The City Guard Department was one of the most important divisions within the Linji City Government Office. No one dared to skim off the constables' pay, so their salaries were always disbursed on time and in full.
The Lishui Sub-Department was a major district, so its constables' salaries were slightly higher than those of other Sub-Departments. An official constable earned a monthly salary of one tael and three mace of silver, while a Preparatory Constable earned nine hundred copper coins per month.
On such a salary, an official constable could support a family of four or five without issue. A Preparatory Constable, however, would have to be more frugal.
Of course, in the eyes of the common folk, City Guard Department constables were 'the law.' Official constables often had some extra income on the side, but it was never a significant amount.
