Sharp Dist 1 Constable
Over their two-year term, a constable has the same law enforcement authority as a sheriff in their township. They have arrest power, can write citations, and respond to accidents. A 2007 law, however, placed training requirements on constables if they wanted to carry a gun on duty and have access to the Arkansas Crime Information Center. State law also requires them to wear uniforms while on duty and label any patrol vehicle with "Arkansas Constable" on it. They are required to turn over any fines collected from citations to the county.Under state law, they no longer have authority to appoint deputies. They are required to keep records of any citations and administrative records, similar to requirements placed on sheriffs.https://www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/ced-blog/posts/2022/may/what-is-a-constable.aspx
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Levi S. Ratliff
(Rep)
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Mike Zeiger
(Rep)
Describe in your own words the duties of the office you seek.
Describe in your own words the experience and skills you have that qualifies you for this position.
Describe the first thing you plan to change/improve when you take office and how you will accomplish that goal.
Campaign Phone
4179861920
Contest
Sharp County District 1 Constable
YouTube video
Within the state of Arkansas a constable is a local peace officer, with all the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as an elected sheriff, but with a much smaller jurisdiction. Originally, each township had a constable but over time, whether due to political rivalry, lack of population, or any other number of reasons, many counties have merged their townships into districts, or done away with them entirely. Some states have constables, some do not, and the authority granted by such position varies greatly between them.
In Arkansas, constable is an unpaid position which serves as a liaison between the court, other law enforcement, and the citizens of the community. Simply put, it's a neighbor who's willing to help when you need it.
The requirements to become a constable in the state of Arkansas are; U.S citizenship, 21 years old, registered voter, holding residence in the township or district they represent, and no felony convictions.
Additional certifications must be met in order to access Arkansas Crime Information Center data and to carry a firearm.
I meet all of these requirements, possess proper firearm training, and am currently working toward the additional certifications.
While that makes me eligible, it doesn't announce why I should have this position.
I'm a soldier and a protector, a sheep dog if you will. I step up to help or protect others when needed.
A constable is a balance of power against the possibility of a corrupt sheriff. I aim for balance.
I moment I decided I was going to run for constable I started looking at many of the things I wished to improve. I realized many didn't require me to be a constable but generally a good person who steps up to help his community. So far, but I've managed to join the local volunteer fire department. This has given me justification as well as legal protections when responding to emergencies in my area. I'm making connections with other local EMS, whether it's the EMTs, other fire fighters, law enforcement, and dispatchers.
I'm working to bring various trainings and certifications to the area, in conjunction with the fire departments, schools, and other entities.
I wish to make our community a safer place for all.
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