Fort Rucker MPs, community police enforce same rules

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier StaffJuly 8, 2010

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Those who work, live or play on Fort Rucker should know military and community police have the same level of authority.

Keeping motorists and pedestrians safe is a top priority of both the military and community police, according to Marc McDougald, Directorate of Public Safety director.

"The uniforms are a little different, but they all do the same job," he said. "If someone gets pulled over by either type of police officer, the same rules apply. There's no distinction between them."

Community police are more prominent in residential areas and school zones around post, said Peggy Contreras, community police supervisor. Their training is the same as the MPs, but is more focused on preventing crime rather than just responding to it.

"They have received training in things like the (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program," she said. "We try to get to children early to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse and potential future problems."

McDougald noted some people have complained about "rudeness" from MPs and community police, but upon further investigation found people are probably just not used to the assertive nature of police.

"They're trained to take control of a situation," he said. "They're not trying to be rude or crass, they just have a very dangerous job and even routine things can take a turn for the worst."

He said the best way to handle situations involving MPs or community police is to listen to the officers and do as they instruct. This is for the safety of everyone involved, he added.

"Most people, when they get pulled over, want to know what they did wrong," McDougald said. "The officer has a procedure to follow, which includes running tags and checking identification before moving forward with the explanation. Sometimes that process can take a few minutes, so it's best for people to stay in their vehicles unless otherwise instructed by the officer."

Motorists who get pulled over by police should also wait for the officer to ask for identification and vehicle registration before looking for it, he added. Someone digging through a bag or glove compartment could create more tension in the situation.

"When an officer is approaching the car and the driver is looking for their information, all (the officer) can see is someone looking for something, but it's hard to tell what that something might be," McDougald said. "It's best to wait for the officer to approach the window and ask for the information required."

In addition to valid driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, drivers must show proof of insurance, he said. Failing to present any of these could result in tickets.

According to McDougald, there are two types of citations issued on post: an Armed Forces Traffic Ticket and a Central Violations Bureau Citation.

The Armed Forces Ticket, or DD form 1408, may be issued for violating post or Army regulations and forwarded up the chain of command for servicemembers or civilian employees. A CVB may be issued for violating Alabama state statutes. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, one could have a mandatory court appearance or have to pay a fine, he said.