Commissioners discuss reserve-constable policy for Precinct 1 amid staffing, safety concerns

Wilson County commissioners discussed creating a policy to allow reserve constables to assist the Precinct 1 constable, with commissioners and county staff raising concerns about safety, budget impacts and uniform application across precincts.

The commissioners said the discussion grew from public concerns that the Precinct 1 constable, who also works for the school district, cannot be full time and that having additional reserves could improve coverage without increasing county costs. Commissioners noted some warrants and “hot papers” are served in the afternoons when people return from work, which raises officer-safety and scheduling questions.

Commissioners repeatedly said a countywide policy would be needed if reserves were authorized, including qualifications, certification and whether additional equipment or budget increases would be required. One commissioner asked whether the arrangement would obligate the county to repeatedly increase budgets for radios and other gear; a price of about $9,000 per radio (Motorola) was referenced in the discussion.

Speakers also raised court-proceeding conflicts, explaining a constable sometimes must serve process immediately at a judge’s direction and that being in court limits time available for serving papers. Commissioners noted that some duties—such as acting as bailiff or ensuring judge safety—require certified personnel and suggested screening for appropriate licenses and qualifications for any reserve pool.

The court decided to table the item and asked staff to return in two weeks with draft policy language and clarifications on budget and operational impacts. The motion to table gave staff the requested time to prepare a policy that could apply to all precincts.

Ending: The commissioners did not adopt a policy at the meeting; they directed staff to draft a countywide reserve-constable policy and return in two weeks for further consideration.