FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Many birds, both natural and man-made, fly around Fort Rucker's skies each day, but a new type blankets the Post Exchange parking lot May 6.
The 6th Military Police Detachment rounds up several "jailbirds" on "arrest warrants" as part of the 2010 Army Emergency Relief Jail-A-Thon from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. People pay a certain dollar amount per half-hour, based on rank or pay grade, to arrest friends, coworkers or even bosses.
According to Staff Sgt. Quatdreecus Nealon, military police officers visit workplaces, arrest those with "warrants" and haul them off to "jail" in the PX parking lot. The jailbirds face a judge before getting sentenced to the purchased time, said Sgt. Alexander Jones.
The incarcerated may escape early if they pay double the amount spent on them, Nealon said.
Warrants can be purchased up until event day. To obtain a warrant, call Jones or Staff Sgt. Jamie Osmon at 255-2120 or e-mail Alexander.d.jones1@conus.army.mil or Jamie.osmon@conus.army.mil.
When filling out arrest warrants, people can provide reasons for the charges. According to a May, 7, 2009, Army Flier article, reasons listed for some of last year's arrests included "eating too much chocolate" or "talking too much at work."
People can pay for the warrants at the event or beforehand by visiting the MP headquarters, Bldg. 4914, Jones said.
Last year's event raised more than $4,000 for AER, but the MP detachment aims for $6,000 this year. AER assists Soldiers and Families during times of emergency needs.
Capt. Justin Barnes, AER campaign coordinator, said he appreciates the MP's efforts to contribute to AER, especially in a unique format.
"It's fun to be able to do that. I think that's something everyone can laugh and joke about," he said.
The fact that Soldiers lead the Jail-A-Thon provides an important factor, Barnes noted.
"One of the nice things about it is it's an Army organization leading it, and that's what it's all about - Soldiers supporting Soldiers," he said.
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