To the editor,

When people hear the word “constable,” they tend to picture something between a sheriff in an old western and a patrol officer with a ticket book.

The reality is a little different. So, what is a constable?

In short, a constable is the person who carries the justice court’s decisions from the courtroom to the community. Serving Maricopa and Stanfield means I deliver protection orders, summonses, subpoenas, writs and other court paperwork. I also serve arrest warrants when needed and can step in as bailiff to help keep the courtroom running smoothly.

You elect the judge to make decisions in the courtroom, and you elect a constable to make sure those decisions are carried out.

This leads to another common question: Is the constable a police officer?

Yes and no. State law grants constables peace officer authority, but only while performing official duties. The role isn’t traditional police work, but it does involve entering unpredictable situations. Every day requires a balance of professionalism, calm judgment and respect for everyone involved.

This is why I believe my most valuable tool isn’t on my belt. It’s right below my nose. If you can calm an intense situation with words, then you’ve already done half the job. More often than not, a constable’s work involves conflict resolution and de-escalation.

Unfortunately, I often meet people on the hardest days of their lives. Getting papers from the court can mean eviction, legal disputes or a crisis of a more personal nature. It is in these moments that compassion matters just as much as authority.

As Maricopa grows, so does the workload at the justice court. Think of it like our roads. More people means more traffic. In 2025 alone, more than 100 orders of protection were filed, more than 4,000 eviction cases were opened and hundreds of small claims cases came through the court.

Not every case reaches a judge or constable. Many are resolved along the way and some protective orders are served by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. However, much like the traffic in a growing town, our expanding community means a steady flow of cases and a court that works every day to keep things moving.

So, what is a constable? Simply put, the constable delivers the court’s orders and helps make sure those orders are followed. It’s where the work of the courtroom meets everyday life, providing information, carrying out decisions and helping the justice system function the way it should.

It may not always be the most visible role, but it is an important one. In a growing community like ours, someone has to help keep things on track. I am proud to do that work, serving our neighbors, supporting the court and doing my part to help Maricopa continue to be a place we’re all proud to call home.

Wm. Lee “Bill” Griffin
Western Pinal Justice Court Constable
Maricopa