CHAPTER 1 THE MISSION OF THE SHORE PATROL Importance of the mission of the Shore Patrol is illustrated by its duties. The patrol: 1. Fosters the welfare and general well-being of enlisted men in a liberty status. 2. Maintains discipline by enforcing naval orders, rules, and regulations. 3. Assists civilian police in securing compliance with civil laws by military personnel. 4. Protects civilian and military personnel from violence in areas under military jurisdiction. 5. Inspects public places frequented by military personnel and enforces out-of-bounds orders. 6. Directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic as required by emergency. 7. Investigates violations of regulations and interrogates individuals concerned to gather facts. 8. Apprehends, makes disposition, and accepts custody of stragglers, absentees, deserters, prisoners, and other offenders. 9. Guards military prisoners. 10. Assists military personnel by furnishing travel information and interpreting travel orders. 11. Co-operates with other military branches in maintaining discipline. 12. Performs clerical work at shore patrol stations, such as filling out reports and maintaining records. 13. Drives patrol cars and handles small naval powerboats, when required. MAINTENANCE OF ORDER An efficient shore patrol organization will anticipate trouble before it happens, since its primary function is preventive rather than corrective. Once disorder occurs the harm is done. Apprehensions and resultant disciplinary action lower military prestige in the eyes of the public, and they cause a decline in morale among service personnel. Discipline must be maintained in any military organization. Shore patrolmen are in a position to help raise the standard of discipline to a high level. Tact, firmness, and an air of authority will help you keep a situation under control. Never raise your voice when making an apprehension, and act as inconspicuously as possible. The general public should see no more than necessary of any corrective steps the Shore Patrol may be forced to take. In making an apprehension, it is important to act as expeditiously as possible. Remove your prisoner immediately, so that his friends and shipmates will not be able to organize an attempt at rescue. The chapter on judo shows how to compel a resisting prisoner to come with you and yet attract as little attention as possible. Remember that you must never allow yourself to be drawn into an argument with a prisoner or bystanders. Normally, conditions can be kept under control by a quiet and friendly word of advice. If one man in a noisy group seems to be sober or more responsible than the others, it will be wise to address your remarks to him, and to suggest that he use his influence in keeping his friends out of trouble. When it seems wise to take a man into protective custody, you will probably be doing him a favor, and your action may keep him from getting into further trouble, or from being robbed. The idea is to prevent trouble, rather than to take corrective action after trouble has occurred. |