Editor’s note: This article ran in the Jan. 15, 1948, issue.
A Military policeman, like a civil officer, represents the prestige and authority of the law. He must be an outstanding example of discipline, efficiency, military bearing, courtesy, and neatness. Firmness, good judgement, tact, and self-control are required in the exercise of his duties.
Military policemen do not punish violators of laws and regulations, nor do they allow any persons in their charge to be mistreated or abused. Among their duties are the prevention of violations by military personnel of civil laws and Army regulations, to report violators, and, if necessary, to take them into custody.
Camp Carson’s Military Police — 48 strong — are under the direction of the Provost Marshal, Maj. Jack W. Myers. Major Myers is responsible for the security of the camp and supervises all military police activities. He is assisted by Capt. William R. Howard who is prison officer, and Capt. Wilson E. Doyle, who is at present attending a course at Carlisle Barracks, Pa.
Ably assisting these officers is 1st Sgt. James T. Thompson, who is the provost sergeant. He supervises all military police activities except investigations. He acts as first sergeant of the MP platoon and is instructor for all patrols and guards.
Handling the investigations is Major Myers. He maintains liaison with civil authorities, investigates all incidents of a criminal nature on the post, and has supervision of lost and found property.
PATROL CARS ON JOB
The military police have desk sergeants on the same level as the “men in blue,” responsible for all patrols and gate guards, and operate the radio control stations WUHP and WUHP 1, at Camp Carson and Colorado Springs, respectively. Desk sergeants receive all calls and take the appropriate action necessary. They are also responsible for registration of all vehicles and pets. They also keep a “running report” by the hour, and dispatch regular and emergency patrols.
The camp patrol cars comparable to the well known “prowl cars” used by the police in all cities, are not only convenient, but necessary to a well-protected post. They are those little quarter ton jobs (“jeeps”) the regular so frequently sees rolling up and down the streets — the occupants of which are constantly on the alert — always they will bear the words, “Military Police.”
All members of the Corps of Military Police must be just and fair, inflexible and impartial in requiring observance of all laws and regulations they are instructed to enforce. They must give their orders in a quiet, dignified manner, so there will be no question of insult, disobedience, or argument. When action becomes necessary, they must act without hesitation.
The military policeman performs many varied duties. He preserves order among personnel of the armed forces, and protects both soldiers and civilians from violence and excess. The MP is always ready to help his comrade-in-arms who may be found ill or injured.
In addition to giving information relative to the location of units, buildings, and other establishments, the Corps of Military Police cooperates with the Counter Intelligence Corps in cases involving espionage, sabotage, and subversive activities.
Gate guards, comparable to inspectors, check all government vehicles entering and leaving the Post. They inspect all occupants and tags of civilian cars, taxis, and busses for compliance with camp regulations.
PROVIDE EMERGENCY RELIEF
The emergency and relief section, which is under the control of the desk sergeant, is ready to answer emergency calls, such as fire, accidents, and apprehension of personnel. This section relieves men whoa re on pass, furlough, or sick.
The administrative section handles all correspondence and periodical reports and keeps all files of accidents pertaining to military police activities. This section also issues passes to civilians and dependents, and prepares identification, training schedules, and upkeep o all military police activity charts.
M/Sgt. Ward W. Gardner is the game warden and ranch guard. He is responsible for observance of the game laws patrols of the southern end of the reservation, and is caretaker of the Mary Ellen Ranch, which is owned by the government.
The Colorado Springs detachment maintains close liaison with local civil law enforcement authorities, and is responsible for the conduct and appearance of military personnel in Colorado Springs.
The MP may find himself working hand-in-hand with the American Red Cross, in order to provide relief in the event of disaster, or he may be assigned to aid the civil authorities in quelling a domestic disturbance and in enforcing civil laws, and protecting public property of the United States.
There is an old saying in the Army, “when in trouble, soldier, find an MP.”