MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: County Affairs

By: Representative Formby

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 19-19-1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF EACH COUNTY TO FURNISH CONSTABLES AT LEAST FIVE COMPLETE UNIFORMS, INCLUDING BELTS AND REGALIA, BLUE FLASHING LIGHTS OF AT LEAST THIRTY-FIVE WATTS TO AFFIX TO THEIR MOTOR VEHICLES AND SUCH OTHER EQUIPMENT AS MAY BE NECESSARY FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 19-19-1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

19-19-1. (1) In accordance with the provisions of Section 19-19-1, there shall be a competent number of constables in each county of the state.

(2) The board of supervisors shall furnish each constable with at least five (5) complete uniforms, including belts and regalia, and with some type of motor vehicle identification which clearly indicates that the motor vehicle is being used by a constable in his official capacity. The board shall also furnish to each constable such equipment as may be necessary to perform the law enforcement duties of the constable. A constable shall, at all times while on official duty, wear his uniform and, when in his vehicle, clearly display his official motor vehicle identification required to be furnished pursuant to this subsection. In addition, the board of supervisors shall provide each constable with a blue flashing light of at least thirty-five (35) watts which the constable shall affix to his motor vehicle at all times while using such motor vehicle on official duty. The design of such uniforms, the design of such motor vehicle identification, the equipment required for the law enforcement duties of a constable and the type of such flashing blue light shall be prescribed by the Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training in order that all constables within the state shall be similarly equipped.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1998.