Mission Statement

"Service Above & Beyond"

The mission of the City Constable's Office is to execute all City Court Orders, such as:

• Civil and Criminal Subpoenas
• Civil Mandates
• Evictions
• Judgments
• Seizures

To operate the City Jail and provide security for the City Court facility, judges, staff and citizens. To function as a full-time law enforcement agency with authority in traffic, misdemeanor and felony matters, per State Constitution.

The Constable's Office provides services and participates in programs and operations to improve the quality of life for the citizens of this community. Other services include serving condemnation and civil service subpoenas for the East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney's Office and City-Parish. The City Constable's Office is a constitutional office headed by an elected Constable.

Constable's Job Description

The City Constable is an official elected by the citizens of the City of Baton Rouge. He is recognized by the Plan of Government of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge. He serves a six-year term of office. His role is to preserve the public peace, execute the process of Baton Rouge City Court, and discharge other functions assigned by law. While the City Constable works with units of local government, he is, to a great extent, independent of any direction from them and carries out his duties according to the dictates of the laws under which he operates, similar to that of the Sheriff. The City Constable answers only to the courts and not to the governing body of the municipality from which he is elected.

History

The Constable's Office is provided for by the Louisiana Constitution. In addition, the Baton Rouge Constable's Office is recognized by the Plan of Government of the Parish of East Baton Rouge and the City of Baton Rouge. The Constable serves a six-year term of office.

Although the Baton Rouge Constable's Office dates back to 1898, the first constable was elected in 1944 for the City of Baton Rouge.

History reflects the Office of Constable dates back to 1066, after the Norman Conquest. The new ruler added the Office of Constable to the justice system. The official originated as a member of the Royal Court. He was the "Count of the Stable" in charge of the king's horses. By the eleventh century, the constable had become one of the chief officials of state with power over the King's Calvary. He was also granted judicial authority. The constable had command of the army, since the main fighting force was comprised of knights on horseback. Local constables were also given law enforcement powers as assistants to the sheriffs. Constables were responsible for putting down riots or armed uprisings. Power to Arms Militias enables them to carry out these functions.