Constables

A civil constable's primary responsibility is to be a process server - that is, to serve court papers, such as eviction notices and notices of lawsuits. Civil constables are not paid by the towns where they are appointed or elected. They make money by charging the lawyer who has hired them to deliver the document.

Service of Process

Constables may serve and execute any and all civil process (CGS § 52-50) and liability for neglect in doing so (CGS § 7-89). The statutes establish and authorize fees and expense payments to constables who serve process (CGS §§ 52-261 and 261a). The statutes specifically mention certain types of summons that can be served by constables: mechanics liens (CGS § 49-35a), prejudgment remedies (CGS § 52-278c), attachments (CGS § 52-325a), and post-judgement procedures (CGS § 52-350e). Constables are also authorized to serve redevelopment agency compensation notices (CGS § 8-129).

Probate Court

The statutes authorize constables to take possession of decedents' estates in certain circumstances and at the direction of the probate court (CGS § 45a-316). They are also directed to serve probate court notices in certain types of cases: to respondents in sterilization cases (CGS § 45a-693), and for hearings on conservatorships and guardianships (CGS §§ 45a-649 and 671).

Tax Collection

Constables can serve tax warrants authorized by a local tax collector to collect taxes due the municipality for property, water, or sanitation (CGS §§ 12-135 and 162). They are also included in the definition of “serving officer” in the statutes on state collection agencies for state taxes (CGS § 12-35). They may also be directed to file a distraint (seizure) order against the property of a delinquent lottery sales agent (CGS § 12-569).

Court Attendance

The Superior Court or family support magistrate may authorize constables to "attend” when it is transacting business (CGS § 51-30).

Greenwich Town Constables

There are 4 constables nominated from each party; 7 are elected, 4 from the majority party and 3 from the minority party. The term of office is 2 years (Terms expire December 31).