sentences:  Under the Constitution of 1869, a Reconstruction document that centralized many governmental functions, no constables were elected in Texas from 1869 to 1872, though some were appointed by justices of the peace.Many of these appointees lacked experience in handling violent offenders and access to secure jail facilities, and had few deputies to call upon for assistance.They were no match for the poor, embittered, and heavily armed former soldiers from both sides who roamed the state, often turning to crime.