Security Department

Assembly Chambers

The Assembly Chamber is one of the most secure areas in the State Capitol. It seats the eighty men and women who are elected to represent the Assembly Districts within the State of California. The Assembly members, together with the Senate members, are collectively known as the State Legislature.

The Assembly chamber is modeled after the House of Commons of the British Parliament. It features a multitude of green overtones outlined in a brass alloy. A Latin inscription, trimmed in gold leaf, is prominently displayed. Translated, it states, "It is the duty of the legislature to pass just laws." The color green represents "agriculture" or the "common folk," while our counterpart, the Senate, features various shades of red, representing "royalty."

Before the Assembly is called to order, the Security Division secures the Assembly Chamber. All security alarms are tested and verified by our Dispatcher and the Highway Patrol Dispatchers. The Chamber is scanned with a portable explosive ordinance detection device, and checked for any suspicious objects. After the Chamber is deemed safe, the doors are unlocked and the Assembly members are allowed to enter. Once they are seated at their desks, Session can be called to order by the Speaker.

During the Assembly Floor Session, the Security Division is responsible for maintaining order and decorum in the Assembly Chamber. They monitor all entrances and grant access to authorized personnel only. They also serve as the liaison between the Members' staff, government officials, or other individuals and members in the Assembly Chamber.

Back to Security