CT GENERAL COURT

Massachusetts. General Court. Sergeant-at-Arms.
  Agency history record.
 
  Pursuant to St 1835, c 154 a sergeant-at-arms was appointed
by the General Court.  The sergeant-at-arms was required to
serve processes and execute orders enjoined upon him by either
or both branches of the General Court and was to attend
members or clerks of either branch charged with a message from
one branch to the other.  Additional duties included
preservation of order among spectators at legislative
sessions; appointment and supervision of doorkeepers,
watchmen, and assistants; maintenance and inspection of the
legislative chambers; and providing security for the State
House and grounds.
 
  Subsequent legislation (St 1881, c 275; St 1887, c 128; see
also PS c 5) added to and more clearly defined the custodial
duties of the office.  During the reorganization of state
government in 1919, such responsibilities as the purchase of
furniture, equipment, and fixtures were transferred to the
superintendent of buildings (St 1919, c 350, ss 19, 22).  In
1902 the sergeant- at-arms was granted powers of arrest equal
to those of the Boston police for criminal offenses committed
in or around the State House.  St 1890, c 456 instructed the
sergeant-at-arms to prepare and keep docket books of
legislative agents and counsel.  This function was transferred
to the state secretary's office by St 1973, c 981.
 
  035: CT3
 
  ID: MASVAH0028-A