Brazoria County Pct. 4 Constable James Brawner was named the new President of the National Constables and Marshals Association.
On March 11, the announcement was made during a banquet in New Orleans. This is yet another honor for Brawner, who was also named Constable of the Year by the Association.
Brawner said he hopes to grow the membership of the agency and to work with state associations across the U.S to supplement them in providing up to date training that is needed to make sure that Constables, Marshals and their deputies are equipped to do their jobs in the ever-changing times. Deputies not only have to be civil and criminal law enforcement officers but they have to be counselors at times, be able to recognize and react in the field to mental health disorders and be mindful and sensitive to cultural differences that could raise tensions. LEO’s, in general, have to be aware of implicit bias as well as the community’s perception of how the law and its punishment is being applied. The punishment phase of the criminal justice system may not have anything to do with a street officer, however; they are usually the ones that catch the bulk of the blame. Brawner wants to continue the education where the conversation is held and the tough subjects are talked about because he believes that is the only way to gain the trust of the community, educate the officers of the communities needs as well as build trust and transparency with the people that they serve.
Brawner said he wants to build a National Legislative team that works toward assisting the state association with professional standards and any other legislative concern that may come up, as well as support its members when they are in a time of need.
In addition to Brawner being elected as the President of the NCMA, he was presented with the prestigious award of National Constable of the Year 2020. This award is usually nominated locally and then voted on by the board of directors of the NCMA. Brawner was nominated by members of the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office and staff from the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas at Sam Houston State University. Commonly referred to as LEMIT, the staff there get to know Constables from across the state of Texas as they are the legislated education center for constables and police chiefs. Every newly elected constable in Texas has to attend a 40-hour familiarization class during their first term as well as a 40 continuing education. In addition, constables may apply to the Texas Constable’s Leadership College. The TCLC is a three module class that works to introduce constables to different effective styles of leadership and helps to give them tools to become effective leaders and manage highly productive and professional offices in their home jurisdictions. The TCLC curriculum takes place over a calendar year, Brawner is a graduate of class #13 and has the TCLC professional designation.
Brawner said that receiving this award is a huge honor and that he doesn’t take the weight of it lightly and that he acknowledges the hard work of his deputies and staff and credits them in being a huge factor in receiving the award. “ My staff works hard every day carrying out my vision for the Precinct 4 Constables office and without them, our office wouldn’t enjoy these types of acknowledgment.” Brawner also wanted to acknowledge the Brazoria County Commissioners Court for being supportive and helping his office work toward their vision.
The National Constables and Marshals Association is an association that was founded in 1973 to work toward uniting Constables and Marshals across the nation in professional training and ethics. Its further aim is to protect and upgrade and protect the position from abolishment.
Brawner is the first President elected from the state of Texas in the 47 years since being founded.
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