Budget cuts have reportedly led to constables in Texas filling more roles.
Wired PR News – Texas constables are now taking on more duties than in the past due to budget cuts. As reported by CBS 11 News, the roles of constables in the state have expanded beyond dealing with civil matters to assisting with criminal ones.
Chief Deputy Craig McKnight with the Dallas County Constable’s Office is quoted in the report as stating of the issue, “Resources are feeling the pressures of the time, and we’re being asked to assist in areas of traffic, warrant enforcement and felony warrants.”
McKnight is further quoted as stating, “We carry the same credentials as any peace officer in the State of Texas… We have the same training, the same schooling, and we carry the same license.”
As noted by CBS 11, until recent years, constables were primarily involved in the serving of minor warrants and civil papers.
