Minnesota House Puts Out Call For Top Cop

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The next chief sergeant-at-arms of the Minnesota House will have something most recent predecessors lacked: a law enforcement background.

It's a requirement in a retooled job description that also seeks someone skilled in "crisis intervention techniques."

The change is partially for security and partially desire to end the patronage approach that rewarded majority-party loyalists with a plum role.

The chief sergeant is the top chamber doorman, enforcer of public decorum and key legislative administrator.

That person gets camera time when announcing the entrance of dignitaries at the governor's State of the State address.

Officials are seeking a licensed peace officer with at least 10 years of experience. Salary will range from $67,000 to $123,000.

Whether the sergeant will be armed is an open question.