Brief History

Prior to the formation of the National Assembly Security Wing in 1970, there was a police post manned by a Police Inspector who was to supervise hired security guards.  The arrangement failed to work satisfactorily.  The hired security guards were replaced by retired police constables, soldiers and prison warders, and a few others with no security background.

Following their successful completion of a three (3) months induction course at Lilayi Police College, the title was changed from National Assembly Security Guards to National Assembly Security Officers, still under the supervision of a Police Inspector.

In 1980, the first Deputy Chief Parliamentary Security Officer was recruited, and as the number of officers increased, the then Speaker established the Security Wing as the 10^th Department of the institution.  The head of department later became Chief Parliamentary Security Officer.  The role of Serjeant-At-Arms was performed by a different officer, recruited specifically for the role, and falling under the office of the Speaker.

In 2009, the role of Serjeant-At-Arms was brought under the Chief Parliamentary Security Officer, combining the responsibilities of general security and chamber duties. In 2023, the title for head of security services was changed to Director-Security and Serjeant-At-Arms.

Vision

To be a model Parliamentary Security Wing.

Mission Statement

Committed to creating a peaceful and conducive working atmosphere for the legislators, supporting staff and all stakeholders while guaranteeing safety within parliament precincts.

Functions

The Security Department is responsible for the overall security within the parliamentary and motel precincts.  It renders its security services through the following:

i. preservation of life of legislators, staff and visitors within the precincts;

ii. protection of National Assembly property;

iii. prevention and detection of crime;

iv. control of admission of visitors and prevention of unlawful entry;

v. identification and assessing of security threats;

vi. liaising with Zambia Police Service on matters of criminal nature or potential breaches of peace, and the Zambia Security Intelligence Services on matters of state security; and

vii. enforcement of general and House rules and regulations.

The security services extend to residences of Presiding Officers and the clerks-at-the table.

Access to Parliament

The National Assembly is open to members of the public who wish to undertake familiarization tours at Parliament Buildings or to attend the sitting of the House as individuals or groups.  Individual visitors can simply come to Parliament Buildings and present an identity card which can be a National Registration Card (NRC), Passport or driving licence, while groups can write to the Clerk of the National Assembly. Once permission has been granted, visitors are screened, and taken through the following “DOs” and “DONTs” before they are ushered into the appropriate gallaries:

i. no carrying walking sticks, umbrellas, brief cases, laptop/school bags, knapsacks, newspapers, magazines, or parcels of any kind. These are deposited at the reception desk;

ii. no taking pictures using cellular phones or talking on the phones;

iii. ensuring that the phones are on mute or silent;

iv. no taking part in the business on the floor of the House by applauding or laughing, but follow proceedings in silence;

v. no taking notes, except for journalists in the Press Gallery;

vi. no rising or moving from one point to another while the Presiding Officer (Speaker or Chairperson of the Committee of the whole House) is on their feet; and

vii. to leave or withdraw from the gallaries when ordered to do so by security.

However, taking of pictures is permissible under guidance of the officers accompanying them during the visit.

Sergeants-At-Arms from 1968

1. Mr Musungaila - 1968 to 1980

2. Mr Fabian Susu Mbelenga (Legislative Council) - 1980 to 1998

3. Major William Sichinga (Zambia National Service) - 1998 to 2009

4. Mr Litifi Mwale - 2009 to 2011

5. Mrs Florence Mweni Bobo Mwanamakwa - 2011 to date.