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September 13, 2009

Constables: A fading local presence

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG

DANNEMORA — Like many communities, the Village of Dannemora sees its share of vandalism, rowdy teens and late-night antics.

That's why the village has opted to remain one of the few communities in the area that still employs constables to keep watch over the streets and parks.

"They're the eyes of the community," Village Mayor Michael Bennett said.

"They see things and report it to the proper authorities."

ON WATCH
As a longtime local resident, Bennett has seen firsthand the difference the part-time positions have made.

"It's been positive for the village. I think it's definitely helped, especially when the kids see them out there."

More than a decade ago, Bennett said, the village was plagued by seemingly constant vandalism, which led to the creation of the constable positions.

The village has two part-time constables, who operate on flexible and staggered shifts.

They look for everything from possible break-ins at vacant buildings to park-curfew violations and vandalism.

And the biggest advantage, Bennett said, is that they can spot problems and call in law-enforcement personnel immediately.

Though constables can't stop all the mischief and vandalism, Bennett said, they're a great asset to slowing it down.

"And it's been pretty quiet this year so far."

CHAZY CONSTABLE
In Chazy, there's one part-time constable position to help with administrative duties, such as serving papers, rather than patrolling area roadways.

"We don't really use the constable for that purpose (patrols) at all," Town Supervisor Staub Spiegel said recently.

The former constable resigned earlier this year, and town officials will decide in the coming months whether to keep the position, Spiegel said.

As for Dannemora, Bennett hopes the positions there will remain for years to come.

"There's a lot less vandalism than there used to be, and it's (having constables) saved the village quite a bit of money."

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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