Board approves small state grant to equip constables with standardized duty weapons

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on April 8 accepted a state grant (CNA 25-102) from the Arizona Constable Ethics Standards Training Board for $2,298.35 to purchase duty-weapon equipment for the county's constable offices in Williams (Precinct 3) and Flagstaff, and approved a corresponding budget amendment.

Why it matters: Constables in Arizona are sworn peace officers who perform court-related duties, serve civil process and occasionally handle arrest warrants and evictions. The constable who spoke to the board explained that standardized duty equipment helps align constables with other local law-enforcement partners and ensures safety when they perform field duties across a very large precinct.

Discussion Constable Gregory King (Precinct 3, Williams) described his coverage area as roughly 7,000 square miles, outlined the scope of constable duties and explained the grant would fund three Glock model 45 9mm pistols (standardized with other county law-enforcement), holsters, magazines, an ammunition pouch and weapon-mounted lights. He emphasized that the weapon-mounted light is intended to be used to identify targets in low-light scenarios when firearm deployment is a possibility and that constables also carry belt flashlights for general illumination. King said the quoted equipment and supplier are standard and practical for peace-officer work.

Formal action The board approved acceptance of the grant and the associated budget amendment by voice vote. Board members thanked Constable King and his family for their public service.

What happens next Constable offices will proceed with procurement and inventory per county purchasing rules and report back to county accounting as required by the grant terms.