Bexar County Constables

[CAL]

Anybody have an opinion on working as a deputy Constable? I'm considering one of the Bexar county precincts when I get out of the academy. Traditionally I understand that their reputation is one of "where the cops who couldn't get on anywhere else go" but lately I'm hearing that they are becoming more selective with their hires and are doing more general police work (running traffic, narcotics, etc.).

[DD78]

Anybody have an opinion on working as a deputy Constable? I'm considering one of the Bexar county precincts when I get out of the academy. Traditionally I understand that their reputation is one of "where the cops who couldn't get on anywhere else go" but lately I'm hearing that they are becoming more selective with their hires and are doing more general police work (running traffic, narcotics, etc.).

I guess it depends on three things.

- What constables do in your area.

- If it's what you want to do.

- If the experience would help you get to where you want to be.

Around here constables do only two things. They serve evictions and deliver (serve) court documents. They aren't uniformed, they don't carry firearms, and have no arrest powers. Often they call for the police if there is a problem. They also get paid on "commission". A set fee for individual functions. There is no hourly and no salary.

I know elsewhere it is much more a law enforcement field.

[CAL]

I guess it depends on three things.

- What constables do in your area.

- If it's what you want to do.

- If the experience would help you get to where you want to be.

Around here constables do only two things. They serve evictions and deliver (serve) court documents. They aren't uniformed, they don't carry firearms, and have no arrest powers. Often they call for the police if there is a problem. They also get paid on "commission". A set fee for individual functions. There is no hourly and no salary.

I know elsewhere it is much more a law enforcement field.
Here their primary role is civil process (warrants, writs, etc.) but they are fully recognized peace officers with full powers of arrest, carry firearms, etc and do perform typical LE functions (traffic, narcotics, etc). To be honest, I think it will depend (for me) on how much time is spent on civil process vs. "real" law enforcement. If it's something like 80% civil process it may not be for me.

[Maverick1701]

If it's something like 80% civil process it may not be for me.

X2!!! I cannot stand civil process...

[RH]

I guess it depends on three things.

- What constables do in your area.

- If it's what you want to do.

- If the experience would help you get to where you want to be.

Around here constables do only two things. They serve evictions and deliver (serve) court documents. They aren't uniformed, they don't carry firearms, and have no arrest powers. Often they call for the police if there is a problem. They also get paid on "commission". A set fee for individual functions. There is no hourly and no salary.

I know elsewhere it is much more a law enforcement field.

Great answer, and well said bro.

[Feet]

I hate civil processes too! Plus, if they get mouthy it is hardy to justify kicking their asses!
You need to really love serving processes to do that job year after year. I am glad someone does it so I do not have to.:eek:

[DD78]

I hate civil processes too! Plus, if they get mouthy it is hardy to justify kicking their asses!
You need to really love serving processes to do that job year after year. I am glad someone does it so I do not have to.:eek:

I absolutely hate it when a constable calls us in because the person he is trying to evict is giving him a hard time and he basically tries to get us to do it for him.

Whenever they try that handoff I always tell them "This is YOUR show. I'm just here to make sure no one gets their ass kicked."

Evictions suck. Unless it's someone who REALLY had it coming. Awww, gee [insert guy that tells me to go fuck myself every time I see him], it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy!

[CAL]

I got in contact with Bexar County Constable PCT 3 and asked some questions. It sounds like it might be ok for those (like me) who do not like the civil side of things. Below is the summary of what I asked (I was asking specifically about reserves so some answers are tailored that way obviously).



1)Is PCT 3 hiring reserve deputies? Yes we currently hire about 2 a month.


2)As a reserve deputy are the duties performed different than full time deputies? Alot of it depends on the "reserve deputy". Some only want to work in the court for example, they don't want to do patrol, some only want to work warrant's, etc. It also depends on the reserve deputies ability. Alot of our support guys go out in traffic cars alone and work radar alone etc. It depends on your confidence in yourself and our confidence in you. Alot of time the Constable uses the support officers to do surveillance on drug houses, stolen cars, bait cars etc as it does not require the full time guys to go into comp time.





That said, don't expect to get hired and be in a car the next week. We have to put you through a FTO program where you learn all aspects of our job.


3)As a reserve deputy are the department policies different than from full time deputies? Support deputies cannot work "off duty jobs" and support officers must provide their own gear and uniform.


4)I understand that PCT 3 is shifting from a civil process concentration to perform more traditional law enforcement activities (traffic, narcotics, etc.) – can you perhaps give me a better idea how much time is spent on each? (For example, 80% civil process/20% traffic, etc.) There are different divisions within the agency. Some deputies work in civil, some work in traffic and some work in investigations. Usually they spend 100% of their time in their assigned duty with the exception that the civil guys are free to also do traffic as they wish as long as their primary job is done.


5)What shifts are available to work? For example, since I work a typical “9 to 5 day job” I would prefer to work evening/night shifts and weekends. Our schedules are all over the place sometimes the guys come in at 4am and work all day with the US Marshall's, sometimes they are our till late sitting on houses or bad guys. We do work Saturdays all day as well. Your schedule would be between you and your immediate supervisor. All of our supervisors work with the officers to accommodate them, and us. We have several guys that have regular jobs and understand it.

6)I expect to work a minimum of 24 hours a month. What requirements does PCT 3 have for reserves? 16 hours is all we ask for. Alot of the guys do more either because they have a good time and enjoy themselves or because they are after full time jobs. Anything over the required time (2 days a month) is up to you and between you and your supervisor.

[Drew]

Someone quoted me pretty good... I am used to newspapers changing everything I say so I am impresed with the above poster.

[CAL]

Someone quoted me pretty good... I am used to newspapers changing everything I say so I am impresed with the above poster.
Hi there. For the protection of the LEOs, identities are not made public here (at least not in the public areas of the site) so I won't disclose who you are but it's good to see you here. No need to be impressed, this community is on the side of the good guys and although I'm not quite there yet, my pedigree lends itself to uphold the same types of standards. I have another question for you - how far out from passing the TCLEOSE will applications be accepted for a reserve position?