About - Karyn For Constable

About Karyn

Karyn Lathan is the Constable in the University Lakes Justice Precinct, which includes the eastern half of the city of Tempe. She has served your community for six years with integrity and compassion since her election in 2018 and re-election in 2022.

Many families are one paycheck away from eviction and homelessness, so Karyn provides community resources to those who do not have a place to go. Recognizing the traumatic impact of eviction on children, Karyn interacts with families with compassion and care. She is truly the Community Constable, serving both landlord and tenant.

Karyn’s expertise comes from years of experience in many fields:

25 years in law enforcement and corrections as a Police Officer, Correctional Officer, Probation and Parole Officer, and Restorative Justice Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Corrections
Air Force veteran, with service as a law enforcement officer in both South Korea and stateside
Certified victim advocate for 17 years
Founding Chair of the Tempe Family Justice Commission
Tempe Police Chief Advisory Committee
Commissioner on the Tempe Human Relations Commission
Baccalaureate Graduate in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration

Other interests: Solutions for homelessness, touring motorcycles, dogs, beading, and culinary arts

Karyn’s Vision as Your Community Constable

Crisis Services Offered to All: people are one paycheck, one medical bill, or one car repair bill away from eviction. Karyn understands this, and does her job with compassion and without judgement. With evictions at an all-time high, and new funding cuts, many will not be able to afford housing. Karyn provides resources to all being evicted. She is keenly aware that homelessness leads to hopelessness.

People Treated with Dignity and Respect: Karyn draws upon her trauma-informed care training to understand that there are many factors that lead to life situations. She treats everyone with dignity and respect.

Animal Welfare A High Priority: When people are in crisis, pets are sometimes left behind, at times without food or water. Karyn has dog and cat food in her vehicle, and makes sure pets are cared for while a plan for their wellbeing is put into place.

Karyn’s Role as Your Community Constable

Orders of Protection: When a judge issues an order of protection, Karyn serves it upon the defendant. If you feel you are in need of an order of protection, you can go to azcourts.gov to fill out the form. You can then take it to any court where it can be issued.

Criminal and Civil Subpoenas: Karyn carries out service of any paperwork from the Justice Court, including summons, subpoenas, or orders to show cause.

Eviction Orders: Once a judge grants a judgment, unless it is an Immediate judgment the landlord waits five days and can then request an eviction of the tenant. Karyn’s job is to return possession of the residence to the landlord.

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