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Robin Bates retired in 2001 after 27 years of state service with the Nevada Department of Corrections. His last position was as warden of Warm Springs Correctional Center. The 76th Legislative Session will be Robin's fifth session with the Assembly Sergeant at Arms staf and his first serving in the capacity of Sergeant at Arms. He has been married for over 35 years and has two sons, ages 26 and 31. His hobbies include hiking, kayaking, and travel.

On occassion, Robin works as a hearing officer for the Parole Board.

Sergeant at Arms

The Assembly Sergeant at Arms is responsible to the Speaker of the Assembly and the Chief Clerk. The primary duty of this position is to maintain decorum within the Chambers of the Assembly, making sure that the conduct of members, visitors, and staff does not interfere with the business of the body. This usually means, for example, giving a gentle reminder to turn off cell phones, to remove food and drink from the visitor galleries, or to lower voices so as not to be disruptive.

Although seldom necessary, Nevada Revised Statutes 218.543 gives the Sergeant at Arms authority to take into temporary custody "A person who interferes with the legislative process in either house of the legislature." Upon direction from the Speaker, the Sergeant at Arms will also locate absent members and require their attendance at an Assembly floor session. The Sergeant at Arms also limits access to the Assembly Chamber to only those persons authorized to be in the chamber during a floor session.

The Assembly is a body steeped in tradition and closely governed by various rules of order and protocol. The Sergeant at Arms has numerous duties in this regard, including the arrangement of ceremonial functions, escorting dignitaries, and making formal announcements and introductions.

The staff of the Sergeant at Arms office currently includes one Deputy and six assistants.