LESSON 3/TASK 1
Availability
Unlike many other community services, the military police have the capacity to respond to emergencies
24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since these incidents involve the potential for violence, rapid
response is essential. The support systems available to MP enable them to intervene quickly and
effectively. Part of the reason for this is the communications network and response transportation
available to the MP. Equally as important as their availability is their training that you as an NCO have
constantly up-dated.
Authority and Responsibility
In addition to availability and mobility, the MP have the authority to intervene in such situations. In
those cases that require it, they have the authority to apprehend individuals. When given the authority
to respond, response must be in a professional manner. Above all, the needs of the victim must be
considered.
INITIAL RESPONSE
Desk Sergeant
In answering domestic disturbance calls, MP must have all the available information concerning the
family and the situation. When receiving a domestic disturbance call, the desk sergeant must obtain as
much information as possible from the individual making the complaint. At the same time he must be
sensitive to the agitated and fearful state that the complainant is often in. This is particularly true if the
complainant is one of the disputants, or another family member.
The desk sergeant:
o Obtains data from the complainant. Who, what, when, where, and how, and if weapons are
available or involved.
o Asks the caller to describe the situation. Encourages the caller to remain on the telephone to
report changing events.
o Checks weapons registration cards and DA Form 3998.
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