970.  ACCEPTANCE OF SECURITY.
     3  2971.  UNLAWFUL ACTS RELATIVE TO CONSTABLES.
     4  2972.  RECOVERY OF CERTAIN VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES.
     5  2973.  POWER TO CARRY AND USE A FIREARM.
     6                             CONSTABLES
     7  § 2941.  ELECTION.
     8     THERE SHALL BE ONE CONSTABLE ELECTED FOR A TERM OF SIX YEARS
     9  FOR EACH MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE
    10  RELATING TO CONSTABLES SHALL APPLY THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH
    11  EXCEPT IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
    12  § 2942.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE.
    13     (A)  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.--EACH CANDIDATE FOR THE OFFICE OF
    14  CONSTABLE SHALL BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE, SHALL BE A RESIDENT
    15  OF THE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT FOR WHICH HE IS ELECTED, AND SHALL
    16  HAVE MET THE EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION
    17  2945 (RELATING TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING).
    18     (B)  PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION.--EVERY CONSTABLE SHALL
    19  PASS A PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION PRIOR TO RECEIVING HIS
    20  COMMISSION. THE STANDARDS FOR SUCH EXAMINATION SHALL BE SET BY
    21  THE CONSTABLE EDUCATION BOARD.
    22  § 2943.  VACANCIES.
    23     (A)  DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE.--
    24         (1)  ANY PERSON CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR
    25     SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM SEEKING OR HOLDING THE OFFICE OF
    26     CONSTABLE.
    27         (2)  ANY CONSTABLE CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR
    28     WHILE IN OFFICE SHALL BE SUSPENDED FROM HIS DUTIES UPON
    29     INITIAL CONVICTION. AFTER ANY AND ALL APPEALS ARE FINALLY
    30     EXHAUSTED, THE SUSPENSION SHALL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL
    19780H2538B3573                 - 22 -

     1     FROM OFFICE IF THE CONVICTION STANDS AND THE RESULTING
     2     VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (B). IF THE
     3     CONSTABLE IS ACQUITTED, THE SUSPENSION SHALL BE LIFTED.
     4         (3)  ANY CONSTABLE MAY BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE BY THE
     5     PRESIDENT JUDGE AFTER A HEARING IF FOUND TO BE INCOMPETENT OR
     6     NEGLIGENT IN PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES OR FOR REFUSAL TO
     7     SERVE PROCESS WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FOR THE DISTRICT
     8     JUSTICE IN HIS DISTRICT.
     9     (B)  FILLING OF VACANCIES.--IF THE OFFICE OF CONSTABLE
    10  BECOMES VACANT FOR ANY REASON, THE DISTRICT MAGISTRATE OF THE
    11  MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT IN WHICH THE VACANCY EXISTS SHALL APPOINT,
    12  WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE JUDICIAL
    13  DISTRICT, A QUALIFIED PERSON TO FILL THE VACANCY GIVING FIRST
    14  CONSIDERATION TO DEPUTIES IN THE DISTRICT. THE PERSON SO
    15  APPOINTED SHALL HOLD OFFICE UNTIL THE FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY
    16  AFTER THE MUNICIPAL ELECTION OCCURRING MORE THAN 60 DAYS AFTER
    17  THE VACANCY FIRST OCCURS, AT WHICH ELECTION AN ELIGIBLE PERSON
    18  SHALL BE ELECTED FOR THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
    19  § 2944.  COMPATIBLE AND INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES AND ACTIVITIES.
    20     (A)  COMPATIBLE ACTIVITIES.--NOTHING IN THIS TITLE OR ANY
    21  OTHER ACT SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT A CONSTABLE AS A
    22  PRIVATE CITIZEN FROM ENGAGING IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES IF HE
    23  SO ELECTS:
    24         (1)  SCHOOL SECURITY DUTIES.
    25         (2)  MUNICIPAL SECURITY DUTIES.
    26         (3)  TRAFFIC DUTY AT SPECIAL EVENTS.
    27     (B)  INCOMPATIBLE OFFICES AND ACTIVITIES.--THE FOLLOWING
    28  OFFICES AND ACTIVITIES ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE OFFICE OF
    29  CONSTABLE:
    30         (1)  DISTRICT ATTORNEY.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 23 -

     1         (2)  ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY.
     2         (3)  SHERIFF.
     3         (4)  DEPUTY SHERIFF.
     4         (5)  COUNTY TREASURER.
     5         (6)  ANY ELECTION OFFICER.
     6         (7)  ANY OFFICER OF A POLITICAL PARTY.
     7         (8)  PRIVATE DETECTIVE.
     8         (9)  POLICE OFFICER EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 2982
     9     (RELATING TO POLICE POWERS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES).
    10         (10)  ANY OTHER POSITION IN THE UNIFIED JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
    11         (11)  PRIVATE COLLECTION AGENT.
    12         (12)  BAIL BONDSMAN.
    13  § 2945.  EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
    14     (A)  COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.--CONSTABLES SHALL COMPLETE A
    15  COURSE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION IN THE DUTIES OF THEIR OFFICE
    16  AS JOINTLY PRESCRIBED BY THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD AND THE
    17  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF PENNSYLVANIA COURTS AND SHALL
    18  SUCCESSFULLY PASS AN EXAMINATION PRIOR TO ASSUMING THE DUTIES OF
    19  OFFICE IF ELECTED OR WITHIN NINE MONTHS AFTER BEING ELECTED OR
    20  UPON TAKING OFFICE PURSUANT TO AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL A VACANCY.
    21  THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHALL MAKE THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION
    22  AVAILABLE AT SUCH TIMES AS DETERMINED BY IT AND THE BOARD, SO AS
    23  TO INSURE THAT ANY CONSTABLE, TO BE ELECTED OR APPOINTED MAY
    24  QUALIFY TO ASSUME OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BY REGULATION THE
    25  BOARD SHALL DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TO CONDUCT THE
    26  COURSE AT SUCH TIME, AT SUCH PLACES AND IN SUCH MANNER AS IT
    27  SHALL PRESCRIBE. IN ADDITION TO THOSE REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION
    28  TO COMPLETE THE COURSE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION AND
    29  SUCCESSFULLY PASS AN EXAMINATION, ANY INTERESTED PERSON MAY
    30  APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TO BE ENROLLED IN THE COURSE
    19780H2538B3573                 - 24 -

     1  OF INSTRUCTION AND TAKE THE EXAMINATION, SUBJECT TO SUCH RULES
     2  AND REGULATIONS AS THE OFFICE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD MAY
     3  DETERMINE. ANY SUCH INTERESTED PERSON WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETES
     4  THE COURSE AND PASSES THE EXAMINATION SHALL SECURE AN
     5  APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATE FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
     6     (B)  RULES AND REGULATIONS.--THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF
     7  PENNSYLVANIA COURTS SHALL, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD, HAVE
     8  THE POWER TO PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS ARE
     9  NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT ITS DUTIES UNDER THIS ACT.
    10     (C)  COMPLETION OF COURSE.--UPON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
    11  THE COURSE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION AND EXAMINATION, THE
    12  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHALL ISSUE A CERTIFICATE IN THE FORM
    13  PRESCRIBED BY THE BOARD, CERTIFYING THAT SUCH PERSON IS
    14  QUALIFIED TO PERFORM HIS DUTIES AS REQUIRED BY THIS TITLE. SUCH
    15  CERTIFICATE SHALL BE FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE PROTHONOTARY OF
    16  THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE CONSTABLE RESIDES. IN THE EVENT THAT AN
    17  ELECTED OR APPOINTED CONSTABLE FAILS TO OBTAIN AND FILE SUCH
    18  CERTIFICATE IN THE PROPER PROTHONOTARY'S OFFICE WITHIN NINE
    19  MONTHS AFTER HIS ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT, SAID OFFICE OF
    20  CONSTABLE SHALL BE VACANT, SUCH VACANCY TO BE FILLED AS PROVIDED
    21  IN SECTION 2943 (RELATING TO VACANCIES).
    22     (D)  FIREARMS TRAINING.--
    23         (1)  CONSTABLES SHALL COMPLETE A COURSE OF TRAINING AND
    24     INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OF FIREARMS AS JOINTLY PRESCRIBED BY
    25     THE BOARD AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AND SHALL
    26     SUCCESSFULLY PASS AN EXAMINATION WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE
    27     ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT IN ORDER TO CARRY OR USE A FIREARM IN
    28     THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES. THE CONSTABLE MAY CARRY AND
    29     USE A FIREARM DURING THE ONE YEAR PERIOD WHILE INVOLVED IN
    30     THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN APPROVAL OF
    19780H2538B3573                 - 25 -

     1     THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
     2         (2)  THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION SHALL INCLUDE AT LEAST 35
     3     HOURS OF TRAINING PROVIDED BY THE STATE POLICE CONSISTENT
     4     WITH THE TRAINING PROGRAM PROVIDED UNDER THE ACT OF OCTOBER
     5     10, 1974 (P.L.705, NO.235), KNOWN AS THE "LETHAL WEAPONS
     6     TRAINING ACT."
     7         (3)  THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MAY WAIVE THESE
     8     REQUIREMENTS OR ANY PORTION THEREOF UPON THE DEMONSTRATION BY
     9     THE CONSTABLE THAT HE HAS TAKEN AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A
    10     COMPARABLE TRAINING PROGRAM.
    11     (E)  COSTS.--THE COST OF FIREARM TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION
    12  SHALL BE PAID BY THE CONSTABLE WHO SHALL BE REIMBURSED BY THE
    13  COMMONWEALTH UPON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE. THE
    14  COST OF THE OTHER TRAINING REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION SHALL BE
    15  PAID BY THE CONSTABLE.
    16     (F)  CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.--CONSTABLES SHALL
    17  COMPLETE A CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM AS JOINTLY PRESCRIBED BY
    18  THE BOARD AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
    19  § 2946.  DEPUTY CONSTABLES.
    20     (A)  APPOINTMENT.--THE CONSTABLE MAY REQUEST, UPON A
    21  DEMONSTRATION OF NEED, AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PRESIDENT JUDGE TO
    22  APPOINT UP TO FOUR DEPUTIES. THE CONSTABLE MAY APPOINT SUCH
    23  DEPUTIES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE.
    24     (B)  QUALIFICATIONS.--A DEPUTY CONSTABLE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
    25  THE SAME STANDARDS REQUIRED OF AN ELECTED CONSTABLE AND SHALL
    26  PRESENT EVIDENCE OF HAVING MET THOSE REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO
    27  RECEIVING HIS COMMISSION. A DEPUTY SO APPOINTED SHALL BE THE
    28  AGENT OF THE CONSTABLE AND SHALL BE REGULATED AND SUPERVISED BY
    29  THE CONSTABLE AND REMOVAL BY HIM FOR JUST CAUSE.
    30     (C)  POWERS AND DUTIES.--A DEPUTY CONSTABLE SHALL HAVE THE
    19780H2538B3573                 - 26 -

     1  SAME POWERS AND DUTIES AS A CONSTABLE EXCEPT THAT THE DEPUTY MAY
     2  NOT APPOINT ANOTHER DEPUTY NOR MAY HE EXERCISE THE POWERS
     3  AUTHORIZED IN SECTION 2966 (RELATING TO POLICE POWERS IN CERTAIN
     4  MUNICIPALITIES).
     5     (D)  SPECIAL DEPUTY CONSTABLES FOR ELECTION.--NOTWITHSTANDING
     6  THE LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY THIS SECTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF
     7  DEPUTIES, AT THE REQUEST OF THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS A
     8  CONSTABLE MAY APPOINT WITHOUT COURT APPROVAL ONE SPECIAL DEPUTY
     9  CONSTABLE PER PRECINCT TO PERFORM APPROPRIATE DUTIES AT THE
    10  POLLS ON ELECTION DAY. SUCH SPECIAL DEPUTIES POWERS SHALL ONLY
    11  EXTEND TO THOSE POWERS GRANTED CONSTABLES GENERALLY REGARDING
    12  ELECTIONS AND THEIR APPOINTMENT SHALL EXPIRE AT THE COMPLETION
    13  OF THE COUNTING OF THE VOTES. SPECIAL DEPUTY CONSTABLES FOR
    14  ELECTION DAY DUTY SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO THE TRAINING
    15  REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 2945 (RELATING TO EDUCATION
    16  AND TRAINING).
    17                ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
    18  § 2951.  LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR.
    19     (A)  THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF EACH JUDICIAL DISTRICT MAY
    20  APPOINT OR DIRECT A SUITABLE PERSON TO SERVE AS LOCAL
    21  ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CONSTABLE SYSTEM WITHIN THE JUDICIAL
    22  DISTRICT.
    23     (B)  IN ADDITION, THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF EACH JUDICIAL
    24  DISTRICT MAY ESTABLISH A CENTRAL OFFICE FOR CONSTABLES TO
    25  PROVIDE FOR THE EFFICIENT AND EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF WORK.
    26  § 2952.  PRIORITY OF CONSTABLE BUSINESS.
    27     A CONSTABLE SHALL DEVOTE THE TIME NECESSARY FOR PROMPT AND
    28  PROPER DISPOSITION OF THE BUSINESS OF HIS OFFICE, WHICH SHOULD
    29  BE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, BUSINESS,
    30  PROFESSION, PURSUIT OR ACTIVITY.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 27 -

     1  § 2953.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO FEES.
     2     THE CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR OF PENNSYLVANIA SHALL ESTABLISH
     3  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OF
     4  CONSTABLE'S FEES. SUCH PROCEDURES SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE
     5  LIMITED TO PROVIDING ADEQUATE AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES
     6  AS TO FINES, COSTS AND FEES PAID TO AND COLLECTED BY DISTRICT
     7  JUSTICES, CONSTABLES AND DEPUTY CONSTABLES. FEES SHALL BE AS
     8  PROVIDED IN SECTION 2957 (RELATING TO COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
     9  GENERALLY).
    10  § 2954.  RECORDS.
    11     EACH CONSTABLE SHALL MAINTAIN ACCURATE RECORDS REGARDING ALL
    12  THE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY HIM AND HIS DEPUTIES. SUCH RECORDS
    13  SHALL BE OPEN FOR INSPECTION BY THE CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR AND
    14  THE PRESIDENT JUDGE AND LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE JUDICIAL
    15  DISTRICT AND AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW. THE CONSTABLE
    16  ADMINISTRATOR SHALL ISSUE RULES PRESCRIBING THE TYPE AND MANNER
    17  OF RECORDS TO BE KEPT.
    18  § 2955.  REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
    19     EACH CONSTABLE AND DEPUTY CONSTABLE SHOULD BE REGISTERED AND
    20  ISSUED AN IDENTIFICATION CARD BY THE CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR.
    21  § 2956.  UNIFORMS.
    22     A CONSTABLE MAY WEAR A UNIFORM WHEN ENGAGED IN THE DUTIES OF
    23  HIS OFFICE; HOWEVER, NO CONSTABLE SHALL WEAR HIS UNIFORM WHEN
    24  ACTING IN A PRIVATE CAPACITY. THE CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR SHALL
    25  PRESCRIBE THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE STANDARDIZED CONSTABLE
    26  UNIFORM.
    27  § 2957.  COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES GENERALLY.
    28     (A)  COMPENSATION OF CONSTABLES.--CONSTABLES SHALL BE
    29  COMPENSATED FOR THEIR SERVICES BY THE PAYMENT OF FEES AUTHORIZED
    30  PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND SECTION 2958 (RELATING TO SPECIFIC
    19780H2538B3573                 - 28 -

     1  FEES).
     2     (B)  COMPENSATION OF DEPUTIES.--DEPUTY CONSTABLES SHALL BE
     3  COMPENSATED FOR THEIR SERVICES PURSUANT TO AGREEMENTS MADE WITH
     4  THE CONSTABLE. THE CONSTABLE SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE ALL
     5  FEES PAYABLE AS A RESULT OF HIS DEPUTIES' SERVICES AND SUCH
     6  CONSTABLE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION
     7  TO HIS DEPUTY PURSUANT TO THEIR AGREEMENT. THE CONSTABLE SHALL
     8  COMPENSATE THE DEPUTY NOT LESS THAN 75% OF THE FEE COLLECTED FOR
     9  THE SERVICES PERFORMED. COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO THE DEPUTY SHALL
    10  BE PAID TO HIM ON OR BEFORE THE 15TH OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE
    11  SERVICE PERFORMED.
    12     (C)  FORM OF PAYMENT.--CONSTABLES ARE AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT
    13  CASH, CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IN PAYMENT FOR THEIR SERVICES. A
    14  RECEIPT SHALL BE PROVIDED FOR ANY PAYMENT RECEIVED.
    15     (D)  ADDITIONAL HOURLY COMPENSATION.--IN ADDITION TO THE FEES
    16  AUTHORIZED IN SECTION 2958 FOR SPECIFIC SERVICES, THE CONSTABLE
    17  ADMINISTRATOR MAY PROMULGATE RULES AUTHORIZING PAYMENT TO
    18  CONSTABLES AT AN HOURLY RATE NOT TO EXCEED $7.50 PER HOUR FOR
    19  DESIGNATED SERVICES AND FUNCTIONS NOT OTHERWISE COVERED BUT
    20  OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR IN THIS TITLE.
    21     (E)  PAYMENT FOR TRAVEL.--
    22         (1)  CONSTABLES SHALL BE COMPENSATED FOR ACTUAL MILEAGE
    23     TRAVELED AT THE RATE OF 17¢ PER MILE. ACTUAL MILEAGE TRAVELED
    24     SHALL BE COMPUTED USING THE DISTRICT JUSTICE'S OFFICE AS THE
    25     STARTING POINT AND COMPUTING THE DISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT
    26     JUSTICE'S OFFICE TO THE FIRST STOP MADE BY THE CONSTABLE AND
    27     BY ADDING THE DISTANCE FROM THE FIRST STOP TO THE SECOND STOP
    28     AND SO FORTH TO ALL SUBSEQUENT STOPS. THE ENDING POINT SHALL
    29     BE THE DISTRICT JUSTICE'S OFFICE.
    30         (2)  CONSTABLES SHALL BE COMPENSATED FOR OTHER TRAVEL
    19780H2538B3573                 - 29 -

     1     EXPENSES NOT TO EXCEED ACCOUNTABLE EXPENSES IF TRAVEL IS BY
     2     MEANS OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLE.
     3     (F)  MULTIPLE SERVICE OF PROCESS.--IN CRIMINAL AND CIVIL
     4  CASES WHEN MULTIPLE PROCESSES ARE SERVED, A CONSTABLE SHALL BE
     5  PAID FOR EACH PROCESS SERVED EVEN THOUGH SERVICE MAY BE
     6  PERFORMED AT ONE TIME. THE CONSTABLE SHALL BE PAID ONLY ONE
     7  MILEAGE OR EXPENSE FEE, EXCEPT IN THOSE INSTANCES WHEN MULTIPLE
     8  TRIPS ARE REQUIRED AND APPROVED.
     9     (G)  SERVICES PERFORMED BY MORE THAN ONE CONSTABLE.--WHEN A
    10  SERVICE IS PERFORMED BY MORE THAN ONE CONSTABLE OR DEPUTY UNDER
    11  AUTHORIZATION OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OR THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATOR,
    12  COMPENSATION SHALL BE PAYABLE AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 2958.
    13     (H)  SERVICE OF PROCESS BY MAIL.--WHEN SERVICE OF PROCESS IS
    14  AUTHORIZED BY MAIL, THE COSTS OF POSTAGE SHALL BE IMPOSED UPON
    15  THE PARTY INSTITUTING THE PROCEEDINGS. SUCH COSTS SHALL BE
    16  RECOVERABLE BY THE PREVAILING PARTY.
    17     (I)  PAYMENT FOR SERVICES PERFORMED.--A CONSTABLE SHALL BE
    18  COMPENSATED ACCORDING TO THE FEES PROVIDED FOR IN THIS TITLE BY
    19  THE COURT WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE TIME THE COURT HAS RECEIVED
    20  PAYMENT FOR THE SERVICE PERFORMED. IF THE COURT SUSPENDS THE FEE
    21  FOR THE SERVICE PERFORMED BY THE CONSTABLE, THE FEE SHALL BE
    22  PAID BY THE COUNTY.
    23     (J)  FEE ASSESSMENT.--AN ADDITIONAL $1 FEE SHALL BE CHARGED
    24  TO ALL PERSONS ON WHOM A PROCESS IS SUCCESSFULLY SERVED, UNLESS
    25  ACQUITTED, WHICH FEE SHALL BE PAID INTO THE COMMONWEALTH'S
    26  GENERAL FUND. THIS FEE SHALL NOT BE SUSPENDED.
    27  § 2958.  SPECIFIC FEES.
    28     THE FEES TO BE CHARGED AND RECEIVED BY CONSTABLES SHALL BE AS
    29  FOLLOWS:
    30         (1)  THE SUM OF $12 FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
    19780H2538B3573                 - 30 -

     1             (I)  EACH WARRANT OR WRIT EXECUTED ON BEHALF OF THE
     2         COMMONWEALTH OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF.
     3             (II)  ARRESTING PERSONS WITH OR WITHOUT A WARRANT
     4         BEFORE THE JUDICIARY FOR BREACH OF PEACE, RIOTOUS OR
     5         DISORDERLY CONDUCT, DRUNKENNESS, OR WHO MAY BE ENGAGED IN
     6         THE COMMISSION OF ANY UNLAWFUL ACT TENDING TO IMPERIL THE
     7         PERSONAL SECURITY OR ENDANGER THE PROPERTY OF THE
     8         CITIZENS, OR VIOLATING ANY ORDINANCE OF ANY MUNICIPALITY
     9         FOR WHICH A FINE OR PENALTY MAY BE IMPOSED, OR OFFENDING
    10         OR SUSPECTED OF OFFENDING AGAINST THE LAWS OF THIS
    11         COMMONWEALTH, OR VIOLATING TIMBERLANDS, OR THE VIOLATION
    12         OF ANY OTHER LAW OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
    13             (III)  TAKING THE DEFENDANT BEFORE THE DISTRICT
    14         JUSTICE FOR PURPOSES OF MAKING BAIL.
    15             (IV)  TAKING DEFENDANT BEFORE ISSUING AUTHORITY WHERE
    16         DEFENDANT DOES NOT OWE MONEY, OR NO FINE OR COSTS ARE
    17         STATED ON WARRANT OR FOR ARRAIGNMENT.
    18             (V)  CONVEYING DEFENDANTS TO JAIL ON MITTIMUS OR
    19         WARRANTS OR ORDER OF JUDICIARY OR BECAUSE JUDICIARY IS
    20         NOT AVAILABLE.
    21             (VI)  TAKING DEFENDANT BEFORE THE DISTRICT JUSTICE
    22         FROM PRISON OR LOCK-UP.
    23             (VII)  FOR SERVING NOTICE OF POSSESSION ON TURNING
    24         OVER PROPERTY TO LANDLORD WITHOUT FORCIBLE EJECTMENT ON
    25         ORDER OF POSSESSION.
    26         (2)  THE SUM OF $6 FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF ANY OF THE
    27     FOLLOWING SERVICES:
    28             (I)  FOR SERVING CITATION ON DEFENDANT.
    29             (II)  FOR VOLUNTARY APPEARANCE AT A HEARING ON A
    30         SUMMARY CITATION OR A MISDEMEANOR CASE.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 31 -

     1             (III)  FOR EXECUTING A SEARCH WARRANT AND MAKING
     2         RETURN.
     3             (IV)  FOR EXECUTING DISCHARGE TO JAILER.
     4             (V)  FOR ACCEPTING SECURITY OR BAIL IN A SUMMARY
     5         CASE.
     6             (VI)  FOR RECOVERY OF AN EXPIRED, SUSPENDED OR
     7         REVOKED VEHICLE REGISTRATION OR LICENSE.
     8         (3)  THE AMOUNT STATED FOR THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
     9             (I)  FOR TRANSPORTING A PRISONER FROM ANOTHER
    10         JUDICIAL DISTRICT TO THE ISSUING AUTHORITY WITHIN THE
    11         CONSTABLE'S JUDICIAL DISTRICT FOR HEARING OR ARRAIGNMENT,
    12         THE SUM OF $20 PER CONSTABLE IF WITHIN 50 MILES OR $50
    13         PER CONSTABLE IF OVER 50 MILES.
    14             (II)  FOR APPEARANCE IN COURT WHEN SUBPOENAED OR
    15         SUMMONED, THE SUM OF $7.50 PER HOUR OR FRACTION THEREOF,
    16         WITH A MINIMUM OF ONE HOUR.
    17             (III)  IN THOSE INSTANCES WHERE A SERVICE IS
    18         PERFORMED BY MORE THAN ONE CONSTABLE OR WITH THE
    19         ASSISTANCE OF DEPUTIES EACH PERSON SHALL BE COMPENSATED
    20         AT THE FEE PROVIDED FOR THAT SERVICE.
    21             (IV)  FOR SERVING SUBPOENA, IN ALL CASES, OR
    22         JUDICIARY NOTICE TO HEARING IN ANY CIVIL CASE, THE SUM OF
    23         $6 FOR THE FIRST WITNESS OR DEFENDANT, PLUS $2 FOR EACH
    24         ADDITIONAL WITNESS OR DEFENDANT AT THE SAME ADDRESS.
    25             (V)  FOR LEVYING GOODS, INCLUDING SCHEDULE OF
    26         PROPERTY LEVIED UPON AND SET ASIDE EACH ADDRESS, THE SUM
    27         OF $20.
    28             (VI)  FOR POSTING NOTICE OF LEVY EACH ADDRESS LEVIED,
    29         $5 PER NOTICE, NO MORE THAN THREE NOTICES.
    30             (VII)  FOR POSTING SALE NOTICE, EACH NOTICE $5, NO
    19780H2538B3573                 - 32 -

     1         MORE THAN TWO NOTICES.
     2             (VIII)  FOR ADVERTISING SALE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY OF
     3         DEFENDANT BY POSTING OF HANDBILLS, THE SUM OF $5.
     4             (IX)  FOR CLERK AT SALE, THE SUM OF $15.
     5             (X)  FOR HOLDING SALE, 3% ON ALL PROCEEDS OR $20,
     6         WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
     7             (XI)  FOR FORCIBLE EJECTMENT ON ORDER OF POSSESSION,
     8         THE SUM OF $30.
     9             (XII)  FOR MAKING RETURN OF NOT FOUND ON ANY PROCESS
    10         WHICH SHALL BE CERTIFIED BY THE CONSTABLE OR DEPUTY
    11         CONSTABLE, THE SUM OF $2.
    12             (XIII)  FOR TRANSPORTING MENTAL PATIENTS WITHIN THE
    13         JUDICIAL DISTRICT THE SUM OF $10, OR IF OUTSIDE THE
    14         JUDICIAL DISTRICT, THE SUM OF $20.
    15  § 2959.  DISTRIBUTION OF PROCESS OUTSIDE THE JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
    16     A DISTRICT JUSTICE MAY TRANSFER THE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR
    17  PERSONS OR ENTITIES RESIDING IN ANOTHER JUDICIAL DISTRICT TO THE
    18  APPROPRIATE LOCAL CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR, OR IN THE ABSENCE OF
    19  A LOCAL CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR, TO THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT
    20  JUSTICE FOR SERVICE. IN THE CASE OF PROCESS TRANSFERRED FOR
    21  SERVICE IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, THE DISTRICT JUSTICE
    22  WOULD TRANSFER THE PROCESS TO THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE TRAFFIC
    23  COURT FOR DISTRIBUTION FOR SERVICE.
    24                         POWERS AND DUTIES
    25  § 2965.  SERVICE OF PROCESS
    26     (A)  GENERAL POWER--A CONSTABLE IS AUTHORIZED TO SERVE AND
    27  EXECUTE ANY LAWFUL PROCESS ISSUED BY A DISTRICT JUSTICE OR ANY
    28  OTHER LAWFUL CIVIL, CRIMINAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS.
    29     (B)  SUPREME COURT TO PROMULGATE RULES.--THE SUPREME COURT
    30  SHALL PROMULGATE PROCEDURAL RULES RELATING TO THE SERVICE OF
    19780H2538B3573                 - 33 -

     1  PROCESS ISSUED BY THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS AND DISTRICT
     2  JUSTICES AND THE SERVICE OF PROCESS BY MAIL.
     3     (C)  CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS.--A CONSTABLE IS
     4  AUTHORIZED TO SERVE CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS WITHIN THE
     5  JUDICIAL DISTRICT IN WHICH HE IS ELECTED OR APPOINTED REGARDLESS
     6  OF WHETHER OR NOT THE PROCESS EMANATES FROM HIS OWN JUDICIAL
     7  DISTRICT.
     8     (D)  CRIMINAL PROCESS.--A CONSTABLE IS AUTHORIZED TO SERVE
     9  CRIMINAL PROCESS ANYWHERE IN THIS COMMONWEALTH WHEN THE PROCESS
    10  IS ISSUED FROM HIS JUDICIAL DISTRICT. A CONSTABLE IS AUTHORIZED
    11  TO SERVE ANY CRIMINAL PROCESS WITHIN HIS JUDICIAL DISTRICT NO
    12  MATTER WHERE SUCH PROCESS WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED.
    13  § 2966.  POLICE POWERS IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES.
    14     (A)  GENERAL RULE.--ANY MUNICIPALITY THAT HAS NO ORGANIZED
    15  MUNICIPAL POLICE FORCE MAY FORMALLY APPOINT AS A POLICE OFFICER
    16  THE APPROPRIATE CONSTABLE OR CONSTABLES AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY
    17  LAW. WHEN A CONSTABLE IS ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH APPOINTMENT, HE
    18  SHALL HAVE ALL THE POWERS AND BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME RESTRAINTS
    19  AS A POLICEMAN WOULD HAVE IN THE MUNICIPALITY IF IT HAD AN
    20  ORGANIZED POLICE FORCE.
    21     (B)  LETHAL WEAPONS CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.--NO CONSTABLE
    22  SHALL PERFORM POLICE DUTIES PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION UNLESS SUCH
    23  CONSTABLE HAS BEEN CERTIFIED PURSUANT TO THE ACT OF JUNE 18,
    24  1974 (P.L.359, NO.140), REFERRED TO AS THE MUNICIPAL POLICE
    25  EDUCATION AND TRAINING LAW.
    26  § 2967.  TRANSPORTATION OF PRISONERS AND MENTAL PATIENTS.
    27     CONSTABLES SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY WHEN DIRECTED BY A
    28  DISTRICT JUSTICE OR A COURT TO TRANSPORT PRISONERS AND MENTAL
    29  PATIENTS.
    30  § 2968.  PROTECTION OF DISTRICT JUSTICE.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 34 -

     1     UPON THE REQUEST OF AND THE SHOWING OF JUST CAUSE BY THE
     2  DISTRICT JUSTICE IN WHOSE MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT THE CONSTABLE
     3  SERVES, AND SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF
     4  THE JUDICIAL DISTRICT, A CONSTABLE SHALL PROVIDE PERSONAL
     5  PROTECTION TO THE DISTRICT JUSTICE WHILE THE DISTRICT JUSTICE IS
     6  PERFORMING HIS DUTIES.
     7  § 2969.  ELECTION DAY POWERS.
     8     UPON REQUEST BY THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS A CONSTABLE
     9  SHALL HAVE THE DUTY, OBLIGATION AND AUTHORITY TO BE PRESENT AT
    10  THE POLLING PLACE IN EACH ELECTION DISTRICT OF SUCH BOROUGH,
    11  TOWNSHIP OR WARD AT EACH PRIMARY AND ELECTION DURING THE
    12  CONTINUANCE THEREOF, AND WHILE THE VOTES ARE BEING COUNTED, FOR
    13  THE PURPOSE OF PRESERVING THE PEACE, AND SHALL SERVE AT ALL
    14  ELECTIONS FOR WHICH SERVICES THE SAID CONSTABLE SHALL RECEIVE
    15  THE SAME COMPENSATION PAYABLE TO INSPECTORS AND CLERKS AS
    16  PROVIDED FOR BY THE ACT OF JUNE 3, 1937 (P.L.1337, NO.320),
    17  KNOWN AS THE "PENNSYLVANIA ELECTION CODE," WHICH SHALL BE PAID
    18  BY THE COUNTY. NO CONSTABLE IN COMMISSION, WHETHER IN UNIFORM OR
    19  IN CITIZENS CLOTHES, SHALL BE WITHIN 100 FEET OF THE POLLING
    20  PLACE DURING THE CONDUCT OF ANY PRIMARY OR ELECTION, UNLESS IN
    21  THE EXERCISE OF HIS PRIVILEGE OF VOTING FOR THE PURPOSE OF
    22  SERVING WARRANTS OR UNLESS CALLED UPON TO PRESERVE THE PEACE. IN
    23  NO EVENT MAY ANY CONSTABLE UNLAWFULLY USE OR PRACTICE ANY
    24  INTIMIDATION, THREATS, FORCE OR VIOLENCE NOR IN ANY MANNER,
    25  UNDULY INFLUENCE ANY ELECTOR OR PREVENT HIM FROM VOTING OR
    26  RESTRAIN HIS FREEDOM OF CHOICE, NOR MAY ANY SUCH CONSTABLE
    27  ELECTIONEER OR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE
    28  ELECTION OR ELECTORS WHILE ON DUTY AT THE ELECTION POLLS.
    29  § 2970.  ACCEPTANCE OF SECURITY.
    30     A CONSTABLE IS AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT SECURITY FOR A
    19780H2538B3573                 - 35 -

     1  DEFENDANT'S APPEARANCE BEFORE A DISTRICT JUSTICE IN SUMMARY
     2  CASES.
     3  § 2971.  UNLAWFUL ACTS RELATIVE TO CONSTABLES.
     4     ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY, WILLFULLY AND FORCIBLY OBSTRUCTS,
     5  RESISTS OR OPPOSES ANY CONSTABLE IN SERVING OR ATTEMPTING TO
     6  SERVE OR EXECUTE ANY LEGAL PROCESS OR ORDER; OR IN MAKING A
     7  LAWFUL ARREST WITH OR WITHOUT A WARRANT; OR ASSAULTS ANY DULY
     8  AUTHORIZED CONSTABLE, IN SERVING OR EXECUTING ANY SUCH LEGAL
     9  PROCESS OR ORDER OR BECAUSE OF HAVING SERVED OR EXECUTED THE
    10  SAME; OR RESCUES ANOTHER IN LEGAL CUSTODY; OR WHOEVER BEING
    11  REQUIRED BY ANY CONSTABLE, NEGLECTS OR REFUSES TO ASSIST HIM IN
    12  THE EXECUTION OF HIS OFFICE IN ANY CRIMINAL CASE; OR IN THE
    13  PRESERVATION OF THE PEACE, OR IN APPREHENDING AND SECURING ANY
    14  PERSON FOR A BREACH OF THE PEACE, SHALL BE GUILTY OF A
    15  MISDEMEANOR OF THE THIRD DEGREE AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ARREST
    16  ON VIEW BY A CONSTABLE OR OTHER AUTHORIZED PEACE OFFICER.
    17  § 2972.  RECOVERY OF CERTAIN VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND
    18           LICENSES.
    19     A CONSTABLE SHALL HAVE THE POWER AND DUTY TO RECOVER EXPIRED,
    20  SUSPENDED, OR REVOKED VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES FOR THE
    21  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL NOTIFY IN
    22  WRITING THE APPROPRIATE CONSTABLE TO RECOVER ALL SUSPENDED OR
    23  REVOKED VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES.
    24  § 2973.  POWER TO CARRY AND USE A FIREARM.
    25     A CONSTABLE SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO CARRY AND USE A FIREARM
    26  IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES UPON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
    27  OF THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN SECTION 2955 (RELATING
    28  TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING). A CONSTABLE SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE
    29  SAME REQUIREMENTS AND STATUTES PROVIDED FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN
    30  REGARD TO LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF FIREARMS.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 36 -

     1     SECTION 5.  CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 42 IS AMENDED BY ADDING A
     2  SUBCHAPTER TO READ:
     3                             CHAPTER 29
     4           OFFICERS SERVING PROCESS AND ENFORCING ORDERS
     5                                ***
     6                            SUBCHAPTER D
     7                          WARRANT OFFICERS
     8  SEC.
     9  2981.  APPOINTMENT AND APPLICATION.
    10  2982.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE.
    11  2983.  VACANCIES.
    12  2984.  EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
    13  2985.  DEPUTY WARRANT OFFICERS.
    14                ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
    15  2986.  PRIORITY OF WARRANT OFFICER BUSINESS.
    16  2987.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO FEES.
    17  2988.  RECORDS.
    18  2989.  REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
    19  2990.  DISTRIBUTION OF PROCESS TO BE SERVED.
    20  2991.  COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES GENERALLY.
    21                         POWERS AND DUTIES
    22  2992.  SERVICE OF PROCESS.
    23  2993.  ACCEPTANCE OF SECURITY.
    24  2994.  UNLAWFUL ACTS RELATIVE TO CONSTABLES.
    25  2995.  RECOVERY OF CERTAIN VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES.
    26  2996.  POWER TO CARRY AND USE A FIREARM.
    27                          WARRANT OFFICERS
    28  § 2981.  APPOINTMENT AND APPLICATION.
    29     (A)  APPOINTMENT.--THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE TRAFFIC COURT
    30  OF PHILADELPHIA SHALL APPOINT NOT MORE THAN 15 PERSONS TO SERVE
    19780H2538B3573                 - 37 -

     1  AS WARRANT OFFICERS FOR TERMS OF SIX YEARS.
     2     (B)  APPLICATION.--THE PROVISIONS OF THIS TITLE RELATING TO
     3  WARRANT OFFICERS SHALL BE APPLICABLE ONLY IN THE FIRST JUDICIAL
     4  DISTRICT.
     5  § 2982.  QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE.
     6     (A)  GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.--EACH WARRANT OFFICER SHALL BE AT
     7  LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE, SHALL BE A RESIDENT OF THE FIRST JUDICIAL
     8  DISTRICT, AND SHALL HAVE MET THE EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS SET
     9  FORTH IN SECTION 2984 (RELATING TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING).
    10     (B)  PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION.--EVERY WARRANT OFFICER
    11  SHALL PASS A PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION PRIOR TO RECEIVING
    12  HIS COMMISSION. THE STANDARDS FOR SUCH EXAMINATION SHALL BE SET
    13  BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE TRAFFIC COURT OF PHILADELPHIA WITH
    14  THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
    15  § 2983.  VACANCIES.
    16     (A)  DISQUALIFICATION AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE.--
    17         (1)  ANY PERSON CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR MISDEMEANOR
    18     SHALL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM APPOINTMENT TO OR THE HOLDING OF
    19     THE OFFICE OF WARRANT OFFICER.
    20         (2)  ANY WARRANT OFFICER CONVICTED OF A FELONY OR
    21     MISDEMEANOR WHILE IN OFFICE SHALL BE SUSPENDED FROM HIS
    22     DUTIES UPON INITIAL CONVICTION. AFTER ANY AND ALL APPEALS ARE
    23     FINALLY EXHAUSTED, THE SUSPENSION SHALL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE
    24     REMOVAL FROM OFFICE IF THE CONVICTION STANDS AND THE
    25     RESULTING VACANCY SHALL BE FILLED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (B).
    26     IF THE WARRANT OFFICER IS ACQUITTED, THE SUSPENSION SHALL BE
    27     LIFTED.
    28         (3)  ANY WARRANT OFFICER MAY BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE BY
    29     THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE TRAFFIC COURT OF PHILADELPHIA
    30     AFTER A HEARING IF FOUND TO BE INCOMPETENT OR NEGLIGENT IN
    19780H2538B3573                 - 38 -

     1     PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES OR FOR REFUSAL TO SERVE PROCESS
     2     WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME.
     3     (B)  FILLING OF VACANCIES.--IF THE OFFICE OF WARRANT OFFICER
     4  BECOMES VACANT FOR ANY REASON, THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE
     5  TRAFFIC COURT OF PHILADELPHIA SHALL APPOINT A QUALIFIED PERSON
     6  TO FILL THE VACANCY FOR THE BALANCE OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
     7  § 2984.  EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
     8     (A)  COURSE OF INSTRUCTION.--WARRANT OFFICERS SHALL COMPLETE
     9  A COURSE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION IN THE DUTIES OF THEIR
    10  OFFICE AS JOINTLY PRESCRIBED BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE OF THE
    11  TRAFFIC COURT OF PHILADELPHIA AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AND
    12  SHALL SUCCESSFULLY PASS AN EXAMINATION PRIOR TO ASSUMING THE
    13  DUTIES OF OFFICE IF APPOINTED FOR A FULL TERM OR WITHIN NINE
    14  MONTHS AFTER TAKING OFFICE PURSUANT TO AN APPOINTMENT TO FILL A
    15  VACANCY. THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHALL MAKE THE COURSE OF
    16  INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE AT SUCH TIMES AS DETERMINED BY IT AND THE
    17  PRESIDENT JUDGE, SO AS TO INSURE THAT ANY WARRANT OFFICER, TO BE
    18  APPOINTED MAY QUALIFY TO ASSUME OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. BY
    19  RULE THE PRESIDENT JUDGE SHALL DIRECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
    20  TO CONDUCT THE COURSE AT SUCH TIME, AT SUCH PLACES AND IN SUCH
    21  MANNER AS IT SHALL PRESCRIBE. IN ADDITION TO THOSE REQUIRED BY
    22  THIS SECTION TO COMPLETE THE COURSE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION
    23  AND SUCCESSFULLY PASS AN EXAMINATION, ANY INTERESTED PERSON MAY
    24  APPLY TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE TO BE ENROLLED IN THE COURSE
    25  OF INSTRUCTION AND TAKE THE EXAMINATION, SUBJECT TO SUCH RULES
    26  AND REGULATIONS AS THE OFFICE WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT
    27  JUDGE MAY DETERMINE. ANY SUCH INTERESTED PERSON WHO SUCCESSFULLY
    28  COMPLETES THE COURSE AND PASSES THE EXAMINATION SHALL SECURE AN
    29  APPROPRIATE CERTIFICATE FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
    30     (B)  RULES AND REGULATIONS.--THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHALL,
    19780H2538B3573                 - 39 -

     1  WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE, HAVE THE POWER TO
     2  PROMULGATE SUCH RULES AND REGULATIONS AS ARE NECESSARY TO CARRY
     3  OUT ITS DUTIES UNDER THIS ACT.
     4     (C)  COMPLETION OF COURSE.--UPON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF
     5  THE COURSE OF TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION AND EXAMINATION, THE
     6  ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SHALL ISSUE A CERTIFICATE IN THE FORM
     7  PRESCRIBED BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE, CERTIFYING THAT SUCH PERSON
     8  IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM HIS DUTIES AS REQUIRED BY THIS TITLE.
     9  SUCH CERTIFICATE SHALL BE FILED WITH THE PRESIDENT JUDGE. IN THE
    10  EVENT THAT A WARRANT OFFICER FAILS TO OBTAIN AND FILE SUCH
    11  CERTIFICATE WITHIN NINE MONTHS AFTER HIS APPOINTMENT, SAID
    12  OFFICE OF WARRANT OFFICER SHALL BE VACANT AND SUCH VACANCY TO BE
    13  FILLED AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 2983 (RELATING TO VACANCIES).
    14     (D)  FIREARMS TRAINING.--
    15         (1)  WARRANT OFFICERS SHALL COMPLETE A COURSE OF TRAINING
    16     AND INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OF FIREARMS AS JOINTLY PRESCRIBED
    17     BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE AND
    18     SHALL SUCCESSFULLY PASS AN EXAMINATION WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER
    19     APPOINTMENT IN ORDER TO CARRY OR USE A FIREARM IN THE
    20     PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES.
    21         (2)  THE COURSE OF INSTRUCTION SHALL INCLUDE AT LEAST 35
    22     HOURS OF TRAINING PROVIDED BY THE STATE POLICE OR
    23     PHILADELPHIA POLICE CONSISTENT WITH THE TRAINING PROGRAM
    24     PROVIDED UNDER THE ACT OF OCTOBER 10, 1974 (P.L.705, NO.235),
    25     KNOWN AS THE "LETHAL WEAPONS TRAINING ACT."
    26         (3)  THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE MAY WAIVE THESE
    27     REQUIREMENTS OR ANY PORTION THEREOF UPON THE DEMONSTRATION BY
    28     THE WARRANT OFFICER THAT HE HAS TAKEN AND SUCCESSFULLY
    29     COMPLETED A COMPARABLE TRAINING PROGRAM.
    30         (4)  WARRANT OFFICERS SHALL COMPLETE A CONTINUING
    19780H2538B3573                 - 40 -

     1     FIREARMS EDUCATION PROGRAM AS JOINTLY PRESCRIBED BY THE
     2     PRESIDENT JUDGE AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
     3     (E)  CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.--WARRANT OFFICERS
     4  SHALL PARTICIPATE IN A CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM AS JOINTLY
     5  PRESCRIBED BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
     6     (F)  COSTS.--THE COST OF FIREARM TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION
     7  SHALL BE PAID BY THE WARRANT OFFICER WHO SHALL BE REIMBURSED BY
     8  THE COMMONWEALTH UPON THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.
     9  THE COST OF THE OTHER TRAINING REQUIRED BY THIS SECTION SHALL BE
    10  PAID BY THE CONSTABLE.
    11  § 2985.  DEPUTY WARRANT OFFICERS.
    12     (A)  APPOINTMENT.--A WARRANT OFFICER MAY REQUEST, UPON A
    13  DEMONSTRATION OF NEED, AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PRESIDENT JUDGE TO
    14  APPOINT UP TO FOUR DEPUTIES. THE WARRANT OFFICER MAY APPOINT
    15  SUCH DEPUTIES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE.
    16     (B)  QUALIFICATIONS.--A DEPUTY WARRANT OFFICER SHALL BE
    17  SUBJECT TO THE SAME STANDARDS REQUIRED OF A WARRANT OFFICER AND
    18  SHALL PRESENT EVIDENCE OF HAVING MET THOSE REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO
    19  RECEIVING HIS COMMISSION. A DEPUTY SO APPOINTED SHALL BE SUBJECT
    20  TO REMOVAL UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURES PROVIDED FOR
    21  WARRANT OFFICERS.
    22     (C)  POWERS AND DUTIES.--A DEPUTY WARRANT OFFICER SHALL HAVE
    23  THE SAME POWERS AND DUTIES AS A WARRANT OFFICER EXCEPT THAT THE
    24  DEPUTY MAY NOT APPOINT ANOTHER DEPUTY.
    25                ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS
    26  § 2986.  PRIORITY OF WARRANT OFFICER BUSINESS.
    27     A WARRANT OFFICER SHALL DEVOTE THE TIME NECESSARY FOR PROMPT
    28  AND PROPER DISPOSITION OF THE BUSINESS OF HIS OFFICE, WHICH
    29  SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER ANY OTHER OCCUPATION, BUSINESS,
    30  PROFESSION, PURSUIT OR ACTIVITY.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 41 -

     1  § 2987.  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO FEES.
     2     THE PRESIDENT JUDGE SHALL ESTABLISH BY RULE POLICIES AND
     3  PROCEDURES FOR THE COLLECTION AND PAYMENT OF WARRANT OFFICERS
     4  FEES. SUCH PROCEDURES SHALL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO
     5  PROVIDING ADEQUATE RECORDING, AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURES
     6  AS TO FEES PAID TO AND COLLECTED BY WARRANT OFFICERS.
     7  § 2988.  RECORDS.
     8     EACH WARRANT OFFICER SHALL MAINTAIN ACCURATE RECORDS
     9  REGARDING ALL THE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY HIM AND HIS DEPUTIES.
    10  SUCH RECORDS SHALL BE OPEN FOR INSPECTION BY THE PRESIDENT
    11  JUDGE.
    12  § 2989.  REGISTRATION AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
    13     EACH CONSTABLE AND DEPUTY CONSTABLE SHOULD BE REGISTERED AND
    14  ISSUED AN IDENTIFICATION CARD AND BADGE BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE.
    15  § 2990.  DISTRIBUTION OF PROCESS TO BE SERVED.
    16     (A)  WITHIN PHILADELPHIA.--THE PRESIDENT JUDGE SHALL PROVIDE
    17  FOR AN EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PROCESS TO BE SERVED AMONG THE
    18  WARRANT OFFICERS REGARDLESS OF THE SOURCE FROM WHICH THE PROCESS
    19  EMANATES. ALL PROCESS TO BE SERVED EMANATING FROM A DISTRICT
    20  JUSTICE OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS SHALL BE ASSIGNED IN AN
    21  EQUITABLE MANNER BY THE PRESIDENT JUDGE. THE PRESIDENT JUDGE MAY
    22  ASSIGN PROCESS TO BE SERVED ON A LESS THAN EQUITABLE BASIS BASED
    23  ON A MEDICAL PROBLEM OR PERSONAL REQUEST FROM A WARRANT OFFICER.
    24     (B)  OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA.--THE PRESIDENT JUDGE MAY TRANSFER
    25  THE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR PERSONS OR ENTITIES RESIDING IN
    26  ANOTHER JUDICIAL DISTRICT TO THE APPROPRIATE LOCAL CONSTABLE
    27  ADMINISTRATOR FOR THAT DISTRICT, OR IN THE ABSENCE OF A LOCAL
    28  CONSTABLE ADMINISTRATOR, TO THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT JUSTICE FOR
    29  SERVICE.
    30  § 2991.  COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES GENERALLY.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 42 -

     1     (A)  COMPENSATION OF WARRANT OFFICERS.--WARRANT OFFICERS
     2  SHALL BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR SERVICES BY THE PAYMENT OF FEES
     3  AUTHORIZED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
     4     (B)  SPECIFIC FEES.--THE FEES TO BE CHARGED AND RECEIVED BY
     5  WARRANT OFFICERS SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS:
     6         (1)  THE SUM OF $12 FOR THE SERVICE OF ANY CIVIL OR
     7     CRIMINAL PROCESS.
     8         (2)  THE SUM OF $6 FOR THE SERVICE OF ANY ADMINISTRATIVE
     9     PROCESS.
    10         (3)  THE FLAT SUM OF $1.50 FOR MILEAGE FOR THE SERVICE OF
    11     ANY CIVIL, CRIMINAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS.
    12     (C)  MULTIPLE SERVICE OF PROCESS.--IN CRIMINAL AND CIVIL
    13  CASES WHEN MULTIPLE PROCESSES ARE SERVED, A WARRANT OFFICER
    14  SHALL BE PAID FOR EACH PROCESS SERVED EVEN THOUGH SERVICE MAY BE
    15  PERFORMED AT ONE TIME. THE WARRANT OFFICER SHALL BE PAID ONLY
    16  ONE MILEAGE FEE.
    17     (D)  SERVICES PERFORMED BY MORE THAN ONE WARRANT OFFICER.--
    18  WHEN A SERVICE IS PERFORMED BY MORE THAN ONE WARRANT OFFICER OR
    19  DEPUTY UNDER AUTHORIZATION OF THE PRESIDENT JUDGE, COMPENSATION
    20  SHALL BE PAYABLE FOR EACH WARRANT OFFICER AT THE FEE PROVIDED IN
    21  SUBSECTION (B).
    22     (E)  SERVICE OF PROCESS BY MAIL.--WHEN SERVICE OF PROCESS IS
    23  AUTHORIZED BY MAIL, THE COSTS OF POSTAGE SHALL BE IMPOSED UPON
    24  THE PARTY INSTITUTING THE PROCEEDINGS. SUCH COSTS SHALL BE
    25  RECOVERABLE BY THE PREVAILING PARTY.
    26     (F)  PAYMENT FOR SERVICES PERFORMED.--
    27         (1)  A WARRANT OFFICER SHALL BE COMPENSATED ACCORDING TO
    28     THE FEES PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION BY THE TRAFFIC COURT
    29     WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM THE TIME THE COURT HAS RECEIVED PAYMENT
    30     FOR THE SERVICE PERFORMED. IF THE TRAFFIC COURT SUSPENDS THE
    19780H2538B3573                 - 43 -

     1     FEE FOR THE SERVICE PERFORMED BY THE WARRANT OFFICER, THE FEE
     2     SHALL BE PAID BY THE COUNTY.
     3         (2)  THE PRESIDENT JUDGE SHALL PRESCRIBE RULES FOR THE
     4     PAYMENT OF WARRANT OFFICER'S FEES FOR CASES WHERE PAYMENT IS
     5     ORDERED BY THE COURT ON AN INSTALLMENT BASIS.
     6     (G)  FEE ASSESSMENT.--AN ADDITIONAL $1 FEE SHALL BE CHARGED
     7  TO ALL PERSONS ON WHOM A PROCESS IS SUCCESSFULLY SERVED, UNLESS
     8  ACQUITTED, WHICH FEE SHALL BE PAID INTO THE COMMONWEALTH'S
     9  GENERAL FUND. THIS FEE SHALL NOT BE SUSPENDED.
    10                         POWERS AND DUTIES
    11  § 2992.  SERVICE OF PROCESS.
    12     (A)  GENERAL POWER.--A WARRANT OFFICER SHALL HAVE THE DUTY,
    13  OBLIGATION AND AUTHORITY TO SERVE AND EXECUTE CIVIL,
    14  ADMINISTRATIVE AND CRIMINAL PROCESS ISSUED BY THE TRAFFIC COURT
    15  OR A DISTRICT JUSTICE.
    16     (B)  SUPREME COURT TO PROMULGATE RULES.--THE SUPREME COURT
    17  SHALL PROMULGATE PROCEDURAL RULES RELATING TO THE SERVICE OF
    18  PROCESS ISSUED BY THE TRAFFIC COURT AND THE SERVICE OF PROCESS
    19  BY MAIL.
    20     (C)  CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS.--A WARRANT OFFICER IS
    21  AUTHORIZED TO SERVE CIVIL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS WITHIN THE
    22  FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT THE PROCESS
    23  EMANATES FROM SUCH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
    24     (D)  CRIMINAL PROCESS.--A WARRANT OFFICER IS AUTHORIZED TO
    25  SERVE CRIMINAL PROCESS ANYWHERE IN THIS COMMONWEALTH WHEN THE
    26  PROCESS IS ISSUED FROM HIS JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
    27  § 2993.  ACCEPTANCE OF SECURITY.
    28     A WARRANT OFFICER IS AUTHORIZED TO ACCEPT SECURITY FOR A
    29  DEFENDANT'S APPEARANCE BEFORE THE TRAFFIC COURT.
    30  § 2994.  UNLAWFUL ACTS RELATIVE TO WARRANT OFFICERS.
    19780H2538B3573                 - 44 -

     1     ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY, WILLFULLY AND FORCIBLY OBSTRUCTS,
     2  RESISTS OR OPPOSES ANY WARRANT OFFICER IN SERVING OR ATTEMPTING
     3  TO SERVE OR EXECUTE ANY LEGAL PROCESS OR ORDER; OR IN MAKING A
     4  LAWFUL ARREST WITH OR WITHOUT A WARRANT; OR ASSAULTS ANY DULY
     5  AUTHORIZED WARRANT OFFICER, IN SERVING OR EXECUTING ANY SUCH
     6  LEGAL PROCESS OR ORDER OR BECAUSE OF HAVING SERVED OR EXECUTED
     7  THE SAME; OR RESCUES ANOTHER IN LEGAL CUSTODY; SHALL BE GUILTY
     8  OF A MISDEMEANOR OF THE THIRD DEGREE AND SHALL BE SUBJECT TO
     9  ARREST ON VIEW BY A WARRANT OFFICER OR OTHER AUTHORIZED PEACE
    10  OFFICER.
    11  § 2995.  RECOVERY OF CERTAIN VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES.
    12     A WARRANT OFFICER SHALL HAVE THE POWER AND DUTY TO RECOVER
    13  EXPIRED, SUSPENDED, OR REVOKED VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND
    14  LICENSES FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. THE DEPARTMENT
    15  SHALL NOTIFY IN WRITING THE PRESIDENT JUDGE TO RECOVER ALL
    16  SUSPENDED OR REVOKED VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS AND LICENSES IN THE
    17  FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT.
    18  § 2996.  POWER TO CARRY AND USE A FIREARM.
    19     A WARRANT OFFICER SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO CARRY AND USE A
    20  FIREARM IN THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES UPON THE SUCCESSFUL
    21  COMPLETION OF THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN SECTION
    22  2984 (RELATING TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING). A WARRANT OFFICER
    23  SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME REQUIREMENTS AND STATUTES PROVIDED
    24  FOR POLICE OFFICERS IN REGARD TO LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF
    25  FIREARMS. THE WARRANT OFFICER MAY CARRY AND USE A FIREARM DURING
    26  HIS FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE WHILE INVOLVED IN THE COURSE OF
    27  INSTRUCTION UPON RECEIPT OF WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT
    28  JUDGE.
    29  SECTION 6.  INITIAL APPOINTMENTS TO CONSTABLES EDUCATION BOARD.
    30     NOTWITHSTANDING THOSE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 2142(B) (RELATING
    19780H2538B3573                 - 45 -

     1  TO TERMS OF OFFICE) OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CONSTABLES EDUCATION
     2  BOARD, THE INITIAL APPOINTEES TO THE BOARD SHALL SERVE THE
     3  FOLLOWING TERMS:
     4         (1)  THE CONSTABLE MEMBERS - 5 YEARS.
     5         (2)  THE DISTRICT JUSTICE MEMBER - 3 YEARS.
     6         (3)  THE OTHER THREE MEMBERS - 4 YEARS.
     7  SECTION 7.  TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.
     8     (A)  ANY CONSTABLE IN OFFICE ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
     9  ACT SHALL REMAIN IN OFFICE UNTIL THE FIRST MONDAY IN JANUARY
    10  1980. ANY CONSTABLE ELECTED FOLLOWING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
    11  ACT WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS A CONSTABLE FOR A PERIOD OF AT
    12  LEAST FOUR YEARS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE INITIAL EDUCATIONAL
    13  AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 2945 (RELATING TO EDUCATION
    14  AND TRAINING).
    15     (B)  ANY WRIT SERVER IN OFFICE ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
    16  ACT SHALL REMAIN IN OFFICE AS A WARRANT OFFICER UNTIL THE FIRST
    17  MONDAY IN JANUARY 1980 AT WHICH TIME THEY SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR
    18  APPOINTMENT TO SIX-YEAR TERMS. ANY WARRANT OFFICER WHO HAS
    19  SERVED PREVIOUSLY AS A WRIT SERVER FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST FOUR
    20  YEARS SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE INITIAL EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING
    21  REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 2984 (RELATING TO EDUCATION AND
    22  TRAINING).
    23  SECTION 8.  REPEALS.
    24     (A)  THE FOLLOWING ACTS OR PARTS OF ACTS ARE REPEALED
    25  ABSOLUTELY:
    26     ACT OF MARCH 1, 1799 (3 SM.L.354, CH.2012), ENTITLED "A
    27  SUPPLEMENT TO THE ACT, ENTITLED 'AN ACT TO EXTEND THE POWERS OF
    28  THE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE OF THIS STATE.'"
    29     SECTIONS 12 AND 19, ACT OF MARCH 20, 1810 (P.L.208, NO.132),
    30  ENTITLED "AN ACT TO AMEND AND CONSOLIDATE WITH ITS SUPPLEMENTS,
    19780H2538B3573                 - 46 -

     1  THE ACT ENTITLED 'AN ACT FOR THE RECOVERY OF DEBTS AND DEMANDS,
     2  NOT EXCEEDING ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS, BEFORE A JUSTICE OF THE
     3  PEACE, AND FOR THE ELECTION OF CONSTABLES, AND FOR OTHER
     4  PURPOSES.'"
     5     ACT OF JANUARY 21, 1814 (P.L.28, NO.9), ENTITLED "AN ACT
     6  ALLOWING COMPENSATION FOR CONSTABLES FOR ATTENDING THE SEVERAL
     7  COURTS WITHIN THIS COMMONWEALTH."
     8     ACT OF APRIL 24, 1829 (P.L.369, NO.216), ENTITLED "A FURTHER
     9  SUPPLEMENT TO THE ACT ENTITLED AN ACT TO AMEND AND CONSOLIDATE
    10  WITH ITS SUPPLEMENTS, THE ACT ENTITLED AN ACT FOR THE RECOVERY
    11  OF DEBTS AND DEMANDS NOT EXCEEDING ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS BEFORE A
    12  JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, AND FOR THE ELECTION OF CONSTABLES AND FOR
    13  OTHER PURPOSES."
    14     SECTIONS 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, ACT OF APRIL
    15  15, 1834 (P.L.537, NO.247), ENTITLED "AN ACT RELATING TO
    16  COUNTIES AND TOWNSHIPS, AND COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS."
    17     SECTION 14, ACT OF MAY 27, 1841 (P.L.400, NO.141), ENTITLED
    18  "AN ACT RELATING TO THE ELECTION OF COUNTY TREASURERS, AND FOR
    19  OTHER PURPOSES."
    20     SECTION 19, ACT OF APRIL 22, 1850 (P.L. 549, NO.342),
    21  ENTITLED "A SUPPLEMENT TO AN ACT, ENTITLED 'AN ACT TO PREVENT
    22  WASTE IN CERTAIN CASES WITHIN THIS COMMONWEALTH,' PASSED THE
    23  TWENTY-NINTH DAY OF MARCH, ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND
    24  TWENTY-TWO; TO LAND AND BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS; GIVING THE COURT
    25  OF SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY JURISDICTION IN A CERTAIN CASE; RELATIVE
    26  TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS IN CERTAIN CASES; TO PARTY WALLS IN
    27  WEST PHILADELPHIA; TO THE PROOF OF A CERTAIN WILL; TO THE SALE
    28  AND PURCHASE OF CERTAIN BURIAL GROUNDS IN PHILADELPHIA; TO THE
    29  LAYING OF GAS PIPES IN THE DISTRICT OF MOYAMENSING; TO THE
    30  RELEASE OF CERTAIN SURETIES IN ERIE COUNTY; TO THE STATE LUNATIC
    19780H2538B3573                 - 47 -

     1  HOSPITAL; RELATIVE TO THE SERVICE OF PROCESS AGAINST SHERIFFS;
     2  TO THE RIGHTS OF MARRIED WOMEN; TO GROUND RENTS; AND RELATING TO
     3  FOREIGN INSURANCE COMPANIES."
     4     ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1889 (P.L.6, NO.5), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
     5  AUTHORIZE THE ELECTION OF CONSTABLES FOR THREE YEARS."
     6     ACT OF MAY 4, 1889 (P.L.83, NO.79), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
     7  AUTHORIZE THE ELECTION OF CONSTABLES FOR THREE YEARS IN CITIES
     8  OF THE SECOND AND THIRD CLASS."
     9     ACT OF JUNE 4, 1897 (P.L.121, NO.101), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    10  RELATING TO BOROUGHS, PROVIDING A METHOD OF PROCEDURE FOR
    11  VIOLATIONS OF LAW AND BOROUGH ORDINANCES, AND FOR THE COLLECTION
    12  OF THE FINES AND PENALTIES IMPOSED FOR SAID VIOLATIONS."
    13     ACT OF JULY 14, 1897 (P.L.266, NO.209), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
    14  REGULATE THE REMUNERATION OF POLICEMEN AND CONSTABLES EMPLOYED
    15  AS POLICEMEN THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, AND
    16  PROHIBITING THEM FROM CHARGING OR ACCEPTING ANY FEE OR OTHER
    17  COMPENSATION, IN ADDITION TO THEIR SALARY, EXCEPT AS PUBLIC
    18  REWARDS AND MILEAGE FOR TRAVELING EXPENSES."
    19     ACT OF FEBRUARY 17, 1899 (P.L.3, NO.1), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
    20  FIX, REGULATE AND ESTABLISH THE FEES TO BE CHARGED AND RECEIVED
    21  BY CONSTABLES IN THIS COMMONWEALTH."
    22     ACT OF MAY 2, 1901 (P.L.131, NO.98), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO FIX,
    23  REGULATE AND ESTABLISH THE FEES TO BE CHARGED AND RECEIVED BY
    24  CONSTABLES IN THIS COMMONWEALTH FOR EXECUTING AN ORDER OF RELIEF
    25  OF A PAUPER."
    26     ACT OF APRIL 25, 1905 (P.L.309, NO.214), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    27  AUTHORIZING POLICEMEN TO HOLD AND EXERCISE THE OFFICE OF
    28  CONSTABLES."
    29     ACT OF APRIL 23, 1909 (P.L.151, NO.104), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    30  FIXING THE FEES TO BE RECEIVED BY CONSTABLES IN THIS
    19780H2538B3573                 - 48 -

     1  COMMONWEALTH."
     2     ACT OF JUNE 9, 1911 (P.L.727, NO.299), ENTITLED "AN ACT
     3  AUTHORIZING THE ELECTION IN FIRST CLASS TOWNSHIPS OF AN
     4  ADDITIONAL CONSTABLE, AND FIXING HIS TERM."
     5     ACT OF JUNE 19, 1913 (P.L.534, NO.342), ENTITLED "AN ACT
     6  RELATING TO APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CONSTABLES."
     7     ACT OF JULY 20, 1917 (P.L.1158, NO.401), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
     8  FIX, REGULATE, AND ESTABLISH THE FEES TO BE CHARGED AND RECEIVED
     9  BY CONSTABLES IN THIS COMMONWEALTH."
    10     ACT OF MAY 31, 1919 (P.L.357, NO.171), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    11  RELATING TO THE DUTIES OF CONSTABLES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES;
    12  PROHIBITING THEM FROM MAKING RETURNS TO THE COURT OF QUARTER
    13  SESSIONS IN CERTAIN CASES; AUTHORIZING THE COURT TO DIRECT
    14  INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS BY CONSTABLES, AND FIXING THEIR
    15  COMPENSATION IN SUCH CASES."
    16     SECTION 14, ACT OF JUNE 28, 1923 (P.L.903, NO.348), ENTITLED
    17  "A SUPPLEMENT TO AN ACT, APPROVED THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF MAY, ONE
    18  THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN (PAMPHLET LAWS, THREE HUNDRED
    19  AND TWELVE), ENTITLED 'AN ACT PROVIDING A SYSTEM FOR GOVERNMENT
    20  OF BOROUGHS, AND REVISING, AMENDING, AND CONSOLIDATING THE LAW
    21  RELATING TO BOROUGHS'; SO AS TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
    22  WHERE A BOROUGH NOW HAS ANNEXED OR HEREAFTER SHALL ANNEX LAND IN
    23  AN ADJOINING COUNTY, INCLUDING ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY, LEVYING
    24  AND COLLECTION OF TAXES, MAKING MUNICIPAL IMPROVEMENTS, AND
    25  FILING AND COLLECTING OF LIENS FOR THE SAME; THE JURISDICTION OF
    26  COURTS FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF BOROUGH ORDINANCES AND STATE LAWS,
    27  AND PRIMARY, GENERAL, MUNICIPAL, AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS; AND
    28  REPEALING INCONSISTENT LAWS."
    29     ACT OF MARCH 20, 1929 (P.L.32, NO.32), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    30  PROVIDING FOR THE FILLING OF VACANCIES IN THE OFFICE OF
    19780H2538B3573                 - 49 -

     1  CONSTABLE IN ANY BOROUGH, TOWN, WARD OF ANY CITY, BOROUGH, OR
     2  TOWN OR TOWNSHIP OF THIS COMMONWEALTH."
     3     ACT OF FEBRUARY 28, 1933 (P.L.5, NO.3), ENTITLED "AN ACT
     4  RELATING TO CONSTABLES' RETURNS TO THE COURT OF QUARTER
     5  SESSIONS."
     6     ACT OF MAY 26, 1943 (P.L.637, NO.280), ENTITLED "AN ACT
     7  PROVIDING THAT THE TERMS OF CONSTABLES HEREAFTER ELECTED IN
     8  CITIES OF THE SECOND, SECOND CLASS A AND THIRD CLASSES, BOROUGHS
     9  AND TOWNSHIPS, SHALL BE FOR SIX YEARS."
    10     SECTION 1126, ACT OF FEBRUARY 1, 1966 (1965 P.L.1656,
    11  NO.581), ENTITLED "AN ACT CONCERNING BOROUGHS, AND REVISING,
    12  AMENDING AND CONSOLIDATING THE LAW RELATING TO BOROUGHS."
    13     SECTION 18, ACT OF JULY 9, 1976 (P.L.586, NO.142), ENTITLED
    14  "AN ACT AMENDING TITLES 42 (JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE),
    15  15 (CORPORATIONS AND UNINCORPORATED ASSOCIATIONS), 18 (CRIMES
    16  AND OFFENSES) AND 71 (STATE GOVERNMENT) OF THE PENNSYLVANIA
    17  CONSOLIDATED STATUTES, ADDING REVISED, CODIFIED AND COMPILED
    18  PROVISIONS RELATING TO JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE,
    19  INCLUDING CERTAIN JUDICIALLY ENFORCEABLE RIGHTS, DUTIES,
    20  IMMUNITIES AND LIABILITIES AND SEPARATELY ENACTING CERTAIN
    21  RELATED PROVISIONS OF LAW."
    22     (B)  THE FOLLOWING ACTS OR PARTS OF ACTS ARE REPEALED INSOFAR
    23  AS THEY RELATE TO CONSTABLES:
    24     SECTIONS 3 AND 7, ACT OF MARCH 4, 1824 (P.L.32, NO.31),
    25  ENTITLED "A SUPPLEMENT TO THE ACT ENTITLED 'AN ACT LAYING A DUTY
    26  ON THE RETAILERS OF FOREIGN MERCHANDISE.'"
    27     SECTION 9, ACT OF APRIL 12, 1825 (P.L.247, NO.132), ENTITLED
    28  "AN ACT MORE EFFECTUALLY TO SECURE THE COLLECTION OF THE REVENUE
    29  FROM TAVERN LICENSES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES."
    30     SECTIONS 107, 108, ACT OF APRIL 15, 1834 (P.L.537, NO.247),
    19780H2538B3573                 - 50 -

     1  ENTITLED "AN ACT RELATING TO COUNTIES AND TOWNSHIPS, AND COUNTY
     2  AND TOWNSHIP OFFICERS."
     3     ACT OF MAY 3, 1850 (P.L.666, NO.390), ENTITLED "AN ACT
     4  REGULATING THE MUNICIPAL AND OTHER ELECTIONS IN THE CITY OF
     5  PHILADELPHIA, AND TO ESTABLISH AN UNIFORM SYSTEM OF POLICE FOR
     6  THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AND THE DISTRICTS OF SOUTHWARK,
     7  MOYAMENSING, SPRING GARDEN, PENN TOWNSHIP, THE INCORPORATED
     8  NORTHERN LIBERTIES AND KENSINGTON."
     9     SECTION 17, ACT OF APRIL 3, 1851 (P.L.320, NO.218), ENTITLED
    10  "AN ACT REGULATING BOROUGHS."
    11     ACT OF APRIL 21, 1855 (P.L.283, NO.297), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    12  ESTABLISHING FEES FOR COMMITMENTS TO HOUSES OF REFUGE."
    13     ACT OF MARCH 12, 1866 (P.L.182, NO.154), ENTITLED "AN ACT
    14  RELATIVE TO DUTIES AND POWERS OF CONSTABLES AND RAILROAD
    15  CONDUCTORS, IN THE COUNTIES OF ERIE, CRAWFORD, LUZERNE,
    16  SUSQUEHANNA AND PIKE."
    17     ACT OF MAY 10, 1878 (P.L.51, NO.72), ENTITLED "A SUPPLEMENT
    18  TO AN ACT, ENTITLED 'AN ACT TO PRESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH THE
    19  COURTS MAY DIVIDE BOROUGHS INTO WARDS,' APPROVED THE FOURTEENTH
    20  DAY OF MAY, ANNO DOMINI ONE THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-
    21  FOUR."
    22     ACT OF APRIL 24, 1885 (P.L.9, NO.11), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
    23  AMEND AN ACT, ENTITLED 'AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE DESTRUCTION,
    24  AND TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF CANADA THISTLES,' APPROVED THE
    25  TWENTY-SECOND DAY OF MARCH, ANNO DOMINI ONE THOUSAND EIGHT
    26  HUNDRED AND SIXTY-TWO."
    27     SECTION 3, ACT OF MAY 19, 1887 (P.L.138, NO.82), ENTITLED "AN
    28  ACT PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS IN CRIMINAL CASES BY THE
    29  PROPER COUNTY."
    30     ACT OF FEBRUARY 12, 1889 (P.L.3, NO.1), ENTITLED "AN ACT TO
    19780H2538B3573                 - 51 -

     1  PROVIDE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TERMS OF OFFICE OF
     2  COUNCILMEN, CONSTABLES AND SCHOOL DIRECTORS IN NEW WARDS, WHEN
     3  ERECTED IN CITIES OF THE FIRST CLASS UNDER EXISTING LAWS AND
     4  WHERE THE SEVERAL WARDS CONSTITUTE SEPARATE SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TO
     5  PROVIDE FOR THE SUPERVISION OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SUCH NEW
     6  WARDS UNTIL THE ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS OF
     7  THE NEW SCHOOL SECTION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE TERM OF
     8  COUNCILMEN AND CONSTABLES ALREADY ELECTED BY THE VOTERS OF THE
     9  OLD WARD."
    10     SECTION 4, ACT OF MAY 11, 1927 (P.L.968, NO.461), ENTITLED
    11  "AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF PUBLIC
    12  DANCE HALLS AND BALLROOMS, AND FOR THE REGULATION AND
    13  SUPERVISION OF PUBLIC DANCES AND BALLS, IN TOWNSHIPS."
    14     SECTION 2005, ACT OF JUNE 23, 1931 (P.L.932, NO.317), KNOWN
    15  AS "THE THIRD CLASS CITY CODE."
    16     SECTION 1401, ACT OF JUNE 24, 1931 (P.L.1206, NO.331), KNOWN
    17  AS "THE FIRST CLASS TOWNSHIP CODE."
    18     SECTIONS 1207, 1220, 1811, 1821, 1822, ACT OF JUNE 3, 1937
    19  (P.L.1333, NO.320), KNOWN AS THE "PENNSYLVANIA ELECTION CODE."
    20     SECTIONS 234, 1121, ACT OF FEBRUARY 1, 1966 (1965 P.L.1656,
    21  NO.581), KNOWN AS "THE BOROUGH CODE."
    22     TITLE 51, SECTION 6108 (RELATING TO LIABILITY OF PUBLIC
    23  OFFICERS FOR NONEXECUTION OF PROCESS), ACT OF NOVEMBER 25, 1970
    24  (P.L.707, NO.230), KNOWN AS THE PENNSYLVANIA CONSOLIDATED
    25  STATUTES.
    26  SECTION 9.  EFFECTIVE DATE.
    27     THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT JANUARY 1, 1979.


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