SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 280
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize the bicentennial of the establishment of the Office of
  Constable in Texas, which will be celebrated on March 7, 2023, at
  the State Capitol; and
 
         WHEREAS, The Office of Constable was first established in
  Texas in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin when Texas was still a part of
  Mexico, and both the Office of Constable and the Office of
  Justice of the Peace were authorized by the Texas Constitution;
  Texas Constables serve as the elected law enforcement officials
  of their precincts, and matters of law are brought before a
  precinct's Justice of the Peace, who serves as the local judicial
  representative; and
 
         WHEREAS, Constables serve as officers of the Justice of the
  Peace Court and are associate members of the Texas Department of
  Public Safety; they work closely alongside Texas State Troopers
  in the execution of their respective law enforcement duties, and
  both operate under the jurisdiction of the local Justice of the
  Peace Court, which serves as their primary court; Texas
  Constables are elected to four-year terms by the people of the
  county precinct they serve, and they fulfill their duties as
  officers of the court by serving as bailiffs, executing both
  civil and criminal processes issued by Texas courts, and
  enforcing criminal laws as certified peace officers; and
 
         WHEREAS, Constable offices across Texas manage a range of
  public service and law enforcement responsibilities and may
  operate traffic divisions, criminal investigation divisions, and
  patrol and special response teams according to the priorities of
  each precinct; constables have continuous jurisdiction within
  their county and contiguous counties and report only to the
  governor and the citizens that elect them to serve; today there
  are approximately 780 elected constables who serve the citizens
  of Texas; and
 
         WHEREAS, Considered to be the "Peoples' Police," 
  constables' authority as law enforcement officers was provided
  for in the original Texas Constitution; the men and women
  elected to uphold the responsibilities of the Offices of
  Constable and Justice of the Peace perform their official
  duties with courage, integrity, and knowledge of the law, and
  they contribute immeasurably to the stability of our justice
  system, the safety of the citizens of Texas, and the peace and
  order of our society; and
 
         WHEREAS, In honor of the bicentennial of this
  distinguished office, it is indeed fitting that a special day be
  set aside to recognize the contributions to our state by these
  esteemed public officials and to demonstrate our appreciation
  for the important role they play in our state's judicial system
  and in the safety and well-being of Texas citizens; now,
  therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, hereby commend the exemplary Texans who uphold this
  vital and historic office and extend to all best wishes for an
  enjoyable visit to the State Capitol and for a memorable
  celebration of the bicentennial of the Office of Constable in
  Texas; and, be it further
 
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
  honor of this special occasion.
 
  Birdwell, Hughes, Kolkhorst
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 7, 2023.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate