They were to patrol the counties with horse and foot, but especially with horse.
They were to guard against robberies and tumults and to bring criminals to punishment.

They were to take charge of the public morals, and see the laws put in force against drunkenness, blasphemy, plays and interludes, profanation of the Lord's Day, and disorderliness generally.

They were to keep a register of all disaffected persons, remove arms from their houses, note their changes of residence, and take security for the good behaviour of themselves, their families, and servants.

All travellers and strangers were bound to appear before them, and give an account of themselves and their business.

They were to arrest vagabonds and persons with no visible means of living.