Sergeant-at-Arms of the Massachusetts General Court – Boston, MA

Sergeant-at-Arms of the General Court

The Sergeant-at-Arms is the chief administrative and law enforcement officer for the Massachusetts General Court, the state’s legislature. Located within the historic Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill, this officer is elected by the House of Representatives and the Senate to ensure the safety, security, and decorum of the legislative chambers. The office plays a critical role in the daily operations of the government, overseeing a staff of General Court Officers (court officers) who protect legislators, staff, and the visiting public.

Duties and Responsibilities

The core functions of the Sergeant-at-Arms include:

• Security and Order: Enforcing rules of conduct and maintaining order during legislative sessions and public hearings.
• Protocol: Coordinating ceremonial events, joint sessions of the legislature, and official visits by dignitaries.
• Facility Access: Managing access to the House and Senate chambers and overseeing the physical maintenance of legislative spaces.
• Emergency Response: Working in coordination with the State Police and other agencies to handle emergencies within the State House.

Visiting the State House

The Sergeant-at-Arms’ office is responsible for the security screening process at the General Hooker and Ashburton Park entrances. All visitors must pass through metal detectors and have bags x-rayed. While the State House is open to the public, specific galleries or chambers may be restricted during sessions. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately and adhere to strict rules regarding noise and photography in secure areas.