City of Worcester Constable Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain a City of Worcester Constable bond (otherwise known as a Public Official bond).

At a Glance:

• Lowest Cost: $100 per year or $10 a month
• Bond Amount: $5,000
• Who Needs It: All constables operating in the City of Worcester, Massachusetts
• Purpose: To protect the public from financial harm if the constable commits fraud or otherwise abuse their position of power
• Who Regulates Constables in the City of Worcester: The Worcester City Manager or Mayor

Background

Worcester City Ordinance Article 6, Sections 10 and 91 – 95 requires all constables appointed by the City Manager or Mayor to obtain a surety bond before being sworn in for their office term. The City of Worcester Legislature 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 City of Worcester Constable Bond?

Worcester City Ordinance Article 6, Sections 10 and 91 – 95 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 Worcester City Ordinances. 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 a City of Worcester Constable Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining a City of Worcester 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.

At BondExchange, our 40 years of experience, leading technology, and access to markets ensures that we have the knowledge and resources to provide your clients with fast and friendly service whether obtaining quotes or issuing bonds.

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Is a Credit Check Required for the City of Worcester Constable Bond?

No, a credit check is not required for the City of Worcester Constable bond. Because the bond is considered relatively low risk, the same rate is offered to all constables in Worcester, Massachusetts regardless of their credit history.

How Much Does the City of Worcester Constable Bond Cost?

The City of Worcester Constable bond costs just $100 per year or $10 per month.

How Does the City of Worcester Define “Constable”?

According to the City of Worcester, a constable is a peace officer with a limited set of policing authority. Constables are either appointed by the local City Manager or Mayor and their duties typically include serving warrants, citations, and other processes, as well as notifying citizens of town 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 the City of Worcester?

Constables in the City of Worcester must navigate several steps to obtain approval for appointment by the City Manager or Mayor. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the City’s Requirements for Constable Applicants for details on the process.

Appointment Period – Constables in the City of Worcester, Massachusetts may hold an appointment term of three years beginning January 1st of the year appointed until December 31st at the end of the third year.

Step 1 – Purchase Surety Bond

Constables in the City of Worcester, Massachusetts must purchase and maintain a $5,000 surety bond for the entirety of their appointment term.

Step 2 – Fulfill Application Requirements

A completed City of Worcester Constable Appointment Application must be submitted to the Police Department for review. In addition, the following documents must be included:

• Proof of a high school diploma or G.E.D
• Proof of City of Worcester residency (a minimum of 12 consecutive months is required)
• Current and valid Massachusetts driver’s license
• Certified copy of DD-2 discharge form (if applicable)
• Five signatures from City of Worcester residents, one of whom must be an Attorney-at-Law

How Do Constables in the City of Worcester Renew Their Appointments?

Constables in the City of Worcester are licensed for a term of three years (ending on December 31st) and must renew their application and submit all completed materials to the Worcester Police Department no later than October 15th to ensure sufficient processing time. A renewal application fee of $100 is required.

What Are the Insurance Requirements for Constables in the City of Worcester?

The City of Worcester does not require constables to purchase any form of liability insurance as a prerequisite to being sworn into office. However, constables must purchase and maintain a surety bond.

How Do Constables in the City of Worcester File Their Bonds?

Constables should submit their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney when submitting their appointment applications to the Worcester Police Department(see the mailing address listed below).

           City of Worcester Police Department
           Chief of Police
           9-11 Lincoln Square
           Worcester, MA 01608

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 Worcester Constables Do to Avoid a Claim Against Their Surety Bond?

To avoid claims against their bonds, constables in the City of Worcester 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 the City of Worcester?

Most governing institutions will purchase liability insurance covering losses pertaining to a public official committing fraud, negligence, or misconduct. 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 the City of Worcester?

The City of Worcester, Massachusetts conveniently provides a public database to search for active constables in the state. The database can be accessed here. Contact BondExchange for additional marketing resources. Agents can also leverage our print-mail relationships for discounted mailing services.