Dave Cox
Dave Cox, a State Constable, has announced he is seeking the District Justice post for the Kennett Square area.
“Dedication, loyalty, and availability are what the citizens of our community want,” Cox said in a statement. “A judge that is reachable AND available 24/7. Our community bond will grow stronger, our children will thrive, and our businesses will expand. The 30 years of service to all the citizens of Pennsylvania as a State Constable clearly exhibits my unprecedented knowledge and experience at ground level. Helping, guiding, and consoling lives during their crisis or tragedy is a natural characteristic for me. I will uphold the law and respect the people as a full-time judge, while working every day to enrich the lives of our people in this great community.”
Cox is a lifelong resident of Chester County. At an early age, Cox said he learned from his parents, to take nothing for granted. His father was a successful educator in the West Chester Area School District. His mother worked as a professional and homemaker. Dave’s parents provided the foundation to help him understand that hard work and commitment are critical to a man’s success.
Cox currently is a sworn Law Enforcement / Peace Officer that can arrest for felony crimes and breaches of the peace committed in his presence, or by warrant anywhere in the commonwealth. He is empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws. Police Officers are empowered to enforce criminal and traffic laws. He is empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system, by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies.
Cox said he takes his oath as State Constable proudly. He feels privileged to have the ability to carry out responsibilities that the other candidates are not empowered or authorized to do. Constables are the only Law Enforcement Officials permitted at the polls on Election Day. They primarily serve the Courts but they belong to the executive branch of government.
Cox is elected at the municipal level, however State law governs Constables and they have statewide authority, thus the title became “State Constable.”
Cox’s duties as a Constable are: “to uphold the law fairly and firmly; pursue and bring to justice those who break the law; keep the peace; protect, help and reassure the community; to be seen to do all this with integrity, common sense and sound judgement; be compassionate, courteous and patient, acting without fear or favor or prejudice to the rights of others; be professional, calm and restrained in the face of violence and apply only that force which is necessary to accomplish our lawful duty; strive to reduce the fears of the public and, so far as we can, to reflect their priorities in the action we take.”
Cox has worked as a Pennsylvania State Constable since 1988. While continuing to work full-time as a State Constable, Dave attended West Chester University. In 1995 he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. Dave is certified by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is trained to provide service and security to the Courts’ Minor Judiciary.
In July 2016 Cox became certified by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, as successfully completing a rigorous training and education program, on his first attempt, administered by the Minor Judiciary Education Board.
Cox has all the required, necessary, and natural qualifications along with the ability to communicate effectively with all citizens, no matter what their origin may be. Cox’s educational achievements, certifications, and 30 years’ experience as a Pennsylvania State Constable affords him the knowledge and understanding of the Chester County’s District Court process. he said he knows first-hand how the Court operates by being involved in its “internal” operations and not just as an occasional “external” participant.
In addition to Cox’s judiciary responsibilities, he wants to carry on the legacy of his father and his commitment to our children and youth; which started years ago as a Past President of the Police Athletic League of West Chester. Cox said he will dedicate time and effort working with Kennett and Unionville / Chadds Ford School Districts to help keep our youth on a path to a safe and brighter future. He also said he will tackle the issue of truancy; provide opportunities for children and young adults; and co-author programs to influence prosperity intellectually and actively in our community.
Cox said that he will help those who come before him struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction; family crisis; disability challenges; domestic and crime victims. Dave will communicate with each individual, obtain a better understanding of their specific needs, and provide resources directing them to treatment and support they are looking for.
Cox also points to his ability to resolve conflict as being unprecedented. His delivery is calm, yet effective, and his level of common sense sets him apart from the other candidates. He said believes that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, a “right” that our society too often forgets.
