Constables: Are They Needed? We Want To Hear From You

7/21/2016

Edmonson Voice Staff
Blue lights, red lights, flashing, or no lights. What does it mean, and does it matter? Over the past couple of years, Edmonson County constables have been a source of controversy from time to time.

There are some county officials, employees, and residents that support the mission of the constable and say they are needed, while others think it's an unnecessary position that brings unwanted liability to the county.

So, just what does a constable actually do? Well, according to the Kentucky Constitution, Section 101, Constables will possess the same qualification as the sheriffs and may exercise jurisdiction in any part of the county. (OAG 62-115 and 40-776). Simply put, constables are peace officers, they can carry a gun, and have the authority to arrest people.

The law also says that constables are elected in each magisterial district in a county. Currently, even though there are six districts in Edmonson County, there were only four districts with constables on the ballot in the last election, which resulted in only four constables that were elected. However, one of those did not pay his official bond and forfeited office. It's also important to note that each constable ran unopposed, one being a write-in. That also means that each current constable would have been elected with only one vote, so some might argue that "elected official" might not be a fair description of current constables in Edmonson County.

Local law enforcement has gone on record to say that locally, constables have both helped and hindered their work. Sheriff Shane Doyle has said that while the right person serving as constable can be a great help, the fact that the office has no training or experience requirements causes a huge unknown, and for that, as far as his office is concerned, the position of constable is no longer necessary.

Others argue that as long as a person is willing to volunteer for a job and help out whenever and wherever they can, it only helps the community and they should be welcomed to do the job that the law says they are elected to do. Some have also said that constables have been treated unfairly and deserve better treatment and thanks than they've received.

One constable reached out to the Edmonson Voice and asked, "What do people think?" "Do people see the constable as a help to the community, or do they serve no purpose?"

We thought we would allow our readers to voice their opinion on the matter of constables.

Voting for this article has been completed. To view complete results, please click on this update.

15 Comments

Scott Lindsey

7/21/2016 05:10:06 pm

Makes no sense to have an untrained person in a position of authority with a gun. How would you like to call 911 for a paramedic or EMT and I show up. Instead of the CPR you need I tell you I am restaurant manager. I have witnessed the District 2 Constable in action and he was inept and rude to an innocent bystander.
I do appreciate his eagerness to help in situations and I have heard of his efforts with the Chalybeate Fire Dept. I just do not think a gun should be involved.

Tyler F Johnson

7/21/2016 10:04:03 pm

Shelby Duvall has done more for this county than the rest of the Constables combined. I will definitely do everything in my power to help him seek his 22nd consecutive term in office.

Ronnie Cline

7/21/2016 10:24:31 pm

I aint sure why anyone wants to talk about constables becuase if they really wanted to do a good job theyd either get hired as a real cop or quit worrin about what everbody thinks. we dont need em in edmonson county

Neal Lindsey link

7/22/2016 02:09:02 pm

I recently expressed my support for my magistrate regarding this controversy posted to one of the articles about the blue lights, no blue lights. I went into intimate detail about my wife's brother being killed just outside his parents front door and my wife's father being shot twice which led to tremendous suffering, both physical and emotional. You can still find this comment available to read in the Edmonson Voice archives. No one, I repeat no one should be allowed to discharge a gun to uphold the law unless they are extensively trained, supervised, well versed in all the state and federal laws, and proven to have the personality and temperament ,and level headedness needed to make the judgement to take someone's life. There is no greater responsibility undertaken than to be able to kill someone because of their behavior and untrained, irresponsible, poor judgement, and a quick temper cost the life of my wife's brother in 1978 right here in Edmonson County. Please realize that giving anyone the responsibility to affect or end another person's life should be only given to the best and brightest among us.

Dist. 2 Constable Office

7/22/2016 05:07:12 pm

I have lobbied for years, for legislators to either TRAIN Constables or ABOLISH Constables all together.
ALSO, while you are at it, We need to address these SPECIAL DEPUTY positions in law enforcement. Many of these have no prior training, other than a buddy winning the sheriff position and APPOINTING them.
( Personally, here in EC, we have AWESOME special deputies. They are my friends.) That being said, here is the difference in SPECIAL DEPUTIES and CONSTABLES :
1-Constables are ELECTED by the voters as their lawman.
2- Special Deputies are NOT required to have any training.
3- Special Deputies are furnished with RADIO PRIVILAGES, LINK/NCIC access, a PATROL CAR, fully equipped with BLUE LIGHTS, ect.
4- Special Deputies make traffic stops and perform duties assigned by the sheriff.

CONSTABLES
1- Are furnished with NOTHING by the county
2- Are given NO RADIO PRIVILAGES with LINK/NCIC ( even though, I myself have the certification and certificate to use it from the Kentucky State Police and FBI)
3- Constables pay for ALL their BONDS, GAS, EQUIPMENT , VEHICLES and TRAINING.

Are you starting to see a bit of a bias here?
Constables are bad guys with no training, Special Deputies are ok, cause they are appointed.

So the argument that ALL constables should be done away with is complete BULL, because of the very things Mr Lindsey stated, are the exact reason why we should ALSO ban SPECIAL DEPUTIES.

Some might argue, that the sheriff has chosen and appointed the people and that makes it alright. I choose to defer and say, 413 VOTERS said I was ok to hold this position.
If we persecute constables and bash them for no training or LIMITED training, let's be perfectly fair and include NON CERTIFIED special deputies as well. Across this state, they are mostly UNTRAINED, just as the lowly CONSTABLE. Only difference is, special deputies are treated royally, and Elected constables are treated as scum.
So,
Where we ARE is in limbo. Legislators won't get off their arses, and move one way or the other. So don't blame the FEW Constables that TRY to do their jobs, BLAME LEGISLATORS !!
Give them the boot, or boot camp.

I was in hopes that fiscal court could abolish us, but after all the dust settled, it appeared they just didn't have the authority. So, you have ONE vetted and working constable ( with prior law enforcement experience) and three which..... could perform at kids birthday partys with cap guns.
CALL YOUR STATE REPS !!
DEMAND TRAINING or ABOLISHMENT !

Let's do something about these rouge Constables.
Let's do something about ALL untrained, uncertified law enforcement. Special deputies and Constables are one in the same, with one exception. Constables are ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE, and special deputies are APPOINTED. We each receive NO PAY for our services.
Hope this helps shed some light on those rapscallion constables, and our close cousins, the special deputy. ALL are NEEDED in these times, and all are NEEDED to be TRAINED !!
Until then, the CONSTABLE clowns and the SPECIAL DEPUTIES are THE LAW.
And the LAW can CARRY GUNS, ARREST, WRITE CITATIONS TO COURT and do so in ANY part of the county.
One positive note here, is the LESS constables and special deputies we have out there, the MORE crime, criminals and drugs we WILL have. What good is a CONSTABLE? Ask any deputy who is out at 2am with no backup on a call. That lowly CONSTABLE is a WELCOMED sight.
I support our sheriff, our police, our fire and ems. I am involved in ALL of it personally. NO OTHER constable in the HISTORY of Edmonson Co has the skills and qualifications I have. But, I am judged by the worst, least trained, no matter what. That is not good judgment, that is silly. Look at other counties where they SUPPORT and USE their constables in various roles. Some even furnish VEHICLES and equipment and pay for training. Here we have a judge exec and a few magistrates who hate constables. This is why no good candidates run for the office, because they run onto old ideas and the politicians want it to stay like it was, rather than move FORWARD, like other counties.
Proof? Look around you.

Christopher Wilson

7/22/2016 05:31:08 pm

Good grief man, and you wonder why people don't think much of constables? Listen at you rambling on and on. volunteer deputies are named by the sheriff so thats good enough. at least he has say in who the volunteer cops are. you think he'd name somebody that wasnt qualified? the article said nobody ran against any of you guys so it aint like people had a choice. 413 people said oh well, theres only one dude so i guess we have to vote for him. I aint never heard of a volunteer wanting so much credit for something. get over yourself cause nobody cares.

jason wood

7/22/2016 08:02:58 pm

I personally think being a constable for some people is strictly an ego trip! Just like all the crying being done over not being able to run bluelights! Because the truth be told if this person was doing so much good for the county keeping it safe without the use of lights why would he even need them? All that I've heard him do is throw sissy fits throwing his shirt and sayin he was gonna quit that's really mature! And why would this county really want to in trust that to someone who threatens to sue the county when he don't get his way? He wants to talk about shane an some of the magistrates when he outta just quit pointing fingers an suck it up and be a man about it! District 2 constables office claims what all he does for free but I can show u a screens hot of a go fund me account he set up to try an get money to patrol! Or the go fund me account to help for the cost of lawyers to sue edmonson county fiscal court! I think shane and his deputies do a good job and have no need for a radio call chasing constable that wants to sue the county when he don't get his way.

District 2 Constable Office

7/22/2016 10:42:05 pm

The people against more law enforcement are dopers, thieves and crooks.
When Edmonson County refuses to obey the law and recognize a constable, the STATE ATTY GENERAL steps in and "clarifies" the situation. Constables are THE LAW.
READ THE LAW and you will KNOW the laws.
You see, I'm still out here, still helping people, STILL doing my job.....unless you are so powerful, YOU think YOU can STOP me from performing my duties..
I don't see that happening. So you are welcome to your OPINIONS, because like butt ends, everyone has one.
And FYI, People could have chosen NOT to vote, but DID and they elected ME.
This county has chosen to remain in the dark ages.
Look at Barren, Grayson, hart, nelson Larue, Ohio, butler counties.
They SUPPORT good constables. Our county chooses not to.They are just too threatened by the authority of a constable, or just too clueless.
Some counties, as we have seen on the news, simply can't have a Constable, who DOESNT have to answer to judge execs, and as in Eastern Ky news stories, the reason why, was fiscal court magistrates and small town clicks.
(read the stories of magistrates and county judges arrested for organized crime, drugs and such) many drug dealers and such to protect and Constables ONLY have the voters to answer to as far as bosses go..

Thank goodness OUR county isn't like that, but some counties are.

I mean, why have more law enforcement?
Scares only the bad guys. And we wouldn't want to do that.
As for your wise cracks about the sheriff appointing special deputies, I too was commended by the sheriff for doing what I was asked and when I was asked. Other constables....well.....not so much.
Even our sheriff has no authority over fiscal court.
He too is reliant on good relations with fiscal court, or they can turn against him as well, and just refuse to pay his bills and budget, as Bullitt county and Butler county magistrates turned on their sheriff.
It's ALL about the politics.

Now on to the wood.
Hello wood. Any go fund me account is quite legal to have and several constables have them. Not one dime has been given by fiscal court to support a constable in this county, no matter how much good they do or have done.
Grayson county provides VEHICLES for their constables ( the good ones). Most all counties pay their constables' Public elected official bonds. Here....well, you guessed it. No.

The very make up of these comments above are PROOF of what a CROOKED place and what a CRIMINAL element has taken hold of this county. BIASED is not the word to even use. This is truly the ONLY county who acts like this toward constables. Some do not allow lights , ect, but NONE I know of absolutely hates constables. When a magistrate states on the record in open court " I thought 4 years ago, we agreed we were not going to let constables do anything.." That is not only an archaic way of thinking, but STUPID. Magistrates think they can violate the state constitution now? Well, here they do. This has gone from something worth fighting for to an absolute JOKE. I don't know why anyone WOULD want to be a constable here. This place is a good place to live, but the political side SUCKS !!

Even without blue lights.......
This District 2 Constable Office will ENFORCE THE LAW.
Feel free to call the AG's office or KSP or the state and complain.

7/23/2016 09:27:53 am

I have not seen a remark on here from anyone saying they are against law enforcement! The question was what do people think about constables and people are giving there opinion an apperently like always one person is crying about the outcome not being in there favor! Apperently one person would rather try and call people names an attack there charter rather then accept there postion and just drop it! I lived in this county my entire life it's a great place! I am positive that the reason crime is down is because of the job sheriff Doyle and his deputies are doin and not nothing to do with one constable who is basically following are paid and trained deputies around getting in there way! And as far as the go fund me account go if you take a job knowing it doesn't pay nothing why would you constantly wine and cry because u don't receive payments or gifts! If you can't afford to do somthing and you know you couldn't why would you even ran for the postion! One last thing if you are gonna threaten to quit all the time and cry about basically everthing and constantly talk about all these other counties being so great to there constables! THAN QUIT AND MOVE!!!! Quit running down are elected officials and move to where the grass is so much more green!

D-2

7/23/2016 07:46:41 pm

Then if you want me gone wood, have the mighty magistrates or co judge REMOVE ME or FIRE me.
OOOPSY, their power isn't quite that strong.
Better get the judge and magistrates to pass a motion and looby Frankfort for a change.
As for moving, I really should.
All the jobs, families and businesses have. Again, thanks to our booming economy, leaders on fiscal court and their $200,000 debts. Can fix a dog pound 5 year problem, cant fix our budget, can't take care of that $90.000 in back taxes owed the county, but we CAN take care of them constables !!
Priorities gentleman.
As far as "mall cop"?
I got your mall cop right here buddy.

7/25/2016 03:36:37 pm

If grayson county is so great to there constables and that being where your from. Why wouldn't you wanna be a constable in big Clifty? Unless they wouldn't vote you in! And as far as all these go fund me accounts why don't people just get a job instead askin people to pay for them to do a job they should have never ran for if they couldn't afford to do the job!

Greg Goad

7/23/2016 08:43:48 am

Give him a $100 bill and he'll cry cause it isn't 5 20's...

Give it rest man... Gezz!!!

Want to be a cop, go to school like the rest of them have and become a certified, trained, officer of the law...

Mall cops don't carry carry guns either...

I'm sure your efforts are appreciated by our law enforcement during wrecks and such... But you have no right to be involved in some of the events that unfold here in our county... I'm sure the sheriff and deputies don't need everyone falling into help when things happen... It's a significant liability to the county and residents.

You wanted the article, so don't cry wolf over every comment.

Have a great day folks!

Marla Reynolds

7/23/2016 08:21:28 pm

I don't know the district 2 constable or any of the others, but after reading his comments, if the others are like him, they all need to be put in time out. Very unprofessional and a horrible way for you to have any credibility. I say leave the law enforcing to trained police officers.

Ryan Skaggs

7/23/2016 08:25:21 pm

I'm tired of counties like Edmonson County mistreating constables I have met several of them from several different counties and by and large they are people that have the best interest of the counties in districts they serve at heart many of them are going to get certifications out of their own pocket and I am tired of fiscal courts not recognizing them as the elected public officials they are however the sheriff gets to do whatever they choose and in some cases even tells the County Judge what will and won't be allowed with times being what they are more law enforcement only serves to be a deterrent for criminals in the county in which I currently reside Warrants take forever to get servedAnd often times the amount of time it takes to get a sheriff's deputy or a city police officer to a scene is absolutely unacceptableAnd I know of situations when a constable has showed up before the sheriff's deputy when the sheriff's deputy arrived on scene theConstable was told to leave this to me is unacceptable it is time that fiscal courts allowed elected officials to do their job and it is time that people that are oblivious and Unthankful for the jobs that constables doDid something productive like Thank the constablefor their service and go on

7/23/2016 11:05:48 pm

Ask and you shall receive. Once again, you have shown your true colors towards the county and the residents of this fine place. Call out the issues and make cracks towards the unfortunate problems we face...

Sounds like a fine representative of our county.

What a dis grace...

Flip biscuits with Billy Ray Cyrus and focus on your movies... Your wasting everyone's time on the free cop theme...

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Constables: Are They Needed? We Want To Hear From You

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