Allegheny County Constable Bond: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain an Allegheny County Constable bond (otherwise known as a Public Official bond).
At a Glance:
- Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 a month
- Bond Amount: Determined on a case-by-case basis (more on this later)
- Who Needs It: All constables appointed for office in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
- Purpose: To protect the public from financial harm if the constable commits fraud or otherwise abuse their position of power
- Who Regulates Constables in Allegheny County: The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Constable Education Training Board
Background
The Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Constable Handbook Section 2 requires all constables appointed for county office to obtain a surety bond before being sworn in for their official term. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and Constable Education Training Board enacted the surety bond requirement to ensure that constables do not abuse their position of power. To provide financial security for enforcing such laws, constables must purchase and maintain a surety bond to be eligible for their appointed position.
What Is the Purpose of the Allegheny County Constable Bond?
The Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Constable Handbook Section 2 requires all appointed constables to purchase a surety bond as part of the process of being sworn into office. The bond ensures that restitution is available to any damaged party should the constable fail to abide by the regulations outlined in the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Constable Handbook. Specifically, the bond protects claimants if the constable commits fraud or otherwise abuses their position of power. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the public if the constable violates the terms surrounding their appointed position.
How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain an Allegheny County Constable Bond?
BondExchange makes obtaining a Allegheny County Constable bond easy. Simply log in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “constable” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Enroll now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email, or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.
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How Is the Allegheny County Constable Bond Amount Determined?
The limit for the Allegheny Constable bond is determined by the constable’s location. If the constable works in what qualifies as a second or third-class city (e.g. Pittsburgh, Clairton, Duquesne, and McKeesport) then a $2,000 bond amount is required. If the constable does not work in a city, only a $1,000 limit is mandated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Is a Credit Check Required for the Allegheny County Constable Bond?
No, a credit check is not required for the Allegheny County Constable bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same rate is offered to all constables in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania regardless of their credit history.
How Much Does the Allegheny County Constable Bond Cost?
The Allegheny County Constable bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.
How Does Allegheny County Define “Constable”?
According to the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Constable Handbook Section 1, a constable is a peace officer with limited policing authority. Constables are either appointed by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency or they are elected by their residents and then must be certified by the Constable Education Training Board (approval from the Commission is also mandated). Their duties typically include serving warrants, citations, and other processes, as well as notifying citizens of county meetings.
BondExchange now offers monthly pay-as-you-go subscriptions for surety bonds. Your customers are able to purchase their bonds on a monthly basis and cancel them anytime. Learn more here.
How Do Constables Become Appointed in Allegheny County?
Constables in Allegheny County must navigate several steps to obtain approval for appointment by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and Constable Education Training Board. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the Constable Handbook for further details on the process.
Appointment Period – Constables in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania may hold an appointment term of six years beginning January 1st of the year appointed until December 31st at the end of the sixth year. Re-election for an additional office term is not an option.
Step 1 – Fulfill Financial Requirements
Constables in Allegheny County must purchase and maintain a surety bond, as well as a $250,000 to $500,000 liability insurance policy for the entirety of their appointment term.
Step 2 – Complete Appointment Application
Once elected for the position of constable, a completed Pennsylvania Constable Appointment Application (the application can be found within the Constable Handbook) must be submitted to the Commission on Crime and Delinquency for review. In addition, the following qualifications/paperwork must be met and submitted with the appointment application:
- Proof of certification by the Pennsylvania Constable Education Training Board
- A copy of a valid and current Pennsylvania driver’s license, as well as business automobile insurance on any vehicle used for official Court work
- Proof of certification for completed firearm training
What Are the Insurance Requirements for Constables in Allegheny County?
Constables in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania must purchase and maintain a $250,000 to $500,000 liability insurance policy for the entirety of their appointment term.
How Do Constables in Allegheny County File Their Bonds?
Allegheny County constables should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney when submitting their appointment applications to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Criminal Division (see the mailing address listed below). A copy of the surety bond must be submitted to the Allegheny County Clerk of the Court as well.
Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Criminal Division
PO Box 1167
Harrisburg, PA 17110
The surety bond requires signatures from the surety company, as well as the constable. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:
- The legal name of the individual buying the bond
- Surety company’s name
- Date the bond is signed
What Can Allegheny County Constables Do to Avoid a Claim Against Their Surety Bond?
To avoid claims against their bonds, constables in Allegheny County must follow all regulations regarding their appointed position, including some of the most important issues below that tend to cause claims:
- Misrepresentation
- Negligence
- Misfeasance
- Malfeasance
- Fraud
What Other Insurance Products Can Agents Offer Constables in Allegheny County?
Allegheny County requires appointed constables to purchase coverage for a $250,000 to $500,000 Errors and Omissions policy, which is just another name for professional liability insurance. Bonds are our only business at BondExchange, so we do not issue any other types of insurance, but our agents often utilize brokers for this specific line of business. A list of brokers in this space can be found here.
How Can Insurance Agents Prospect for Constable Customers in Pennsylvania?
Unfortunately, Pennsylvania does not provide a public list of active constables in the state. We suggest contacting the Commission on Crime and Delinquency to obtain a list of appointed constables. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.
