Military Police

The unit of a nation's armed forces which is responsible for exercising police and related functions within a military unit or theater of operation. Responsibilities include preserving discipline outside unit bases, preventing and investigating crime within the military or involving military personnel, apprehending military absentees, controlling traffic, maintaining custody of military prisoners and providing physical security for military personnel and property. In combat and peacekeeping situations, military police are also responsible for controlling prisoners of war, manning information posts, caring for refugees and preventing looting.