The 5 Biggest Controversies And Essential Facts About Bexar County Constable Precinct 3
Bexar County Constable Precinct 3, led by the long-serving Constable Mark Vojvodich, is one of the four key law enforcement divisions responsible for maintaining peace and executing judicial duties within its specific geographical area of Bexar County, Texas. As of late 2025, the Precinct 3 office continues to be a focal point of discussion due to its unique approach to law enforcement, its ambitious budget proposals, and the distinctive branding that sets it apart—and sometimes puts it at odds—with other county departments.
The office, located in San Antonio, operates with a dual mandate: providing traditional police assistance as peace officers and fulfilling the crucial civil process duties mandated by the state. This article provides a comprehensive and up-to-date look at the Precinct 3 office, the man who runs it, its essential functions, and the high-profile issues that keep it in the news.
Constable Mark Vojvodich: Biography and Professional Profile
The Bexar County Constable Precinct 3 office has been under the leadership of Constable Mark Vojvodich since 2008. His long tenure has been marked by both stability and a series of high-profile initiatives that have often generated debate among county officials and the public.
- Incumbent: Mark Vojvodich (Republican Party)
- First Elected: 2008
- Current Term Expires: 2028
- Military Background: U.S. Air Force Veteran
- Family Lineage: Son of Ellie Vojvodich and U.S. Air Force Major General Mele Vojvodich
- Primary Office Location: 320 Interpark Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78216
- Core Role: Chief administrative and law enforcement officer for Bexar County Precinct 3
Constable Vojvodich's background as a U.S. Air Force veteran is a foundational element of his leadership style, often reflected in the disciplined approach he brings to the Precinct 3 office. He has consistently championed the idea of the Constable's office as a proactive, full-service police agency, a stance that is central to the most prominent controversies surrounding his department.
The Five Biggest Controversies Surrounding Precinct 3
Unlike other county constables, Precinct 3 has frequently found itself at the center of media attention due to its distinctive operational choices. These decisions, often viewed as innovative by supporters and as "overreach" by critics, define the current state of the office and its relationship with the wider Bexar County government.
1. The "Bexar County Police" Branding Debate
Perhaps the most persistent controversy involves the branding of the Precinct 3 office. Constable Vojvodich has been publicly criticized by fellow county officials for his use of the phrase "Bexar County police" on the precinct's vehicles, uniforms, and official website (bexarpolice.org).
Critics argue that this branding is misleading, as the Texas Constitution establishes the office of Constable, not a county police force. This distinction is crucial, as constables derive their primary authority from the Justice of the Peace (JP) courts and civil process duties, even though they possess full peace officer status. Vojvodich, however, has maintained that the branding accurately reflects the full-service police assistance his deputies provide within the Precinct 3 jurisdiction.
2. Allegations of "Law Enforcement Overreach"
The aggressive branding is tied to broader accusations of "law-enforcement overreach." Some observers, including local journalists, have characterized Constable Vojvodich as a "rogue constable" for pushing the boundaries of the office's traditional scope. These allegations stem from the perception that Precinct 3 is attempting to operate as a general-purpose police department rather than a civil process agency with limited criminal enforcement authority.
3. Implementing the Speed Camera System
In a move that drew significant public and media attention, Constable Vojvodich's office began using a speed camera system within Precinct 3. This technology allows the camera to scan multiple lanes and vehicles simultaneously, raising questions about its legality and application in a county setting. The initiative was part of an effort to enhance traffic enforcement and improve safety, particularly in school zones and high-traffic areas, but it also sparked debate over the use of automated enforcement technologies by a constable's office.
4. Ambitious Staff Expansion and Budget Proposals
In recent years, the Precinct 3 office has presented budget proposals to the Bexar County Commissioners Court that call for significant staff expansion. These proposals aim to streamline operations and increase the department's capacity for both civil and criminal enforcement duties. While the goal is to improve service and response times, such large-scale expansion plans often generate scrutiny from the Commissioners Court, which must balance the needs of all county departments.
5. The Fight for Higher Constable Pay Raises
While not exclusive to Precinct 3, the constables' offices collectively fought for and secured larger pay raises than many other elected officials in the county. This move, which was granted by a salary grievance committee, highlighted the political power and influence of the Constables in Bexar County government, a factor that is often tied to the ongoing discussions about their operational scope and budget.
Essential Services and Core Responsibilities of Precinct 3
Despite the controversies, the primary and most vital function of Bexar County Constable Precinct 3 remains the execution of judicial and peace officer duties mandated by Texas law. The office is a critical component of the county's legal and public safety infrastructure.
Civil Process and Judicial Support
The core statutory duty of any Texas Constable is to serve as the enforcement arm for the Justice of the Peace (JP) courts within their precinct. This involves the service of legal documents, known as civil papers, which are essential for the functioning of the local court system. Key civil duties include:
- Evictions (Forcible Entry and Detainer): Executing writs of possession for residential and commercial properties.
- Warrants: Serving warrants issued by the Justice of the Peace courts.
- Citations and Subpoenas: Delivering legal notices to individuals to appear in court or respond to a lawsuit.
- Seizures and Executions: Carrying out court orders to seize property to satisfy a judgment.
- Pro Se Protective Orders: The office assists citizens in filing protective orders without the need for an attorney.
These judicial duties are often complex and time-sensitive, requiring specialized training and a deep understanding of civil law.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Constable's deputies are fully licensed Texas peace officers, granting them the authority to perform a wide range of law enforcement duties within their precinct's boundaries. This is where Precinct 3, in particular, emphasizes its role as a "police" entity.
- Patrol and Traffic Control: Deputies conduct patrols to deter crime and enforce traffic laws, including the use of specialized systems like the speed camera.
- School and Child Safety: A significant focus is placed on providing police assistance in school zones and ensuring child safety within the precinct.
- Private Security/Hire-A-Deputy: Precinct 3 offers deputies for hire to provide a law enforcement presence for private events, businesses, neighborhoods, and schools, ensuring a dedicated security presence.
- Criminal Investigations: Deputies can investigate criminal offenses and make arrests, just like municipal police or Sheriff's deputies.
Understanding the Precinct 3 Jurisdiction and Community
Bexar County is divided into four Constable Precincts, with Precinct 3 covering a large, diverse area of the county, primarily in the northern and northeastern sections of San Antonio and the surrounding unincorporated areas. The jurisdiction includes a mix of established residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and major traffic corridors.
The Precinct 3 office is accessible to the public during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at its Interpark Boulevard location. Citizens can utilize the official Bexar County website or the Precinct 3 specific website to determine if they fall within the Constable's jurisdiction, which is crucial when dealing with legal or civil service matters.
The office actively seeks to engage with the community, offering programs and information to enhance public safety. Initiatives often focus on crime prevention and providing resources for citizens navigating the legal system, such as the aforementioned Pro Se Protective Order assistance.
In conclusion, Bexar County Constable Precinct 3, under the leadership of Constable Mark Vojvodich, is a dynamic and sometimes controversial force in local law enforcement. Its dual role as a civil process administrator and a proactive police agency ensures it remains a vital, high-profile entity in the Bexar County government structure as it continues to evolve and push the boundaries of the Constable's traditional role.
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