Posted on Apr 27, 2021
Beveck Chiwawa
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SSG Squad Leader
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Depends, some places the MPs have concurrent jurisdiction with local and state police over the areas near the base. I know at Bragg the MPs can and do conduct Law Enforcement on a highway that runs through the base. They would in that case have jurisdiction over civilians mirroring state law, would they find someone with a warrant or something like that they would detain them and transfer them over to the local civilian authorities. Same goes with arrest power.
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SSG Squad Leader
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Ultimately you should seek advice from an attorney if you have legitimate questions on the legality of some action.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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SSG (Join to see) Great response.
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SSgt Investigative Analyst
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Highway 98 in Panama City, Florida, runs right through Tyndall AFB; operations was on one side, housing and support was on the other. We had concurrent jurisdiction with local LE on that strip that split the base. Mostly it was just traffic stops, but a few DUIs or drugs once in a while. Those got turned over to the locals.
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COL David Turk
COL David Turk
3 y
We were taught many years ago this simple rule; MPs have jurisdiction on federal property, on federal assets (e.g., vehicles), and all military personnel. There are also joint actions as well as specific events. An example; our MP unit was sent to DC for President Nixon’s inauguration in Jan 73. We were used in various rolls. I was with the Armed Forces Police assisting local police with traffic control.

As to the specific questions above, my general answer would be no mostly to the Posse Comitatus Act. They could act as private citizens, but that’s a different story. As previously stated in the comments, JAG would have a specific answer for your specific case.
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LTC Program Manager
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MPs have jurisdiction over Soldiers everywhere. Their jurisdiction over the public is limited but usually covered with an agreement with the local police for the area immediately off post.

If someone tries to speed out the gate in almost all cases they will be pursued.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
SGM Steve Wettstein
3 y
LTC (Join to see) "MPs have jurisdiction over Soldiers everywhere.". Incorrect we do not have jurisdiction over Soldiers everywhere. Once we are outside the gate MPs have zero authority. A local agreement might push the distance out a little but it's not everywhere.
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MSgt Don VandeBogert
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Really comes down to if the base and local jurisdiction(s)have an MOA/MOU. Usually that also involves them contacting local LE immediately as well. I've seen plenty of AF SFS patrol off base and stop locals.

An interesting area is Eielson AFB, AK. Sort of the opposite of your question. The local highway actually crosses the bases land. Both ends have signs stating so and it is patrolled by both the base SFS and AK Troopers. Locals get pissed when stopped by SFS on that stretch. AK is also carry how you want so lots of folks are armed...which is a no-no on federal bases without permission. Makes for some interesting stops...and more pissed off civilians.

V/R
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