Future constables would have to receive professional law enforcement training before wielding police powers under a bill passed by the Kentucky House.
The role of constables — and even whether the job should exist — has been debated by lawmakers for years. The compromise bill that cleared the House would not apply to current constables. It would require people assuming the role starting in 2023 to receive certification like other law enforcement officers before exercising such police powers as making traffic stops and arrests.
Primary sponsor Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger, said the goal of the bipartisan measure is to make communities safer.
“Of course not all constables are bad, but unfortunately there’s been too many headlines to ignore the fact that constables without proper law enforcement training can be a serious problem,” Koenig said.
Most constables have little or no training but wield many of the same powers as police officers and sheriff’s deputies, Koenig said. The measure seeks to ensure that “everyone who is able to … pull you over in the middle of the night, arrest you and take you to jail, that they are certified and trained,” he added.
The bill’s opponents said it wouldn’t set aside enough training slots for future constables. Constables in rural Kentucky play crucial roles providing backup for other law enforcement, they said.
“What would you do if you’re on a back road … and you’re asking for support and nobody comes because House Bill 267 takes it away from somebody?” Republican Rep. Bill Wesley said.
The measure cleared the House on a 61-34 vote and now goes to the Senate.
The Associated Press
