Mansfield University Home PageCertification Requirements
Act 1994-44 amended Chapter 29 of Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a subchapter entitled, “Subchapter C: Constables.” The Act established the Constables’ Education and Training Board as an advisory board of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and gave the Board responsibilities for establishing and administering programs of mandatory training and certification of constables. The Act established a restricted receipts account, funded by a surcharge on constable fees, for the purposes of financing training program expenses, the costs of administering the program, and costs associated with the activities of the Board.
Insurance Requirements
Act 1994-44 requires that every constable and deputy constable must file with the clerk of courts proof that he/she has, currently in force, a policy of professional liability insurance covering each individual in the performance of his/her judicial duties with a minimum coverage of $250,000 per incident and a minimum aggregate of $500,000 per year. Proof of insurance from the clerk of courts is required before any constable or deputy constable can be certified and issued a certification number. Do not send it to PCCD.
The ACT further provides that any constable or deputy constable who fails, neglects or refuses to maintain a current insurance policy as required, or to file proof thereof with the clerk of courts, shall cease automatically to be certified to perform judicial duties upon the expiration of the policy of which proof has been filed with the clerk of courts. In order to insure uninterrupted constable certification, it is essential that every constable notify the county clerk of courts whenever the insurance company issues a new certification of insurance. Valid certification is required before any constable or deputy constable can be enrolled or admitted to any firearms class.
Training Requirements
Training programs administered by the Board include: basic training, which is the basis of initial certification of constables, and annual continuing education, which provides for the re-certification of constables. Individuals seeking appointment to a constable or deputy constable position may take the basic training with a tuition check payable to the Constables Education Training Board (current rate is $430). Certification is awarded only to individuals who actually hold the office of constable or deputy constable. Attendance and successful completion of these programs is required in order for a constable to be certified to perform, and to be paid for performing, judicial duties. Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. §2942(a) provides that:
“No constable or deputy constable shall perform any judicial duties nor demand or receive any fee, surcharge or mileage provided by this subchapter unless he has been certified under this subchapter.”
In addition, under Title 42 Pa.C.S.A. §2942, the Board “shall establish standards for the certification or qualification of constables and deputy constables to carry or use firearms in the performance of any duties.”