Office Location
107 North Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2548
Sergeant-at-Arms
JB Cullen
Staff
Description
History of the Sergeant-at-Arms
Sergeants-at-Arms have been a part of parliamentary history since 1279 when Edward I of Britain formed a bodyguard of 20 Sergeants-at-Arms. The Sergeant-at-Arms was an armed officer of a lord and was often one of a special body required to be in immediate attendance on the king's person, to arrest traitors and other offenders. A Sergeant-at-Arms is an officer of a legislative body who preserves order and executes commands.
The Sergeant-at-Arms as an officer of the House
The Sergeant-at-Arms is elected by the House members at the beginning of each biennium. The Sergeant-at-Arms is charged with the duty of maintaining order and decorum along with overseeing and managing the security of the House while in session or in committee hearings. The Sergeant-at-Arms office serves as a liaison with Protective Services and New Hampshire State Police in providing security for House meeting areas. The Sergeant-at-Arms may be requested by the Speaker to locate and escort members to the Chamber for a roll call vote.