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5 Shocking Facts About The East Baton Rouge Constable’s Office You Didn't Know

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The office of the East Baton Rouge Constable is far more complex and vital to the parish’s legal and civil infrastructure than most residents realize. As of December 23, 2025, the Constable's office remains at the forefront of executing civil judgments, a function that directly impacts the daily lives of citizens through matters like evictions and property seizures. This crucial local law enforcement agency operates within a unique dual structure in the parish, distinguishing its duties significantly from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office (EBRSO) and making it a focal point of recent political contests.

The latest updates center on the aftermath of the highly contested 2024 election, which saw a high-profile battle for the Baton Rouge City Court Constable seat. Understanding the Constable's role requires a deep dive into the specific legal mandates that govern the execution of court orders, property seizures, and the preservation of public peace within the parish’s complex legal districts. This article breaks down the essential, often-overlooked facts about this powerful local office.

The Dual Structure: City Constable vs. Justice of the Peace Constables

A common misconception in East Baton Rouge Parish is that there is only one constable. In reality, the parish operates under a dual system, which provides different levels of judicial support across various geographic areas. This structure is essential for maintaining topical authority on the subject.

The most prominent and widely recognized position is the Baton Rouge City Court Constable. This elected official, currently Terrica Williams (who was seeking re-election in 2024), serves the jurisdiction of the Baton Rouge City Court, which handles a massive volume of civil and misdemeanor cases within the city limits.

In contrast, the remainder of the parish is served by Justice of the Peace (JP) Constables. Each Justice of the Peace court, located in the various wards and districts outside the City Court’s jurisdiction, has its own elected constable. These JP Constables primarily handle the legal process for the smaller claims and minor offenses heard in their respective Justice of the Peace Courts.

This division means that the powers and duties of a constable in, say, Ward 3, District 2 (like Carey Jenkins, a Republican whose term was also set to expire) are different in scope and volume from the City Constable's office.

The Critical, Non-Criminal Duties That Define the Office

Unlike the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office, which focuses heavily on criminal investigations, arrests, and operating the parish prison, the Constable’s Office is predominantly defined by its civil process responsibilities. This is the core function and arguably the most impactful on the average citizen's life.

The Baton Rouge City Constable is mandated to execute the process of the Baton Rouge City Court. This includes a number of highly sensitive and legally technical duties:

  • Executing Eviction Orders: The Constable’s Office is responsible for physically carrying out court-ordered evictions (also known as "writs of possession"), a duty that requires careful adherence to Louisiana law and involves direct interaction with tenants and landlords.
  • Writ of Seizure and Sale: They handle the seizure of property (like vehicles or bank accounts) to satisfy a money judgment, a process known as garnishment or judicial seizure. This is a vital component of the civil justice system that allows creditors to collect debts.
  • Serving Legal Documents: Deputy Constables are tasked with serving subpoenas, summonses, and other court documents, ensuring due process is followed in thousands of civil cases.
  • Bailiff Duties: The City Constable must detail deputy constables to act as bailiffs for each of the city judges, maintaining order and security within the City Court.

These functions require a unique blend of law enforcement skills and a deep understanding of civil law, making the Constable's office an essential, specialized arm of the judicial system in East Baton Rouge Parish. The City Constable’s office is, therefore, a crucial piece of the local legal infrastructure, separate from the City of Baton Rouge Police Department and the EBR Sheriff's Office.

Recent Political Landscape: The High-Stakes 2024 Election

The most significant recent event shaping the East Baton Rouge Constable's office was the highly publicized 2024 election for the Baton Rouge City Court Constable seat. The election pitted incumbent Constable Terrica Williams against a formidable challenger, State Representative C. Denise Marcelle.

The contest drew significant attention because it was a battle between two well-known Democratic women, each touting extensive experience. Constable Williams ran on a platform of accomplishments from her first term, which included modernizing the office and prioritizing the welfare of her staff.

Key Achievements of the Incumbent (2019-2024 Term):

  • Salary Increase: Williams secured an 11% salary increase for deputy constables, addressing a long-standing issue of staff compensation.
  • Equipment Upgrade: She introduced comprehensive training programs and provided over 40 new bulletproof vests, significantly improving deputy safety and professionalism.
  • Operational Efficiency: Her focus was on streamlining the civil process to ensure court orders were executed efficiently and lawfully, an essential function for the Baton Rouge City Court.

The General Election, held on December 7, 2024, was a decisive moment, with the winner assuming office on January 1, 2025, for a new four-year term. The intense political rivalry highlighted the power and influence of the office, confirming that the Constable's role is a critical piece of the local government, not just a ceremonial position. The victor of this contest is now responsible for overseeing the civil legal process for the vast majority of the parish's population, impacting everything from small claims to business disputes. This electoral battle underscores the importance of the Constable in the local political and judicial ecosystem.

The outcome, whether a re-election of Williams or the election of Marcelle, determined the leadership that would guide the office through future challenges in civil enforcement, including the complex issues surrounding post-pandemic evictions and the modernization of court services. The new term, beginning in 2025, promises a continued focus on transparency and efficiency in the execution of the state's judicial mandates within East Baton Rouge Parish.

Understanding the Legal Entities and Topical Authority

To fully grasp the Constable’s function, it is necessary to understand the legal framework and entities involved. The Constable's authority is derived from Louisiana Revised Statutes, and the office works in constant coordination with several other governmental bodies.

The office is a distinct entity from the City-Parish government structure, though it operates within the geographic confines of East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge. Its primary relationship is with the Baton Rouge City Court, where the City Judges assign the bulk of the Constable's executive duties.

Furthermore, the Constable’s office must navigate complex legal requirements set forth by the Louisiana State Legislature and often consults with the East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney's Office on matters of legal process. The Constables of the Justice of the Peace Courts are explicitly granted the power to appoint deputy constables as necessary to fulfill their duties in the various wards, ensuring that even in the less-populated areas, the rule of law and civil process can be executed effectively.

The distinction between the Constable and the Sheriff is vital: the Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the parish, while the Constable is the chief executive officer of the City Court, primarily focused on the civil side of the law. This specialized focus on civil law execution—from writs of fi. fa. (seizure and sale) to temporary restraining orders—is what makes the East Baton Rouge Constable a unique and powerful local authority.

In conclusion, the East Baton Rouge Constable's Office is a cornerstone of the parish’s judicial system, responsible for the delicate and often difficult task of executing civil justice. The 2024 election brought unprecedented focus to this essential office, ensuring that its vital functions—from preserving public peace to enforcing court judgments—will continue to be executed with a renewed mandate and commitment to the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.

5 Shocking Facts About the East Baton Rouge Constable’s Office You Didn't Know
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