What does the sergeant of arms do?

What Does the Sergeant at Arms Do?

The Sergeant at Arms is a prestigious and historic role in the United States, responsible for maintaining order and security within the Capitol Building and other legislative buildings. In this article, we will delve into the duties and responsibilities of the Sergeant at Arms, exploring the history and significance of this important position.

History of the Sergeant at Arms

The Office of the Sergeant at Arms has its roots in the early days of the United States, dating back to 1789 when the first Sergeant at Arms, William Dunning, was appointed by the First Congress. The role has undergone many changes over the years, but its primary responsibilities have remained the same: to maintain order, protect the Capitol Building and its occupants, and perform various ceremonial duties.

Primary Responsibilities

The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for:

• Maintaining Order: The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for ensuring the security and safety of the Capitol Building, its occupants, and visitors. This includes monitoring the gallery and floor of the House and Senate, as well as enforcing rules and regulations within the building.

• Protecting the Capitol Building: The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for securing the Capitol Building and its surroundings, including the East Front and West Front, as well as the grounds and adjacent buildings.

• Ceremonial Duties: The Sergeant at Arms performs various ceremonial duties, including escorting visiting dignitaries, delivering important documents, and conducting ceremonies such as the opening and closing of Congress.

• Supporting Committee Meetings: The Sergeant at Arms provides support for committee meetings, including arranging logistics, providing security, and maintaining order.

Supporting the Legislative Process

The Sergeant at Arms plays a crucial role in supporting the legislative process by:

• Maintaining Order in the Chamber: The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the House and Senate chambers, ensuring that debates and votes proceed smoothly.

• Coordinating Floor Activities: The Sergeant at Arms works with the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to coordinate floor activities, including scheduling votes and debating.

• Providing Information to Members: The Sergeant at Arms provides important information to Members of Congress, including voting records, bill information, and committee assignments.

Supporting Law Enforcement

The Sergeant at Arms works closely with law enforcement agencies, including:

• United States Capitol Police: The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for working with the United States Capitol Police to maintain security and enforce laws within the Capitol Complex.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The Sergeant at Arms works with the FBI to investigate and prosecute crimes committed within the Capitol Complex.

• Metropolitan Police Department (MPD): The Sergeant at Arms works with the MPD to maintain security and enforce laws within the surrounding area.

Personnel and Budget

The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for:

• Recruiting and Training Personnel: The Sergeant at Arms recruits and trains a team of staff and officers, including uniformed police officers and support staff.

• Managing the Budget: The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for managing a budget that includes funding for personnel, equipment, and services.

Conclusion

The Sergeant at Arms is a critical role in the United States Capitol, responsible for maintaining order, protecting the building and its occupants, and supporting the legislative process. The role requires a deep understanding of the legislative process, strong leadership skills, and the ability to work effectively with law enforcement agencies. The Sergeant at Arms plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of the Capitol Complex and is an important part of American history and tradition.

Table: Responsibilities of the Sergeant at Arms

Bullets List: Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining order and decorum in the House and Senate chambers
• Providing support for committee meetings
• Coordinating floor activities
• Delivering important documents
• Escorting visiting dignitaries
• Conducting ceremonies
• Maintaining order in the gallery and floor of the House and Senate
• Providing security and support for the President and other dignitaries