The California State Assembly
CHIEF SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
The California State Assembly seeks a dynamic leader, confident in their ability to spearhead positive organizational and cultural change, to serve as the
next Chief Sergeant-at-Arms. This unique position requires an experienced law enforcement professional energized by hard-work and motivated by the
complex and interesting challenges encountered in protecting California’s esteemed Assembly Members, staff and the public they serve at the State
Capitol Complex and statewide district offices.
THE REGION
T
he Capital of California, Sacramento is conveniently located halfway between the
Pacific Ocean (San Francisco) to the west, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Lake
Tahoe) to the east. With a population of approximately 470,000, Sacramento is the
7th largest city in California and offers some of the lowest housing prices of major cities in the
state.
Peacefully located in a leafy valley of scenic rivers and canopies of trees, Sacramento is a
cosmopolitan convergence of tall, gleaming buildings, hearty Victorians, splendid restaurants
and shops, and a vibrant arts scene. Annual events held in California’s Capital include the
Sacramento Music Festival & Jubilee, California State Fair, California International Marathon,
Pacific Rim Streetfest, Juneteenth Celebration, Gold Rush Days, Farm-to-Fork Celebration,
Grape Escape, and New Year’s Eve Sky Concert.
The Sacramento region also offers amenities that are attractive to those with an active lifestyle.
Hiking, biking, golfing, snow-skiing, water-skiing, house-boating, and other sports and
recreational opportunities abound. In addition, educational opportunities are plentiful, with
the Sacramento region being home to California State University - Sacramento; University of
California at Davis; Sacramento City College; McGeorge School of Law and other community
and four-year colleges.
THE CAPITOL COMPLEX
T
he State Capitol Complex consists of the Historic Capitol Building and Annex,
Capitol Grounds and the Legislative Office Building. The Assembly Sergeant-atArms, the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and the California Highway Patrol jointly share
jurisdictional responsibility for Public Safety, Service and Security. All three professional law
enforcement entities are unified and rely on their partnership and standing relationships with
the State Executive Offices, the Assembly, the Senate and governing bodies within the Capitol.
The Capitol Complex is encompassed by the City of Sacramento, which operates jointly with
all three Capitol Law Enforcement entities as necessary. Beyond the Capitol, the Assembly
Sergeant-at-Arms operates and liaisons with Federal, State, County and Municipal Agencies
throughout the state and nationally to ensure the highest level of service to its charges and
community.
THE ASSEMBLY
T
he lower house of the California State Legislature, the Assembly consists of 80
Members elected by district who represent the citizens of this vast state from
Oregon to Mexico. During the legislative session from January to September, the
majority of the Members’ time is spent in Sacramento; however, during recesses in the month
of July and September until January, Members spend considerable time in their district offices.
Each Member also has a staff in Sacramento and in their district offices to assist them in
accomplishing their duties to the citizens of California.
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS OFFICE
T
he Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms Office was established at the first meeting of the
California State Assembly on December 15, 1849. Samuel N. Houston, the first
Sergeant-at-Arms, was assigned three specific duties: maintaining decorum,
bringing absent Members into the Chamber and providing security for the Members of the
Assembly.
The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms have expanded greatly since that day; however, the
primary responsibility of providing security for the Members of the State Assembly remains
the same. The Chief Sergeant-at-Arms is an officer of the Assembly with law enforcement,
protocol and administrative responsibilities and is elected by the Assembly Members every
two years. The retiring Chief has served in this position for over 20 years and has been the
primary driving force in the development of the Office as a California Peace Officer Standards
and Training (POST) certified agency.
VISION
The vision of the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms is to
uphold the tradition of excellence in its protective and
investigative mission. The Sergeant-at-Arms will strive
to strengthen its capabilities by improving technological
preparedness, enhancing operational and supporting
infrastructures, and working collaboratively with federal,
state and local partners.
The greatest asset of the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms has
been, and always will be, its workforce. Equipped with
the best resources and practices, the men and women of
the Sergeant-at-Arms consistently strive to prevent and
mitigate threats and attacks against protectees, protected
sites and protected events. Employees are dedicated to
accomplishing the Sergeant-at-Arms mission in the
most effective and efficient ways, through commitment,
teamwork and accountability. By maintaining a tradition
of excellence and service, the Assembly Sergeant-atArms is prepared to meet the demands of its future.
Today’s Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms Office employs over 50 highly professional staff members
fulfilling a multitude of highly sensitive and critical duties. The Sergeant-at-Arms Office
provides a safe and secure environment in the Capitol Complex or anywhere in the state where
the business of the Legislature may be conducted. Through custom and practice, the Office
of the Chief Sergeant-at-Arms performs a number of protocol and ceremonial duties. These
include Joint Conventions such as the State of the State Address and formal visits from foreign
dignitaries to the California State Assembly.
The Office of the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms Office consists of the Office of the Chief Sergeant
and three highly distinct and diverse divisions. The Office/Divisions are identified and defined
as follows:
The Office of the Chief Sergeant
The Chief Sergeant-at-Arms plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations
of the Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms Office including law enforcement, protective services,
emergency medical services, disaster responses, terrorist threats and related support services;
coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; acts as an officer
of the Assembly; and, provides highly responsible operational and complex administrative
support to the California State Assembly.
Security Division
The staff within this division consists of highly trained peace officers and provides security for
the California State Assembly and its Members during Session, in Committee hearings and
anywhere beyond the Capitol Complex the mission requires:
• Protection for Assembly Members, their staff and constituents as appropriate will be
provided when threats are made against them, their family, their residence, or their
workplace.
• Assistant Sergeants will provide transportation for their protectee, dignitaries and staff
when security is required, especially in times of crisis (i.e., earthquake, fire, and civil
disturbance).
• Conducting law enforcement operations between all primary security entities through
radio and video communication links in addition to maintaining constant contact with
Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms within the Capitol via the Capitol Communications System California Highway Patrol.
Special Services Division
The highly professional staff within this division provides assistance for Assembly Members
which includes but is not limited to:
• Transportation for Members, designated dignitaries and staff shuttles.
• Providing support services for Committees (i.e., coffee set-ups, answering phones).
• Assisting the Security Division in emergencies as needed.
• Distribution of legislative materials inside and outside the Capitol building.
• Admit Members and staff to offices.
• Support Member’s Lounge and Caucus Meetings.
• Assistance and direct support during Session and Committees.
• Assistance in office relocations.
• Serve as an Emergency First Responder.
• Assist with fleet maintenance.
• Dispatching (Special Services) services, including scheduling Members’ transportation to
and from the airports, or special events, coordinating phone messages for Members and
staff and assuring that all legislative errands are served seven (7) days a week as well as
most holidays.
Support Division
Support Division staff consists of the department’s Senior Assistant and the Property
Controller. The staff within this division provides a multiplicity of services which include:
• Performing confidential administrative duties within the division and department as
well as for Members, staff, and dignitaries, outside vendors, organizations and other law
enforcement agencies.
• Coordinating and managing Session and the Assembly Committee hearings and rooms.
• Recording for Session, Standing, Sub, Select, and Joint Committees.
• Issuing all access, keys and identification cards for Members, staff, volunteer/interns,
contract consultants, the Assembly daycare facility, contractors and vendors to the State
Capitol, Legislative Office Building (LOB) and parking lot.
• Ensuring all mail and packages delivered to the Capitol are x-rayed, as well as making sure
all food and personal items are rendered safe.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
T
he ideal candidate must possess the ability to motivate and lead a diverse staff in
providing the highest level of safety, service and security in a fast paced, dynamic
environment. While technical expertise is important in order to establish credibility
with staff and external stakeholders, the Chief will bring strong leadership to effectively
guide and mentor a skilled and highly competent group of professionals in ways to best meet
the needs of the Members while providing for their utmost safety. The ideal candidate will
be comfortable working in the political arena and be proactive in developing collaborative
partnerships with the Office’s numerous stakeholders to identify solutions to provide for the
optimum health and safety of the Members and Capitol visitors. Candidates with experience
in organizational development who are able to assess the structure and operations of the
Office and enhance its systems and processes will be favorably considered. As the Chief will
serve as a spokesperson for the Sergeant-at-Arms Office, outstanding communication and
presentation skills are paramount. The successful candidate is a team player with consensus
building skills who is able to work cooperatively and proactively with stakeholders – cross
pollination of thoughts and ideas with a shared vision for the Office is critical. As a coach,
mentor and steward the Chief will ensure that a solid succession plan is established to meet
the future needs of the Office and the Assembly.
Professional and Personal Characteristics
• A law enforcement professional who is able to help the Office create an environment and
culture of forward thinking and planning.
• Embodies a “team” approach to management.
• Creates and fosters an organization of creativity, energy, and customer service.
• Can build a culture of shared thinking and creative solutions.
• Positive and optimistic.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Welcomes challenges and thrives on accomplishments; results-oriented.
• Engenders trust and credibility; a person of the highest integrity.
• A coach, mentor and steward of the organization.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major work
in a related field.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in law enforcement or a similar field.
• Five (5) years in management and/or supervisory capacity within a complex public sector
or private organization.
• A background working in an environment with elected officials is ideal.
• Attendance at the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University School of Police Staff
and Command or advanced Law Enforcement leadership and/or executive course is
desirable.
SPECIAL Requirement: California POST certification; an adequate amount of
time would be afforded to candidates from outside of the state to become
certified.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
T
he current annual salary range for this position is $95,172 – $166,320. The
appointee will be offered a specific salary from within this range based on his/her
qualifications. As an employee of the State of California, the Chief also receives a
comprehensive benefit plan including, but not limited to:
Retirement
California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
Insurance
Medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance programs provided. Employee
contributions may be required depending on programs selected.
Leave Allowance
• Vacation and sick leave benefits provided
• 13 holidays observed
APPLICATION PROCESS AND
RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
T
he final filing date is Monday, September 5, 2016. To be considered for this
prominent and influential position, please immediately submit a resume (including
dates of employment and scope of responsibilities such as staff and budgets
managed), cover letter, current salary, and the names of six work-related references (two
supervisors, two direct reports, two colleagues), directly to:
Pam Derby
CPS EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Tel: 916 / 263-1401
Email: [email protected]
CPS web site: www.cpshr.us/search
Resumes will be screened on the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be given preliminary interviews
by the consultant. The Assembly will then select finalists to be interviewed. Candidates deemed most qualified may be invited to participate in a final
interview process that includes comprehensive reference and background checks. This is an elected position and the final vote by the
Members of the State Assembly will come following a recommendation from the selection committee.