FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. -- Driving along Desert Storm Avenue, Sgt. Jeramie Faller turns his head to scan drivers as they pass him. He checks his rearview mirror often, as he casually clicks the button of the radar controller checking the speed of the drivers in front and behind him.
As his radar identifies a speed violation, he turns his truck around and flips on the siren.
"Thirty-five [miles per hour] in a 25 [mph speed zone]," Faller says as the red Ford Focus pulls over to the side of the road, and he pulls in behind it.
As Faller runs the vehicle plates, he calls central command to let them know the make and model of the vehicle and why he made the stop. He then approaches the vehicle to inform the driver of his speed and collect his driver's license, insurance and registration.
As he checks the drivers license, he says "The first traffic stop of the day is always a verbal [warning]."
Daily mission
The traffic section's mission is to prevent traffic violations that include using a cell phone while operating a vehicle, running stop signs and violating speed limits -- anything that is a moving violation that could cause an accident.
"Speed is the biggest thing. We do a lot of speed enforcement," Faller said. "Basically, we are in charge of the roadways -- we need to make sure that people get to and from work safely."
There are a lot of factors that play into the decision to stop a vehicle, he added.
"The housing areas -- I will do a traffic stop if there are kids out at 3 mph over [the legal speed limit]. I won't write a citation unless you are doing five over," Faller said. "But, if you are in a school zone doing 1 mile over -- I'm stopping you. If there are kids out, I will write a citation at 3 miles over."
One downside to patrolling the installation roadways is when traffic violators argue about why they were stopped, Faller said.
"I am a traffic investigator. I do this day-to-day. I've gone to school," Faller said. "So, when I come out and tell you that you weren't wearing your seatbelt … don't sit there and argue with me over it. You know you were wrong -- own up to it."
Along with traffic citations, Faller also responds to all traffic accidents on post as well as specializing in Driving Under the Influence violations.
Another issue Faller says many emergency services have are civilians not getting out of the way of emergency vehicles when they respond to a call.
"We may be trying to get to a physical domestic in progress or a traffic accident with injuries and [drivers] are just not listening or paying attention and will not get out of our way," Faller said. "It slows our response time and puts everyone at more of a risk."
As a traffic officer, Faller is able to use discretion in most traffic violation cases. Whether giving verbal warnings verses writing citations, Faller said he prefers to change people's actions by talking to them when he pulls them over for violating traffic laws. "If I pull you over, I don't have to issue you a citation. I can give you a verbal warning and send you on your way," he added. "A lot of it for me is your attitude."
Specialist Cody Harrington, traffic section, said Faller is a good NCOIC, and his dedication to military police work can be seen through his actions.
"He takes advice and he always wants to learn -- he loves his job," Harrington said. "He's been doing this for a minute or two now. He's been to most of the schools, the civilian courses and military courses they offer us."
Shift Work
Faller takes his mission to serve and protect Soldiers and Family members seriously. While many Soldiers begin their day with physical training, Faller's day starts several hours earlier as he prepares to keep Fort Campbell roads safe.
As the traffic section's noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Faller spends his time identifying traffic violations, issuing tickets or verbal warnings, and balancing the administrative duties of his position.
The traffic section has two, 12-hour shifts each day. The first shift begins at 4:30 a.m. Those reporting for shift are issued weapons and other equipment, including body cameras.
Before he can take to the roads, Faller attends a shift-change brief. The brief allows him to be brought up-to-speed on any incidents that occurred during the previous shift.
Normally, Faller would begin his shift after the brief, but as the traffic section NCOIC, his responsibilities extend past patrolling the installation's roadways. Along with added administrative duties, he has to determine which of his Soldiers need specialized training, create shift rosters and attend the daily blotter brief.
"Basically we talk about what happened in the last 24 hours," Faller said. "On Monday morning, we brief everything from Friday to 8 a.m. [Monday] morning."
These briefs inform the Fort Campbell Police Department leadership of any incidents that may have taken place over the weekend or overnight. It also allows leadership to put out any information that could affect the patrols.
When it's time for shift change, the traffic section returns to the police department to input any cases from traffic accidents and citations, turn-in equipment and brief oncoming team members.
As the mid shift MPs begin their patrol duties and traffic taskings to include placing barricades and changing traffic signs at the gates, Faller knows his team will continue to keep the roadways safe.
"If I helped one person get home safely or prevented one DUI accident then my mission was accomplished," Faller said.
Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles focusing on military police operations.
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