Description

The Military Police law enforcement role is a critical component of the Military Justice System whose purpose is to maintain military effectiveness and to maintain the reputation of Army. This law enforcement function is provided in both Australia and overseas. In Australia, a specific Military Police Unit, the Domestic Policing Unit (DPU) operates within Army bases and is responsible for Garrison Policing and the conduct of Minor Criminal Investigations. The Military Police support their commanders by ensuring that the military adhere to defence and civilian laws, conventions, policies and directives.While on operations the 1st Military Police Battalion provides law enforcement and administers applicable international civilian law. The Military Police may also be tasked to assist in the establishment, enhancement or re-establishment of civilian laws and/or judicial systems.On the battlefield the Military Police provide commanders with an essential element of mobility and manoeuvre support, conducting route reconnaissance, route signing, controlling and monitoring traffic, enforcing traffic regulations and movement priority, controlling military stragglers and the movement of the civilian population. Military Police provide support to logistic operations and provide physical and personal security. Military Police are responsible for the internment and detention of captured persons including their collection, processing and registration in accordance with international, host nation, national and command conventions and requirements.