Texas

2024 Texas General Election

2024 Texas General Election Runoff

James "Smokie" Phillips

- Serves as license peace officer who issues traffic citations, conduct criminal investigations, and other law enforcement functions throughout the county. Also serves warrants and civil papers like subpoenas, intents to sue, eviction notices, and temporary restraining orders.
- Serves as bailiff for Justice Court, and must be present–or have one of their Deputy Constables present–during hearings. They serve and execute Civil Process and Civil Court orders.
- Expected to interfere without warrant to prevent or suppress crime as authorized by the Code of Criminal Procedure. They are also expected to arrest offenders without warrants in every case where they are authorized to take them to be tried by the proper court or magistrate.
- County Constables are elected through partisan, county-wide elections to four-year terms. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have been a Texas resident for at least 12 consecutive months, a county resident for at least six consecutive months, and registered to vote in that county. Additionally, they must be a licensed peace officer through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, attend and complete a police academy, complete bi-annual training, and fulfill continuing education requirements.
- The annual salary for County Constable ranges from $0 to over $155,000, set by the county’s Commissioners Court.

Performs civil and criminal law enforcement functions and serves legal documents.