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East Tennessee Constable Association President Kent Harris said in-service training will begin on Thursday, Sept.  9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hamblen County Courthouse, 510 Allison Street in Morristown. Chief Training Officer Ken Potter said 40 hours training is mandatory each year for a constable.
Potter holds certifications from both Department of Safety/Homeland Security and Department of Commerce and Insurance for the State of Tennessee. He has written and taught many post certified courses and has served more than 40 years in law enforcement.
President Harris said use of force training will be elevated to a higher level this year to stay ahead of pending laws dealing with the use of force. In addition he said the constables will be certified on proper use of batons. Other courses will include child abuse, domestic violence, active shooter, officer survival, building searches, shoplifting/theft and serving civil process, interview and interrogation along with sexual harassment. Firearms and Range Certification are also included in training. After the training is concluded there will be a business meeting and awards given. Any constable in the State of Tennessee will be eligible to attend the training by contacting President Harris. Training Officer Potter said training will be more vital than ever, with much focus on de-escalation of force. In-depth training on deadly force will be examined.
Instructors are Kenneth R. Potter, Constable, 7th District of Carter County; Edward Tester, Post Certified Sheriff of Johnson County; State Certified and Post Certified Instructor Jerry Stout; Carroll Glover, retired Tennessee State Trooper; David Walker, retired Lt. Narcotics Officer, Unicoi County; and David “Kent” Harris, Washington County Commissioner and retired Sheriff of Unicoi County.
President Harris said in looking at the lineup of instructors and the topics being taught, this will be a great training class for all constables. 
For information or to enroll, call President Harris at (423) 335-3775.