Parish Constable

Galot sat up, "Why'd you want to become the Parish Constable, sire?"
His lord, Tomas Redmayne, gave him a wry smile, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in the most literal sense of the word."

The title Parish Constable is a voluntary position given to local landowners by the county Sheriff. Once appointed, they are expected to complete their duties for a year before being replaced, but some who are committed to serving justice stay longer. Others, more understandably, are eager to be rid of the experience as soon as possible so they never have to take it up again.
Even in high society the role is seen as a badge of honour, marking out particularly brave landowners from the rest without much else to show for the effort. To the common people, however, they're a glorified menace. As the face of the law in a commoner's everyday life, they're often the outlet for a villager's anger at the recent tax increases or the punching bag for errant youths. Given a overwhelming administrative and physical task but still thought less deserving than the honourable peasant, they look to protect their parish from trouble but end up in the thick of it. 

Qualifications

Candidates to become Parish Constables are chosen from local landowners but otherwise need no other qualifications to be given the title, at least legally. Before they take on the duties themselves, they might shadow the current constable and their posse for a week.

Appointment

The rank of Parish Constable is conferred by the local Sheriff once the term of the previous constable has finished, unless they've served many years. Since the change in Parish Constable is so frequent and a Sheriff might be in charge of the legal concerns in many parishes, a formal letter from the Sheriff informing them of their new position is the extent of formalities. 
Upon appointment, it is expected in rural parishes that a donation be made to the local church or monastery for its upkeep, though the amount is rarely substantial. With the church as a pillar of the community, it's the easiest and most transparent way to "give back" upon being appointed a constable. 

Duties

They are expected to oversee relief given to the poor, look out for local vagabonds and to keep order in ale houses and taverns. Parish Constables are also morally obligated to prevent a crime from being committed if it's within their power to do so.
Though not beholden to moral values as much as those sworn into an Oath of Chivalry, the Parish Constable must also stand as a compass in their parish. Whether the needle is pointed more to virtue or the law depends on the Constable.

Responsibilities

Local Guardian

Their role is to maintain the smooth operation of the parish, acting as a local official. The Parish Constable is responsible for the following:

• Organising and supervising road and bridge repairs
• Checking weights and measures in shops and marketplaces
• Licensing ale houses and keeping order
• Impound stray animals
• Arrest criminal suspects
• Carry out minor punishment, such as whippings
• Monitor the behaviour of apprentices
  

Court Proceedings

With courts only visiting a local area once every two years, it often falls to the Parish Constable and the Sheriff to settle most criminal cases. The Parish Constable holds "petty sessions" to deal with minor crimes when they are committed, such as petty theft or disorderly conduct.
In more serious instances, such as assaults or murder, these are discussed four times a year in "quarterly sessions". These are presided over by the Sheriff where all the Parish Constables of the county are expected to attend and assist in passing judgement.
When the case involves witchcraft, rioting, or needs more expert knowledge, the Parish Constable keeps suspects detained until the arrival of the assize courts. Around Torridan (July), a judge and jury will come to the county a pass judgements on pending cases in the local area.

Benefits

The benefits of becoming a Parish Constable are mainly political rather than monetary, with the position being unpaid. Most landowners aspire to say: "I was Parish Constable, you know", but never want to actually be appointed one. Being a Parish Constable also encourages trust between the local landowners and the people that live in the parish.

Accoutrements & Equipment

The Parish Constable and the posse they elect to serve under them have a customary uniform to distinguish themselves from regular citizens. Some note that since parishes are rather small, there would be no need for such a mode of dress.
They usually wear a dark purple cloak, a signature colour for law enforcement. Most cloaks are passed down through the generations in each parish, since the colours are so difficult to dye. Therefore, most of them aren't quite the right shade and have a mysterious tint of grey or brown to them.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Just as a landowner can be appointed by the Sheriff to become a Parish Constable, they can also be removed or dismissed from his position. Since dismissing one would also mean having to appoint another, sheriffs are overall reluctant to dismiss a Parish Constable unless they have an adverse affect on their own reputation.

Cultural Significance

It's an important but thankless job. To those who end up on the short end of their inspections, they're seen as no better than sheriffs or taxmen, eager to bleed common folk dry.
Though the position is supposed to be given to landowners, they more often send their heirs to complete these menial tasks. So, despite good intentions, it marks the privileged from the masses whilst also being a source of mockery. Locals have fun guessing what sort of landowner a Petty Constable will become depending on how they treat commoners and how well they keep to their duties. Most former constables boast how the experience "builds character" to undermine how disparaging the work can become.

Type

Civic, Law

Status

In effect

Form of Address

His Lawful

Alternative Naming

Petty Constable

Source of Authority

Authorised by the Sheriff, whose authorisation comes from the Judges and the Council

Length of Term

1 year minimum term, appointed once a lifetime