For instance, PFC Jones reports that he lost his military ID card sometime in the last 24 hours. This
could be typed onto the blotter as an information entry instead of as a crime with the UCMJ code.
(14) The blotter is closed at 2400 with the statement: "Blotter Closed." The signature block of
the authorized individual is typed below the final blotter entry. It is your duty to review the blotter
completely and then sign it.
b. Distribution.
(1) DA Form 3997 is prepared in an original and three copies. The original is kept in Provost
Marshal Office (PMO) files. The first copy is filed chronologically in the desk sergeant's files. The
supporting U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) field element is sent the second
copy. The senior commander of the MP element supporting the MP station receives the third copy.
(2) Copies of desk blotters may be sent to commanders whose personnel are involved in
police matters. The commander will receive a copy of that specific incident listed on the blotter. This
copy, or extract, will include the disclaimer statement and "FOUO" (For Official Use Only) statement on
it, IAW AR 190-45.
c. Practical Application.
You are the PM operations officer of the 29th MP Det. at Ft. Johnston, California. You arrive for duty
at 0700 hours on 30 April to find three forms on your desk. The forms, DA Form 1594, DA Form 3997,
and DA Form 3945, are prepared and ready for your review. Figures 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8 are what you will
now review. An extract from the UCMJ is provided to help you review the forms. This extract is
located at the end of this subcourse.
(1) In Figure 1-6 there is one important error. Can you find it? Item number 12 states that
PV2 Edwards lost his ID card. Do you recall that this journal is used only for administrative
information? This information belongs on the MP desk blotter.
(2) The radio log in Figure 1-7 is the next form for your review. Do you see the missing
information? The desk clerk did not put his military signature at the close of his portion. Does that mean
that there was only one radio operator for the 24-hour period? Who is the responsible MP radio
operator? You will need to emphasize to each MP radio operator not only to type messages that are
clear, but also to affix his signature at the end of his portion of the radio log. In reviewing the radio log,
make sure the messages are clear and concise. Is the time a patrol was dispatched in response to a call a
reasonable amount of time? Are all the patrols' activities accounted for? These are questions you can ask
yourself in reviewing the MP radio log, DA Form 3945.
MP2003
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