What is Military Law Enforcement?

Military law enforcement is a branch of the armed services responsible for enforcement of military law on military property and in battlefield settings. Military police, as they are often known, can have a number of job responsibilities from traffic enforcement on base to taking custody of prisoners. To become a member of the military's law enforcement branch, people must undergo basic training and receive additional education in military law, protocol, and procedures.

On bases, military police handle security. They are responsible for pursuing investigations on military property, as well as handling crimes involving military personnel and family members. This can include everything from theft of supplies to murders. Military police have the authority to detain people for questioning, conduct investigations, and call for support from other law enforcement agencies as needed. In off-base crimes involving military members, they may have jurisdiction.

While in the military, people must comply with orders from military law enforcement and assist investigations as needed. Military law is different from civilian law, and people must make sure they are familiar with legal restrictions on their activities. People visiting a base are also subject to the authority of military law enforcement and can be subject to different penalties for crimes than they would off base, due to concerns about national security. The base can include facilities like crime labs so people can investigate crimes on site without having to send material out for analysis.

In addition to working on bases, military police also provide battlefield support. When members of the military encamp for combat or practice operations, military police accompany them to provide security and assistance. If crimes occur, the military law enforcement will be responsible for investigating them, securing and transporting suspects, and maintaining order. This work can require coordinating with a variety of people to make sure facilities remain safe and secure, including military contractors, members of the military, and civilians providing services and support.

Some military law enforcement also have authority over civilians. In some nations, the military provides security to the civilian population at all times, or just in special circumstances, and members of the general public are subject to discipline from military police. Military law enforcement may also assist with security at big events like the Olympics, where regular law enforcement might be stretched thin, and some military law enforcement agencies focus on policing the civilian population, with separate agencies to handle members of the military.