Greg H is away at the moment, I am in the Royal Logistics Corps and have a bit of knowledge about the Royal Military Police (RMP). He is a soldier and so his general duties involve upholding law within the Army (other soldiers, not civilians) in the UK and abroad. So as a Policeman or woman he gets to travel the world and support operations. After he completed his training he was promoted to Lance Corporal. He was trained to gather evidence and look after detainees. You can also undertake specialist courses and qualifications which are also recognised by the civilian police. The RMP assist with movement control on operations also, i.e. getting large amounts of military traffic moving safely and professional along the country of origin's roads. the main part of an RMP's role is general police duties, just like the civilian police but aimed at serving military personnel. They are integral to keeping law and order in barracks.

12 August, 2019 10:51

Hi Joseph,

Thanks for a great question. Just like any police service around the world, we have people of all ranks within our team. We are separate to the civilian (or Home Office) police forces of the UK, but still work to the same laws. We also regularly work alongside them in intelligence roles or by carrying out joint patrols of garrison areas. Our Provost Marshal is in effect, our Chief Constable and sits on the National Police Chiefs Council representing us at national level.

In normal day to day life, we carry out the exact same roles as our civilian counterparts except in three areas, roads policing, mounted and canine. Where we differ from the civilian police is that we use our powers throughout the world, wherever members of HM Forces and/or their families are located.

On operations, we are the subject matter experts on detention and detainee handling. Every unit that deploys out usually has a member of the RMP with them for that very reason. We are also responsible for the smooth movement of military convoys and maintaining law and order in the deployed environment.

To answer your question of who we protect, the simple answer is both. Whilst in the UK the civilian police hold primacy on any investigations, we are still there to provide reassurance and investigative capability where required.

It is a fantastic job with a huge variety of opportunities available.

I hope this answers your question.

Greg

13 August, 2019 11:56