Continuing Education
Constables and deputy constables must successfully complete the 20-Hour Continuing Education Course in 2024 to renew their certifications for 2025. Based upon successful completion of Continuing Education by November 15, 2024, constables and deputy constables will be issued certification cards in December 2024, which will indicate certification for 2025.
Court Security (4-Hours in-person) – This block of instruction provides an overview of the constable's role in courtroom security. The constable will review the preliminary aspects of security to heighten his or her awareness of the potential problems that may arise in the courtroom. Issues to be discussed will include threatening behavior, searches, evaluation techniques, communications with other constables, officers bringing defendants into the court, and responding to emergencies. This course will consist of hands on training and scenarios as well as a written examination.
Judgmental Use of Force (4-Hours in-person) – This course uses a small arms simulator's (Laser Shot) judgmental video-based scenario capabilities to provide constables with the ability to engage in a series of vignettes to reinforce their use of force decision-making skills. The course includes a review of relevant case law including Tennessee v. Garner and Graham v. Connor as well as Pa. Title 18, Chapter 5. General Principals of Justification. Additionally, practical skills such as pre-planning and cover and concealment will be reviewed. Participation is mandatory for every constable in both labs: use of force judgmental scenarios based specifically on established constable judicial duties and a basic practical skill walk though re- familiarizing constables with planning warrant service. This course includes a written examination.
Lessons Learned (4-Hours online) – This course will focus on the Landlord/Tenant process, the accompanying documents, and best practices and procedures for safely and effectively completing the Landlord/Tenant process. Several real case of Landlord / Tenant incidents will be reviewed. We will also cover the topics of mandated reports and mental health and wellness of the constable.
Legal Updates (4-Hours online) – This course will review rules that govern Pennsylvania constables and deputy constables including Constable Policies, Procedures and Standards of Conduct. A review of the power of the President Judge's ability over a Pennsylvania constable and deputy constable is included along with appellate case law directly relating to constables and deputy constables. A review of appellate case law pertaining to qualified immunity and the constables and deputy constables. Upon completion of this course Pennsylvania constables and deputy constables will apply the material and utilize it in their daily duties.
Working with Different Abilities (4-Hours online) – This course will focus on timely recognition and appropriate law enforcement response to individuals with special needs. The course will also cover appropriate communication and de-escalation techniques to use when interacting with individuals who have special needs or who exhibit behaviors associated with mental illness, intellectual and physical disabilities, and/or autism.