Compensation
Justices of the Peace and Constables receive compensation from two sources: a salary fixed and paid by the parish governing authority, and state supplemental pay. Both forms of compensation are contingent on meeting training requirements.
Parish Salary
Section titled “Parish Salary”The parish governing authority (police jury or parish council) sets and pays the salaries of Justices of the Peace and Constables.
Minimum Requirements
Section titled “Minimum Requirements”- Minimum salary: $75.00 per month
- Salaries may be graded based on workload or other factors
- Not all JPs and Constables in a parish need receive the same salary
The $75.00 minimum includes the amount provided under R.S. 13:5802 and is not in addition to it.
Parish-Specific Minimums
Section titled “Parish-Specific Minimums”Some parishes have established higher minimums by statute:
| Parish | Minimum Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| St. Landry | $100.00 |
| Ouachita | $30.00 |
State Supplemental Pay
Section titled “State Supplemental Pay”In addition to the parish salary, the state provides supplemental compensation to every Justice of the Peace and Constable.
Amount
Section titled “Amount”The state pays an additional salary equal to the amount paid by the parish, up to a maximum of $120.00 per month, provided funds are appropriated by the legislature.
Payment Process
Section titled “Payment Process”- Parish officials forward salary warrants to the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections by the 10th of each month
- The Secretary prepares and signs checks to the parish on behalf of each JP and Constable
- The parish treasurer calculates withholdings and distributes the net amount to JPs and Constables within 30 days
Training Requirement for Compensation
Section titled “Training Requirement for Compensation”Compensation from both parish and state sources is contingent on meeting training requirements.
Requirement
Section titled “Requirement”Every Justice of the Peace and Constable must attend at least one Justice of the Peace Training Course offered by the Attorney General every other year.
Consequence of Non-Compliance
Section titled “Consequence of Non-Compliance”A JP or Constable who fails to attend the required training:
- Does not earn or receive parish compensation
- Does not receive state supplemental pay
- Remains ineligible until attending a course and receiving a certificate of completion from the Attorney General
No Fees in Criminal Matters
Section titled “No Fees in Criminal Matters”Justices of the Peace and Constables cannot receive fees in criminal matters or peace bond cases. They perform criminal duties regardless of whether salary is being paid.
Litter Violation Reimbursement
Section titled “Litter Violation Reimbursement”Local governing bodies that receive civil or criminal fines for littering under state law or parish ordinance must reimburse JPs and Constables who handle these violations.
The reimbursement covers:
- Time spent handling litter violations
- Expenses incurred by the JP, Constable, deputy constable, or special deputy constable
Additional Reimbursements
Section titled “Additional Reimbursements”- Caddo Parish: JP courts and constable offices are also reimbursed for handling property standards violations
- St. Tammany Parish: JP courts and constable offices are also reimbursed for property standards and nuisance violations as defined by local ordinance
Training Expense Reimbursement
Section titled “Training Expense Reimbursement”When the parish governing authority determines funds are available, it may reimburse each JP and Constable for expenses actually incurred by attending the Justice of the Peace Training Course, including:
- Mileage
- Lodging
- Meals
- Related expenses
Reimbursement rates are based on the Division of Administration’s travel expense rates, and a written, itemized voucher is required.
Marriage Ceremony Fees
Section titled “Marriage Ceremony Fees”A Justice of the Peace who performs a marriage ceremony may charge a usual and customary fee for that service. This fee is separate from other compensation.
Summary
Section titled “Summary”| Compensation Source | Amount | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Parish salary | Minimum $75/month | Training compliance |
| State supplemental | Up to $120/month | Training compliance |
| Criminal matter fees | Prohibited | — |
| Litter reimbursement | Time and expenses | Handle violations |
| Marriage ceremony | Usual and customary fee | Perform ceremony |
| Training expense | Per Division of Administration | Funds available |
Related Topics
Section titled “Related Topics”- Training & Credentialing — Required courses
- Constable — Constable duties
- Court Fees & Costs — Civil fee schedule