military police allowed to carry concealed weapons off base?
March 3rd, 2010 by eranio
I was wondering if military police were allowed to carry their service weapons (most likely m9 or sig) off duty, off base and concealed the same as federal officers? And if so what are the restrictions?
I was wondering because i saw an episode of ncis where an enlisted marine is carrying his service pistol in the states and im civil air patrol so i was curious about the regs for that
Posted in military weapons
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:33 am
That’s a cool question.
I would think not cause they are military police. Once they are out of the base, they lose their jurisdiction. Unless they encounter another military personnel outside.
I have no military background but my common sense gives me this conclusion. I might be wrong though.
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:33 am
No. Certainly not. I think you are confusing the MP’s (which exist as an entity within the military) and organizations such as the Army’s CID, the Navy’s NIS, and the Air Forces OSI; which consists of service members whom are also federal agents. Hope this helps.
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:33 am
Only when it is necessary as it relates to the performance of their duties. For example, Military Police Investigators (MPI) routinely carry concealed weapons on or off post. When performing Protective Service Details (such as for high ranking officers or DoD dignitaries) MP’s may also carry concealed weapons.
If they are not on duty, and their duties do not require them to carry a concealed weapon, then no they don’t. In fact, no MP carries a weapon (concealed or not) off duty or off post, except for their personal use, and must be in accordance with local laws.
EDIT: Keep in mind that NCIS is a fictional television show. As much as I personally enjoy it, they don’t always get it right. I can’t begin to tell you how often I will go ballistic when they pull some stunt that would get the average MP charged with a crime. It is entertainment, based on reality. It is not reality.
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:33 am
Hooah pretty much hit the nail on the head and the only thing I will add is some air crew members are authorized to carry concealed weapons and do so quite often when flying overseas and remaining overnight somewhere and they may be billeted or eating off base. They are also carrying concealed here in the States as well and that weapon gets checked into and out of the armory with the military police when they RON (remain over night) at a military base rather than be taken down town with them or to their temporary quarters. The authorization is equivalent to a federal permit as some military aircraft do transit and operate out of both military and civilian fields and airports and there are a whole host of restrictions and regulations concerning this and often times common sense is also employed. If I was carrying my 9mm and transiting through a civilian field and going into the terminal the gun got locked up on board in a lock box and also with a keyed trigger lock in place. If I was not flying then my weapon was always secured in the armory and that is where it stayed as the permit and regulations governing it outline all that as well.
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:33 am
NO! Simply because they are military policemen they do not have the right to carry off base; however, if the state within which they are stationed has a CCW Permit Law (and with their commander’s permission), they can apply for that CCW permit like any other citizen of that area; pass the background check, take any CCW course necessary and required by law, pay their fee for that permit and, once granted, they are permitted to carry a concealed weapon.
Here in Ohio we have to take a course which includes live fire; pay the local sheriff for the background check and are issued our permit to carry. That permit doesn’t specify which weapon to carry; as long as you have it you can carry any calibre weapon with which you’re comfortable. I carry a Ruger SR 9 with a 17 round clip of hollow point ammo and another 17 round clip on my belt.
M.D. Austing
US Army MP Corps
Staff Sergeant
1967-1981