Yes, military police can issue tickets to military personnel, dependents, civilian employees, and the general public on military installations. Military police have jurisdiction over military members on and off base, and can enforce the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), as well as state traffic laws on military installations.
What Military Police Can Do
Military police have broad authority when it comes to enforcing laws and regulations on military bases. Here are some of the actions military police can take:
- Stop vehicles on base for traffic violations
- Issue citations and tickets for moving violations and parking infractions
- Conduct sobriety checkpoints and field sobriety tests
- Inspect vehicles and conduct searches with probable cause
- Detain suspects and make arrests
- Enforce security rules and regulations on base
- Respond to calls for service
- Patrol the installation
- Investigate crimes on base
In most cases, military police have the same authority as civilian law enforcement officers in the state where the base is located. They can stop vehicles, issue tickets, make arrests, and take other enforcement actions as needed to maintain good order and discipline.
Tickets Issued to Military Personnel
Military personnel are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) at all times, whether they are on or off duty. If a service member commits a traffic infraction on base, military police can issue them a ticket or citation.
Common traffic tickets issued to military personnel include:
- Speeding
- Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
- Improper passing
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)
- Reckless driving
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Parking violations
For moving violations like speeding or running a stop sign, military police will issue the service member a DD Form 1408, Armed Forces Traffic Ticket. This is the military equivalent of a civilian traffic citation.
If convicted by a military court, penalties for traffic tickets can include:
- Fines
- Loss of driving privileges on base
- Extra duty
- Reduction in rank
- Confinement
Serious traffic offenses like DUI can result in more severe UCMJ punishments.
Tickets Issued to Military Dependents and Civilians
Military police can also issue traffic tickets to dependents of service members and civilian employees or visitors on military installations.
For these groups, military police will issue standard state traffic citations, just like civilian law enforcement agencies. Traffic courts in the local community will adjudicate the citations.
Penalties for civilians convicted in traffic court include:
- Fines
- Driver’s license points
- Driver’s license suspension
- Probation
- Jail time in extreme cases
In addition to traffic tickets, civilian personnel who violate base rules can be barred from entering the installation.
Appealing and Fighting Tickets
How a traffic ticket is fought or appealed depends on who issued the citation:
- Tickets from military police – Service members can fight tickets through the military justice system. Hiring military defense counsel may help negotiate a disposition or get charges lessened or dismissed. Civilians can request a hearing in traffic court to contest state traffic citations.
- Parking tickets – Each military base has procedures outlined to pay or contest parking citations. Reasons like medical emergencies or mistaken identity may result in dismissal.
- Camera tickets – Citations issued by speed or red light cameras can be challenged by submitting evidence the car was sold, the driver misidentified, or circumstances like an emergency.
Fighting a traffic ticket requires acting quickly, gathering evidence, and following proper procedures. Legal assistance on base can help drivers understand their options and rights.
How Military Police Help Maintain Order
Military police perform a critical role on military bases by enforcing laws, regulations, and standards. Here are some of the ways MPs help maintain good order and discipline:
- Prevent crime through visible presence and routine patrols
- Respond quickly to calls for service
- Investigate accidents and crimes on base
- Apprehend drunk drivers and deter DUIs
- Manage traffic and promote driving safety on base
- Use traffic stops to locate AWOL personnel or wanted suspects
- Ensure authorized access to the installation
- Guard sensitive areas like flight lines, gates, or headquarters
The unique conditions of military bases, including large populations and sensitive assets, necessitate capable police services like military police. By exercising their duties fairly and professionally, MPs protect the welfare of personnel who live and work on base.
Conclusion
Military police have jurisdiction over military personnel, dependents, civilians, and visitors across U.S. military installations. Like civilian police, they have authority to stop vehicles, issue traffic citations, make arrests, and enforce laws and regulations. Traffic tickets can be contested through military or civilian court processes, depending on who issued the ticket. By promoting safety and security, military police play an indispensable role in maintaining good order and discipline on base.