George Hoffman, Maricopa’s constable

In November Maricopa resident George Hoffman was elected constable of the Maricopa/Stanfield Justice Court. Prior to that, as interim constable, he completed the term of Ralph Riley, who retired in January for medical reasons.

Hoffman was born in Jacksonville, S.C. in 1947. “My dad was in the Marines so we moved quite a bit,” said Hoffman. The family moved to Encinitas, Ca., when Hoffman was 10, and he grew up and went to school there. “I surfed, lettered in golf and tried football,” he said.

After graduation Hoffman drove ambulances for 12 years, worked construction for three years and became a reserve police officer in 1976. Four years later he was hired as a regular police officer, spending 24 and one half years with the San Diego Police Department until his retirement four years ago. He worked patrol, traffic investigation, administration, homicide and child abuse–all providing background and experience for his present job as constable.

“My background in law enforcement helps me, as I have learned to listen and be helpful to the people I serve,” said Hoffman.

A constable serves civil papers for the court, including orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, wage garnishments and summons. Hoffman continues to train through the Arizona Constables Association and says he has a very good working relationship with Maricopa police and fire departments, as well as the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

“As constable I meet a lot of people in various steps of distress,” explained Hoffman. “Through my job I am able to assist them with their problems and show them where to go for help.”

According to Hoffman, constables have been an important part of Arizona’s justice system since 1912. The job requires a willingness to work with the community and its citizens, and the term of office is four years.

Hoffman and his wife Catherine moved to Maricopa in 2004 after his police retirement. He has one son in Chandler and a son and daughter in California.

Photo by Joyce Hollis