(2) MPs must be prepared to make prompt, coordinated action. They should know the SOP,
laws for arrest, use of deadly force, handling and custody of evidence, and crime scene protection. In
cases involving felony crimes, procedures should be prearranged for notifying CID investigators or other
appropriate law enforcement agencies. Prompt investigation can aid in the swift apprehension of
offenders.
(3) If the MP station has a high rate of incoming complaints, electronic recordings can be
used. They are used to keep details accurate and handle complaints more efficiently. Using this
equipment requires meeting certain conditions. It must be authorized by DA and by a letter from the
installation commander. Equipment must be marked FOUO. The installation phone book must indicate
which phones are equipped with recording devices. Personnel must state, "This is a recorded line."
Access to this equipment is restricted to desk personnel only.
(4) Upon receiving a complaint, the desk sergeant determines the correct police action.
Sometimes a complaint requires only a telephone call. Other times the desk sergeant must dispatch a
patrol unit to respond promptly to the complaint. Prompt investigation can aid in the swift apprehension
of offenders. You must make sure that the desk personnel are well trained, informed, and capable of
making quick and correct decisions. Complaints received must be processed in a prompt manner. As
the PM operations officer, you must monitor to ensure this goal is accomplished. All complaints
requiring MP attention will be recorded and processed by the desk sergeant. Check to see that enough
information is taken to determine who the complainant is, where the incident occurred, when it
happened, what happened, and how it occurred. Patrols are then dispatched to gather more information
and investigate.
2.
Patrol Activities. The key to an efficient PM operation is an effective patrol operation. The
methods of police patrol, however, vary with the mission and also the terrain to be protected. Within
certain broad limits, the PM is free to organize the patrol force to meet prescribed objectives.
a. Police patrolling is often routine in nature. During such patrols, many services are performed
that are not specifically outlined by the PM, such as helping motorists, or giving information. While
such services do account for much of a patrol unit's time, a successful patrol system must be designed
with specific objectives in mind. Some of these are protection of life and property, crime prevention,
identification and apprehension of offenders, and maintenance of order and discipline. To accomplish
these objectives, patrols question persons whose actions arouse suspicion. They check the identification
of personnel, apprehend offenders, and report offenses. They make proper on-the-spot corrections of
minor violations. Patrols should pay special attention to reported or potential trouble spots. Such places
should be checked often to observe the conduct of service personnel.
b. The desk clerk records the patrol activities on the radio log. The Military Police Report
(MPR), DA Form 3975, is completed as fully as possible
MP2003
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