Scathing Report Deems Elected Position 'Irrelevant'
By: Jordan Vandenberge
Updated: November 9, 2012
A report out today by Kentucky's Justice and Public Safety Cabinet says
constables have little purpose and little benefit. Constables provide
court services like subpoenas and also have arresting powers.
In Henderson, constables don't receive taxpayer-funded salaries. In fact, they don't receive salaries at all. They collect fees for services rendered.
One constable says it's not about the money, it's about respect.
***
Jackie Williams has his struggles. But he has his salvation.
"I'll be 72 in February," said Williams. "If I still have my health at the end of my term, I solely intend to run again."
It would be his 6th term as Henderson County District 5 Constable. He doesn't worry about re-election. He does worry about Frankfort deciding his future.
In a report out today, state officials describe constables as outdated, irrelevant and lacking purpose. The report even goes as far as to label them a liability to other law enforcement.
"It's the light we're being portrayed in," said Williams. "It makes us look like a bunch of untrained individuals. And that's not necessarily a correct statement."
Not Constable Williams. Not this army veteran. He has ample training and simply wants ample respect.
"We're in the same category, our offices are compatible with one another, the constable and sheriff," said Williams.
But are they?
"No," said Williams.
He struggles to fight misconception. And struggles more fighting through life after loss.
Williams lost his daughter to cancer. Not long after that, he lost his wife.
But this constable hopes to never lose his salvation.
"I do need to be a constable to keep my active and my mind off things," said Williams.
And if it's taken away, he says he'll persevere. Again.
In Henderson, constables don't receive taxpayer-funded salaries. In fact, they don't receive salaries at all. They collect fees for services rendered.
One constable says it's not about the money, it's about respect.
***
Jackie Williams has his struggles. But he has his salvation.
"I'll be 72 in February," said Williams. "If I still have my health at the end of my term, I solely intend to run again."
It would be his 6th term as Henderson County District 5 Constable. He doesn't worry about re-election. He does worry about Frankfort deciding his future.
In a report out today, state officials describe constables as outdated, irrelevant and lacking purpose. The report even goes as far as to label them a liability to other law enforcement.
"It's the light we're being portrayed in," said Williams. "It makes us look like a bunch of untrained individuals. And that's not necessarily a correct statement."
Not Constable Williams. Not this army veteran. He has ample training and simply wants ample respect.
"We're in the same category, our offices are compatible with one another, the constable and sheriff," said Williams.
But are they?
"No," said Williams.
He struggles to fight misconception. And struggles more fighting through life after loss.
Williams lost his daughter to cancer. Not long after that, he lost his wife.
But this constable hopes to never lose his salvation.
"I do need to be a constable to keep my active and my mind off things," said Williams.
And if it's taken away, he says he'll persevere. Again.
