The Honorable Paul D. Irving was sworn in as the Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives on January 17, 2012, during the 2nd session of the 112th Congress. He is the thirty-sixth person to hold this post since the House of Representatives first met in New York City in 1789. Prior to this, Mr. Irving was an Assistant Director of the U.S. Secret Service from 2001 to 2008, serving as a Special Agent with the Secret Service for 25 years.
As an elected officer of the House of Representatives, the Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement and protocol officer of the House of Representatives, and is responsible for maintaining order in the House side of the United States Capitol complex. The Sergeant at Arms reviews and implements all issues relating to the safety and security of Members of Congress and the Capitol complex. The Sergeant at Arms also coordinates extensively with the U.S. Capitol Police and various intelligence agencies to assess threats against Members of Congress and the Capitol complex.
Duties include overseeing the House floor and galleries, the House Appointments Desk, the House garages and parking lots, as well as administering all staff identification badges.
Mr. Irving serves as a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Board, responsible for policy oversight over the Capitol Police Force, and is the chairman of this Board in alternating years. As Sergeant at Arms, Mr. Irving also serves on the Congressional Accessibility Services Board.
The following divisions comprise the Office of the Sergeant at Arms:
Immediate Office/Member Support
Protocol and Chamber Operations
House Garages & Parking Security
Information Services
Identification Services
Police Services/Law Enforcement
House Security
Emergency Management