State constables decertified due to insurance lapse

Numerous Pennsylvania state constables became decertified on Tuesday due to an insurance policy issue, according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Director of Communications Ali Gantz confirmed the decertification, although it was not specified how many of the six constables in Bradford County were affected.

"Constables in Pennsylvania are required by state law to obtain a professional liability insurance policy, as part of certification to perform judicial duties," Gantz explained in a statement. "The policy can be obtained through the company of the constable's choosing and must be renewed yearly to ensure the constable remains certified to perform judicial duties. The majority of Pennsylvania constables use the same company to obtain this required insurance, and when this particular insurance coverage lapsed on Feb. 12, 2024, those who failed to renew received a break in their coverage. In order to become recertified to perform duties, those whose coverage lapsed are required to obtain a new insurance policy."

Gantz also explained how the constables would get re-certified.

"The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's (PCCD) Constables' Education and Training Board (CETB) uses a Constables' Certification Education and Training System (CCETS) to track information on all current constables and deputy constables and their standing," she said. "PCCD and County Clerks of Courts are responsible for inputting updated information on the completion of legislatively required elements, including professional liability insurance, into the CCETS.

"Once insurance is reacquired, the constable must file proof of insurance with the Clerk of Courts who will either input the information into CCETS or send to PCCD staff to input the information," she continued. "Once they complete those two steps, the constable can be recertified to perform their duties."

Gantz noted that constables were warned ahead of time that the insurance would lapse.

"Prior to Feb. 12, 2024, PCCD sent out various communications to constables and deputy constables via bulletins and within the CCETS regarding the requirement that professional liability insurance must be obtained and renewed," she said. "We encourage constables to renew their professional liability insurance policy yearly, and in a timely fashion, to avoid a loss in certification."