Does DeKalb County need Constables?

Does DeKalb County need Constables?

On June 10, Kneeley Bretison Pack of Fort Payne, pleaded guilty to seven counts of home repair fraud and received a 7 year suspended sentence. Pack...was the DeKalb County District 1 Constable.

The term for the District 1 Constable ends in January of 2017, meaning there's more than 12 months remaining on the term. Why that is significant is in 2010, Senator Lowell Barron carried Amendment 845, which states the people of DeKalb County must now hold a special election to replace the Constable.

A special election that will cost the County a minimum of $33,000. Had Amendment 845 never been passed, the Governor would've appointed a replacement.

What is a constable, and what does a constable do?

Constables:

  • carry a gun
  • make an arrest if a crime is committed in their presence
  • escort funerals and weddings
  • provide security at community functions
  • assist the fire department
  • enforce traffic at churches and schools
  • pull over a vehicle (cannot issue a ticket)
  • serve papers

Constables do not receive a salary, but can receive payment for escorting funerals and weddings, and serving papers.

Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn and Commissioner Shane Wooten (District 1) are in discussion with local legislators and the County Commission to have Amendment 845 repealed, as well as eliminating constables in DeKalb County. Over half of the counties in Alabama have done away with the position.

If the commissioners and local legislators agree to eliminate the position, it will not require a vote from the public.

As of now, qualifying for the District 1 Constable will begin around June 29 and end July 13, with an election taking place in mid-September.

The district for the office is the same as District 1 of the County Commission, which is made up of Henagar, Ider, Mentone, Valley Head, and parts of Fort Payne.

If a primary election and general election are necessary, the special election for District 1 Constable could cost DeKalb County upwards of $100,000.