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The history of the offices of the Justices of the Peace and Constables has
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linked them tightly together since the early days of Texas' history dating back to 1823. The Alcade, or Justice of the Peace was first appointed March 5, 1823 in the Colorado District of Stephen F. Austin's first colony in Texas. Judge John Tumlinson Sr. appointed Thomas V. Alley as the first Constable of the State of Texas. The history of these two Offices since that time has been both colorful and beneficial to the people of Texas. As offices of the locally elected officials closest to the people they are often referred to as the "People's Court" or "People's Police", thus reflecting both our rich heritage and important service to our communities. Constables and Justices of the Peace have formed a somewhat symbiotic relationship that have supported each other in their endeavors to serve their respective communities for over 180 years.
A symbolic culmination of this working relationship came as the Justices of the Peace and Constables formed an association that first began in 1945. There are a variety of issues and statues that affect both offices and areas where a consolidated association representing hundreds of Justices of the Peace and Constables from all over Texas can be a beneficial tool serving our best interests.