The duties and responsibilities of the Constable originate within our State Constitution, and, while his electors are voters of his/her precinct, his/her commission is signed by the Governor and his authorities are (technically) statewide; making him lawfully, though not financially, independent of control by the County Judge or the Commissioners of the county in which he/she serves. Yet despite their broad authority, most Constables limit their activities to their elective precinct where they proudly continue to serve - as they have for more than a thousand years of history - as the first line protection for the people. They are, and have always been, the first Community Oriented Police. The modern Constable is the chief process server of the Justice Court, serving a variety of judicial processes and notices; is often called upon to serve process for County and even District courts. He is responsible for the safekeeping of property seized under the authority of the Justice Court and exercises a wide range of criminal law enforcement authority including traffic enforcement, accident investigation, investigation of all classes of crimes and has full power of arrest. The office has had a place in history for over a thousand years.


Constable John Hatzenbuhler has Served as Your Precinct 4 Constable for the Past 19 Years. During his tenure here, he has initiated and enhanced the quality of Professionalism of the Constables Office.

Given a budget to work with each year, Constable Hatzenbuhler has never gone over that limit. This is important that the tax payers money is spent very wisely.

Constable Hatzenbuhler has brought the Department into the 21st Century by utilizing the resources available to him. When he first took the Oath of Office, there were only two people assigned to it. There were no computers to enhance the quality of work. Since that time there have been twelve more personnel positions added to assist in the work load and computers to assist in the work process.

Some of the Constables mandated duties include

• Baliff to the Courts
• Warrants Service
• Civil Process

Constable Hatzenbuhler and his staff have been able to uphold these Mandated Duties with Professionalism and Integrity. He and his staff have also initiated and kept the ASAP (Absent Student Assistant Program) Program going at the Northwest Independent School District. This program is to curtail school truancy. This program was designed so that the school notifies the Constable's office concerning a student who has not been attending school. In return, Constable Hatzenbuhler or one of his deputies are dispatched to the students parents home that evening to see how the problem may be corrected.

Constable Hatzenbuhler's love for working with kids to prevent future criminals is shown through his work of Magic with them. Constable Hatzenbuhler is well known for his Program an anti-drug program which has been very successful. This program has brought recognition from many people to include President George Bush, President George W. Bush, First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Governor Rick Perry, Fox 33 "Home Town Hero" Award just to name a few.



To Continue in the high Standards and Professionalism currently in this office.

Continue the Service Programs offered to the Citizens of Denton County, I.E.:

• 1. ASAP (Absent Student Assistance Program).

This program works when the school notifies our office of students who have unexcused absences. A deputy is then dispatched to speak with the parents that evening. The school only gets paid when the student is in school, therefore, we get the student back in school the next day, saving tax payers money as well.

• 2. "Smiling Mugs Use No Drugs" Anti-Drug Magic Program

Offered to area schools where Constable John Hatzenbuhler uses magic illusions to hold the students attention while offering anti-drug messages and encouragement to stay in school and get their education.

• 3. Constable John Hatzenbuhler's office is currently totally computerized and deputies are crossed trained to enable officers to fill in and assist as necessary.
  Currently we are adding computers and audio video to the patrol cars.

• 4.  Another goal that Constable John Hatzenbuhler has is to remain within the county budget. Since he was elected Constable, they have never gone over budget and have operated on one of the lowest budgets in the county, returning unspent funds to the county and taxpayers.