The Serjeant-at-Arms

Who is the Serjeant-at-Arms?

The Serjeant-at-Arms is an officer of the House of Representatives.

What does the Serjeant-at-Arms do?

The Serjeant-at-Arms is always in the Chamber during sittings of the House. He or she sits at the back of the Chamber, next to the main entrance. In the Chamber, the Serjeant-at-Arms fulfils a ceremonial role and acts on the Speaker’s instructions to keep order.

At the beginning of each sitting of the House, the Serjeant-at-Arms enters the Chamber before the Speaker, carrying the Mace over his or her right shoulder and announces the Speaker’s arrival. The Serjeant also records Members’ attendance and carries messages to the Senate.

When asked by the Speaker, the Serjeant may escort unruly Members out of the Chamber. He or she is also responsible for keeping order in the galleries overlooking the Chamber and may take into custody anyone who causes a disturbance.

The origins of the office of Serjeant-at Arms

The office of Serjeant-at-Arms originates in the UK Parliament. King Richard I (reigned 1157-1199) copied the French tradition of a royal bodyguard of armed men known as Serjeants. Each of these men carried a club-like weapon called a mace, which was stamped with the Royal coat of arms. Their duties included arresting traitors and others who committed crimes against the King.