M ilitary police must be prepared to take immediate, coordinated action at the scene of a crime. This action sometimes involves apprehension. MP must be familiar with standing operating procedures, laws of apprehension, use of deadly force, handling and custody of evidence, and crime scene protection.
Prompt investigation can often aid in the swift apprehension of offenders.
Their authority is derived from the installation commander's inherent authority to maintain order on the installation. This includes the right to apprehend offenders. Citizen's arrest power is defined by local law. In exercising this power, care should be taken not to exceed the right granted by law. Service members also must be familiar with the limits imposed upon military personnel by the Posse Comitatus Act.