ATP 3-39.10 POLICE OPERATIONS (AUGUST 2021)

*ATP 3-39.10

DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
*This publication supersedes ATP 3-39.10, 26 January 2015.

ATP 3-39.10

Army Techniques Publication

No. 3-39.10

Headquarters

Department of the Army

Washington,

D.C.,

24 August 2021

Police Operations

Contents

Page

PREFACE..................................................................................................................... v

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ vii

Chapter 1

POLICE OPERATIONS SUPPORT TO ARMY OPERATIONS ............................... 1-1

The Police Operations Discipline .............................................................................. 1-1

Principles of Police Operations ................................................................................. 1-4

Rule of Law ................................................................................................................ 1-6

Command and Control of Army Law Enforcement .................................................... 1-7

Operational Environment ........................................................................................... 1-9

Unified Action .......................................................................................................... 1-10

Police Operations Across the Range of Military Operations ................................... 1-10

Support to Unified Land Operations ........................................................................ 1-12

Support to Decisive Action ...................................................................................... 1-15

Chapter 2

POLICE OPERATIONS INTEGRATION .................................................................. 2-1

Section I - Planning, Preparing, Executing and Assessing Police Operations. 2-1

Planning ..................................................................................................................... 2-2

Preparing ................................................................................................................... 2-7

Execution ................................................................................................................... 2-8

Assessment ............................................................................................................... 2-8

Section II – Organizing for Police Operations .................................................... 2-11

Bases and Base Camps .......................................................................................... 2-12

Police Operations Support to Base Camps in Contingency Operations ................. 2-14

Patrol Areas and Patrol Distribution ........................................................................ 2-14

Manpower and Mission Requirements .................................................................... 2-19

Section III - Police Operations Capabilities ........................................................ 2-22

Military Police Formations ....................................................................................... 2-26

Military Police Organizations With Specific Police Capabilities............................... 2-26

Chapter 3

THE POLICE STATION ............................................................................................ 3-1

Section I - Police Station Capabilities ................................................................... 3-1

Police Station ............................................................................................................. 3-1

Detention Cell Operations ......................................................................................... 3-7

Army Law Enforcement Compliance Assessment Program ..................................... 3-9

Section II - Police Information Management ......................................................... 3-9

Legal Considerations ............................................................................................... 3-10

Army Law Enforcement Reporting and Tracking System ....................................... 3-11

Contents

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

Non-Army Law Enforcement Information Systems ................................................. 3-12

Section III - Police Station Construction Considerations ................................. 3-13

General Requirements ............................................................................................ 3-13

Reconstitition of Host-Nation Police Stations ......................................................... 3-17

Chapter 4

POLICING MEASURES AND STRATEGIES .......................................................... 4-1

Section I – Policing Measures ............................................................................... 4-1

Law Enforcement Measures ..................................................................................... 4-2

Physical Security Measures ...................................................................................... 4-3

Crime Prevention Measures ..................................................................................... 4-6

Section II – Policing Strategies ............................................................................ 4-12

Places-Based Approaches ...................................................................................... 4-13

Problem-Based Approaches ................................................................................... 4-14

Person-Focused Approaches ................................................................................. 4-15

Community-Based Approaches .............................................................................. 4-15

Intelligence-Based Approaches .............................................................................. 4-17

Environmental Approaches ..................................................................................... 4-17

Chapter 5

LAW ENFORCEMENT ............................................................................................. 5-1

Law Enforcement Patrols .......................................................................................... 5-1

Patrol Methods .......................................................................................................... 5-3

Law Enforcement Patrol Strategies .......................................................................... 5-8

Traffic Enforcement and Investigations................................................................... 5-10

Criminal Investigations ............................................................................................ 5-10

Interviews and Law Enforcement Interrogations ..................................................... 5-12

Searches and Seizures ........................................................................................... 5-14

Law Enforcement Raids .......................................................................................... 5-19

Drug Raids .............................................................................................................. 5-19

Apprehension by Army Law Enforcement .............................................................. 5-20

Report Writing ......................................................................................................... 5-21

Court Testimony ...................................................................................................... 5-22

Customs Support .................................................................................................... 5-23

Chapter 6

POLICING ................................................................................................................. 6-1

Military Police Support To Civil Security and Civil Control........................................ 6-1

Civil Disturbance Control ........................................................................................ 6-34

Support to Civil Law Enforcement ........................................................................... 6-35

Chapter 7

POLICE ENGAGEMENT .......................................................................................... 7-1

Military Police Operations ......................................................................................... 7-1

Planning and Coordination ........................................................................................ 7-2

Collaboration and Fusion .......................................................................................... 7-6

Chapter 8

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND ENFORCEMENT .................................................. 8-1

Support ...................................................................................................................... 8-1

Planning .................................................................................................................... 8-3

Traffic Control ............................................................................................................ 8-7

Traffic Enforcement ................................................................................................. 8-24

Traffic Collision Investigations ................................................................................ 8-28

Chapter 9

EVIDENCE AND FORENSICS SUPPORT .............................................................. 9-1

Analysis and Capabilities .......................................................................................... 9-1

Key Activities ............................................................................................................. 9-2

Identification, Preservation, and Collection of Evidence ........................................... 9-5

Safety Considerations ............................................................................................. 9-16

Laboratory Support ................................................................................................. 9-18

Appendix A MAINTENANCE OF GOOD ORDER AND DISCIPLINE ......................................... A-1

Contents

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

iii

Appendix B CRIMINALS .............................................................................................................. B-1

Appendix C SPECIAL RESPONSE CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................... C-1

Appendix D LAW ENFORCEMENT PATROL MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS........................ D-1

Appendix E

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................E-1

GLOSSARY ................................................................................................ Glossary-1

REFERENCES ........................................................................................ References-1

INDEX ................................................................................................................ Index-1

Figures

Figure 1-1. Law enforcement and policing operations within the context of the range of military

operations ................................................................................................................. 1-11

Figure 1-2. Operational framework............................................................................................... 1-14

Figure 1-3. Police operations across the strategic roles .............................................................. 1-15

Figure 2-1. The operations process ............................................................................................... 2-1

Figure 2-2. Police intelligence operations drives police operations ............................................... 2-2

Figure 2-3. Activities of assessment............................................................................................... 2-9

Figure 3-1. Example of a small military police station .................................................................. 3-15

Figure 3-2. Example of a large military police station .................................................................. 3-16

Figure 3-3. Example of layered protection ................................................................................... 3-17

Figure 4-1. Crime prevention program evaluation ........................................................................ 4-10

Figure 4-2. Policing strategies and frameworks ........................................................................... 4-12

Figure 6-1. Development of HN police capabilities over time ...................................................... 6-20

Figure 6-2. Military police span of control .................................................................................... 6-22

Figure 9-1. Key evidence collection and forensic analysis activities .............................................. 9-2

Tables

Introductory table-1. Modified Army terms ........................................................................................ ix

Table 2-1. Police operations considerations in the military decisionmaking planning, preparation,

execution, and assessment processes ....................................................................... 2-5

Table 2-2. Sample police operations-related measures of effectiveness and indicators ............. 2-11

Table 2-3. Complaint levels compiled by the day and hour ......................................................... 2-16

Table 2-4. Complaint levels compiled by the month .................................................................... 2-17

Table 2-5. Unit allocation planning factors for police operations ................................................. 2-22

Table 4-1. Sample crime countermeasure matrix .......................................................................... 4-8

Table 5-1. Advantages and disadvantages of specific patrol types ............................................... 5-4

Table 6-1. HN police organization assessment considerations ................................................... 6-11

Table 9-1. Evidence collection guidelines .................................................................................... 9-10

Table D-1. Planning factors to determine time unavailable for patrol duties ................................ D-5

Table D-2. LE patrol configurations and associated personnel requirements .............................. D-6

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

Preface

ATP 3-39.10 provides guidance for commanders and staffs on police operations and is aligned with FM 3-39,

the keystone military police field manual. This manual addresses police operations across the range of

military operations. Police operations support decisive action tasks (offensive, defensive, and stability or

defense support of civil authorities [DSCA]). This manual emphasizes policing capabilities necessary to

establish order and subsequent law enforcement activities that enable successful establishment, maintenance,

or restoration of the rule of law. While this manual focuses on the police operations discipline and its

associated tasks and principles, it also emphasizes the foundational role that police operations, in general,

play in the military police approach to missions and support to commanders.
To comprehend the doctrine that is contained in this manual, readers must understand the—



Nature of unified land operations that are described in ADP 3-0.



Fundamentals of the operations process that are described in ADP 5-0.



Principles of command and control that are described in ADP 6-0.



Protection principles that are described in ADP 3-37.



Conduct of Army operations described in FM 3-0.



Operational doctrine for military police operations described in FM 3-39.

The principal audience for this manual is leaders and Army professionals at all echelons who are tasked with

planning, directing, and executing police operations. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also

use this manual.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable United

States, international, and in some cases host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure

that their Soldiers operate in accordance with the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See FM 6-27.)
ATP 3-39.10 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both

the glossary and the text. Terms for which ATP 3-39.10 is the proponent publication (the authority) are

italicized in the text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which

ATP 3-39.10 is the proponent ATP (the authority) are printed in boldface text and indicated with an asterisk

(*) in the glossary. For other terms defined in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent

publication follows the definition.
ATP 3-39.10 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States

and the United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
This publication contains copyrighted material.
The proponent for this manual is the United States Army Military Police School (USAMPS). The preparing

agency is the Fielded Force Integration Directorate, Doctrine Division, Maneuver Support Center of

Excellence (MSCoE). Send comments and recommendations on a DA Form 2028 (

Recommended Changes

to Publications and Blank Forms

) to Commander, MSCoE, ATTN: ATZT-FFD, 14000 MSCoE Loop, Suite

270, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri 65473-8929; by e-mail to

usarmy.leonardwood.mscoe.mbx.

mpdoc@mail.mil

; or submit an electronic DA Form 2028.

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

vii

Introduction

Police operations have historically been understood to comprise of law enforcement missions supporting United

States (U.S.) military commanders and efforts to police military personnel, civilians, and family members

working and residing on U.S. military bases and base camps. Police operations support to the operational

commander and the capabilities inherent within law enforcement organizations will continue to grow in relevance

in support of Army operations. Future conflicts and the nature of the threat within the operational environment

will increase the relevance of police operations and the need for law enforcement capabilities in support of Army

operations. Police operations plays vital role in countering hybrid threats, reducing crime, establishing order,

preserving readiness, and enforcing the rule of law. Police operations have shown their relevance in establishing

civil security and civil control critical lines of effort supporting transfer authority to a secure and stable host-

nation (HN) government.
Lessons learned from recent conflicts, coupled with task analysis conducted by USAMPS, Fort Leonard Wood,

Missouri, have resulted in an expanded doctrinal framework and understanding of police operations. The

expanded framework does not establish new tasks within the police operations discipline, but identifies and

documents missions and tasks in the revised doctrine that have historically been conducted by military police.

Recent updates to FM 3-39 establishes police operations as the primary military police discipline, shaping the

actions and perspectives of military police in the conduct of military police disciplines. These updates describe

police operations within the context of two activities—policing and law enforcement. Policing activities are

general actions aimed at establishing order and stability within an area of operations (AO); law enforcement

activities are tied to the rule of law and require authority to conduct the law enforcement activity
Beyond support to bases and base camps, the requirement for military police capabilities in training and

supporting HN police is the most visible and resource-intensive police operations activity. Additionally, maneuver

commanders recognize several key law enforcement enablers that greatly enhance and contribute to mission

success, including—



Expertise in evidence collection that is critical to successful site exploitation and criminal prosecution.



Biometric collection, biometric identification capabilities, and modular forensic laboratories.



Identification of critical civil information regarding the criminal environment, the HN police capability

and capacity, and the local population, which is obtained through integrated police intelligence

operations.

Military police capabilities are invaluable to the maneuver commander whether conducting law enforcement

activities in support of bases and base camps, supporting protection requirements, maintaining and restoring order

in an effort to stabilize an AO, providing training and support to HN police, controlling populations, or supporting

humanitarian relief operations. No other U.S military force is as uniquely resourced, trained, and organized to

provide policing capabilities in support of the Army and its joint partners.
This manual is focused on establishing the framework of police operations as the foundational discipline of

military police and describing police operations support to decisive action. Additionally, this manual—



Discusses how crime, disorder, and the fear of crime are persistent, debilitating factors that contribute

to instability across the operational environment.



Acknowledges the ability of military police and United States Army Criminal Investigation Command

(USACIDC) elements to provide policing and law enforcement and policing capabilities in support of

commanders during decisive action and validates the application of police operations across the range

of military operations.



Applies lessons learned through the conduct of recent operational experiences.



Describes the integration of modular police operations capabilities to support Army operations.



Incorporates the latest revisions to ADP 3-0 and other doctrine, including ADP 3-07, ADP 3-28, ADP

3-37, ADP 5-0, and FM 3-0.

Introduction

viii

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

This manual is organized into nine chapters with five appendixes to provide additional details on selected

operational topics. A brief description of each chapter and appendix is provided below:



Chapter 1 describes the operational environment, with particular focus on the nature and scope of

modern conflict and the relevance of police operations within the operational environment. It provides

techniques for the conduct of police operations. The chapter highlights police operations role in

supporting the Army’s four strategic roles (shape the operational environment, prevent conflict, conduct

large-scale combat operations, and consolidate gains). The discussion of the operational environment

is not a repeat of information in previous manuals; it is focused specifically on those aspects of crime

and crime effect on the operational environment that generate requirements for police operations.



Chapter 2 is broken down into two sections. Section I provides considerations for planning, preparing,

executing and assessing police operations in support of Army operations. Section II describes how

military police organize to conduct police operations based on mission variables and other

environmental factors.



Chapter 3 is divided into three sections and focuses on police station operations and the management

of police information and specific law enforcement activities and requirements. Section I identifies the

activities and capabilities required to organize, plan, direct, and control law enforcement and policing

assets. Section II discusses the management and integration of police information throughout law

enforcement and policing activities. The final section identifies the organizational structure and

technical and tactical capabilities specifically focused on law enforcement and policing activities, in

support of the rule of law.



Chapter 4 discusses how military police synchronize, integrate, and organize complementary and

reinforcing policing measures and strategies to safeguard the force, protect populations, and enable the

existence of law and order.



Chapter 5 is specific to law enforcement activities carried out by personnel trained as military police

and granted law enforcement authority. This chapter also addresses patrol methods and strategies, court

testimony, and customs support.



Chapter 6 describes how policing is the application of control measures within an AO to maintain law

and order, safety, and other matters affecting the general welfare of the population.



Chapter 7 focuses on police engagement. This chapter discusses police engagement as a policing and

law enforcement-specific application of Soldier and leader engagement. It describes police engagement

planning and coordination considerations; specific police engagement activities; and the use of forums,

working groups, and boards to facilitate police engagements.



Chapter 8 describes traffic management and enforcement, as conducted within the police operations

discipline, and includes a limited discussion on traffic-related tasks conducted within the context of

security and mobility support. It discusses traffic planning, traffic control and enforcement, traffic

accident investigations, and traffic assessments.



Chapter 9 addresses basic evidence collection guidelines and techniques describing evidence collection

and forensic analysis.



Appendix A provides information on authority and jurisdiction in conducting law enforcement

activities.



Appendix B identifies criminal elements that exist at every level of society and throughout the

operational environment.



Appendix C describes considerations for special-response situations.



Appendix D discusses methods for calculating law enforcement patrol and manpower requirements.



Appendix E provides basic planning considerations for police operations-related equipment

requirements.

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ATP 3-39.10

1-1

Chapter 1

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

Instability and persistent conflict threatening U.S. interests at home and abroad are

constant risks faced by national leadership. Globalization, scientific and technological

advancements, demographic shifts, urbanization, competition for resources, natural

disasters, potential employment of weapons of mass destruction and economic and

political conditions lead to occurrence of failed and failing states that shape an era of

persistent conflict. Within these uncertain environments, the mission of establishing

civil security and civil control, enables the consolidation of gains and transitioning

from military operations back to civilian control will be constant requirements for

military leaders. Military police and USACIDC police operations are required to assist

commanders in maintaining a safe and secure environment for their own personnel and

to provide Army law enforcement resources in support of Army operations. Police

operations are also a key enabler in support of civil security and control lines of effort

conducted to establish conditions, capability, and capacity within a HN; support an

interim government or a military government; leading to the successful transition to

enduring civilian control.

THE POLICE OPERATIONS DISCIPLINE

1-1.

The military police disciplines (police operations, detention operations and security and mobility

support) are interdependent areas of expertise formed by military police technical capabilities and tactical

tasks. Police operations are an integral part of the protection warfighting function, and commanders rely on

military police to assist them in understanding how crime, disorder, and the fear of crime are persistent and

debilitating factors that contribute to instability across an operational environment. Commanders can

visualize potential solutions to prevent criminal acts through an understanding of how police operations are

integrated within the protection warfighting function and how it applies to the protection of forces and

populations within their AO. See ADP 3-37 for additional information on protection.
1-2.

The police operations discipline is identified as the lead military police discipline. It provides the

foundation for military police technical and tactical operations and the lens through which military police

operations are viewed. It shapes the military police approach to the operational environment Military police

conduct police operations to—



Maintain good order through voluntary civil compliance.

Military police assist commanders

in achieving community compliance using the least amount of reasonable possible force necessary.

Voluntary compliance is more effective than coercing or compelling compliance from a

population and stems from public trust in the government and police. Military police build

voluntary compliance through ethical and measured use of force to establish order, along with

collaborative community approaches that enhance shared responsibility. This voluntary

compliance assists in maintaining civil order within a population, where the population recognizes

the legitimacy of government and its rules. At home stations this can be civil compliance with

local, state, and federal laws and regulations. In deployed environments, this can be assisting HN

security forces with local populace compliance with their laws. A result of maintaining good order

is the noticeable absence of crime.



Prevent crime by identifying and resolving underlying crime conducive conditions.

Military

police enable the Army’s ability to reduce and defeat crime, disorder and the fear of crime which

are persistent, debilitating factors that contribute to instability across the operational environment.

Chapter 1

1-2

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

Effective policing is the absence of crime, not the military police dealing with crime. Preventive

policing is understanding the causes of environmental threats and defeating and influencing the

threats before a crime occurs. Military police work with commanders and communities to reduce

opportunity for criminal activity by providing deterrence through active policing.



Enforce the law through professional discretion.

Military police enforce the law when the

public has not been compliant and whether threats have been fully eliminated. Military Police

evaluate behavior in context of the situation, while still operating within the purview of the law

and meeting the commander’s intent.



Manage during times of crisis in DSCA.

National Guard military police elements regularly

support their respective state governors in this function while operating as state assets under title

32 USC. United States Army Reserve and active duty military police elements, including

federalized National Guard Soldiers, are generally prohibited from direct participation in law

enforcement.

1-3.

Police operations encompass two tasks—law enforcement and policing. These two tasks are

complementary and interdependent, but are conducted with a different intent. As the term suggests, law

enforcement is conducted for the purpose of enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and apprehending (when

warranted) persons for adjudication within the appropriate judicial system.

Policing

is the application of

control measures within an AO to maintain law and order, safety, and other matters affecting the general

welfare of the population (FM 3-39). Policing focus on maintaining order and establishing security - not the

enforcement of laws on the population or to compelling compliance at the risk of legal penalties.
1-4.

The capabilities and training inherent in the policing discipline instill military police Soldiers and

leaders with a common policing approach. The ultimate goal is to maintain order through intelligence and

active prevention measures while protecting personnel and assets. Military police Soldiers and leaders apply

this policing approach in the conduct of all operations. This approach to operations em

phasizes―



A rapid and accurate assessment of the operational environment with focus on the criminal

dimension.



Effective interpersonal communications that facilitates information and police engagement.



Critical and creative thinking to establish control and de-escalate incidents (when possible).



A disciplined and precise method of documenting incidents and actions that support criminal

investigative and due process requirements.



The rapid identification of threats, the exercise of restraint, and the application of appropriate force

options (from verbal persuasion to lethal force), when necessary, to control the environment.



Observation skills critical to identify evidence, information, or environmental variances that build

situational awareness, facilitate situational understanding, contribute to policing and law

enforcement efforts, and support the operations process.

NFORCEMENT

1-5.

Law enforcement includes those activities performed by personnel authorized by legal authority to

compel compliance with, and investigate violations of, laws, directives, and punitive regulations. Law

enforcement occurs in direct support of governance and the rule of law; however, for law enforcement to

occur, a legal system must exist. Typically, law enforcement is performed by personnel trained as police

officers and held directly accountable to the governmental source of their authority. See appendix A.
1-6.

Law enforcement is typically conducted concurrently with policing tasks that complement the law

enforcement mission (crime prevention, physical security, some traffic control measures). Law enforcement

requires specific training, certification, and demonstrated capabilities that typically preclude untrained

personnel from conducting the law enforcement mission. The specific training required of Army law

enforcement and other law enforcement agencies is designed to provide—



An understanding of the rules for the use of force and force escalation.



Competence in personal protection techniques to avoid physical injury.



Training in less than lethal techniques for subduing individuals.

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

1-3



An understanding of laws relevant to law enforcement, including—



Due process requirements.



Authority and jurisdiction.



Search and seizure requirements and restrictions.



The knowledge of proper evidence collection techniques.



The ability to write coherent police reports.



An understanding of emergency and special-response requirements.



Knowing how to apply police intelligence assessments to implement the proper policing model

and strategies.

1-7.

Police intelligence operations is strongly associated with police operations—more specifically, law

enforcement and criminal investigations. Commanders, provost marshals (PMs), and law enforcement

investigators generate intelligence requirements needed for situational understanding and decision making

regarding criminal investigations, disruption of criminal activity, reduction in crime-conducive conditions,

distribution of law enforcement assets, averting terrorist activity, and mission focus. The analysis of

information gathered during law enforcement activities can provide the critical linkages, associations, and

patterns necessary to conduct law enforcement investigations, identify criminal networks, solve crimes, and

close criminal investigations. The analyses of crime trends, patterns, and associations enable commanders,

PMs, and military police staffs to plan and make decisions regarding the prevention of crime and policing

strategies, patrol distribution, resource requirements, averting terrorist activity, and areas requiring increased

police engagement and focus. See ATP 3-39.20 for additional information on police intelligence.

OLICING

1-8.

Policing is the application of control measures within an AO to maintain law and order, safety, security,

and other matters affecting the general welfare of the population. The Army conducts policing continuously

to maintain order within its communities and formations. When directed, the Army also applies policing

activities to civilian populations to restore order when the rule of law has broken down or is nonexistent.

During large-scale combat operations policing enables the consolidation of political and military gains.

Although policing is not generally dependent on a particular legal structure, it is always applied to achieve a

specific order. In other words, policing is the application of generally applicable techniques to maintain the

specific law and order determined necessary by the commander. Policing tasks are employed in an effort to

restore or maintain order when the destruction of an enemy force or capability and associated infrastructure

is not the intent.
1-9.

Policing is characterized by the rules for the use of force, designed to limit the application of force

upon a population or group. This restraint differentiates policing from conventionally focused military

operations. Military police Soldiers are trained to conduct missions using only that force which is objectively

reasonable of force necessary to accomplish their task. This inherent mind-set of the de-escalation of violence

and restraint makes military police Soldiers highly suited to policing tasks. Policing is a critical step in

establishing civil security as a precursor to establishing civil control and the transition to self-governance

under the rule of law.

Note.

The United States Military Corrections mission is not considered a law enforcement task.

United States Military Corrections is the exception to the rule in that any Soldier with the

appropriate training and supervision can conduct policing tasks with no law enforcement purpose.

The corrections mission, as distinguished from detention operations, is its own leg of the criminal

justice system (police, corrections, courts). Corrections operations require specially trained

military police (military occupational specialty 31E) or other personnel who are trained in the

technical and legal requirements associated with conducting corrections operations as an integral

part of the criminal justice system, operating under the rule of law. Detention operations are

described in FM 3-39.

Chapter 1

1-4

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

1-10.

All military police disciplines are conducted with the primary purpose of maintaining an environment

with the requisite order and stability for commanders to focus their efforts on other critical missions and

tasks. The policing nature of military police operations does not negate the capability of military police units

to perform limited offensive actions to eliminate Level I, II, and III bypassed threats when required. Many

tasks aligned within the other military police disciplines (detention operations and security and mobility

support) are conducted concurrently to complement the police operations discipline. Police intelligence

activities are integrated throughout all military police disciplines; however, the primary role of those activities

remains in support of police operations. Physical security, reconnaissance and surveillance, and populace and

resource control tasks are typically aligned with the security and mobility support discipline, but are heavily

employed in direct support of police operations.
1-11.

Police intelligence operations integrated within policing operations in support of decisive action can

provide critical analysis and a situational understanding of civil considerations as they relate to HN police

systems, organizations, capability, and capacity. Military police and USACIDC units work to reduce the

opportunity for criminal activity throughout the AO by assessing the local conditions, conducting police

engagement at all levels (including coordinating and maintaining liaison with other Department of Defense

(DOD), HN, joint, and multinational agencies), and developing coherent policing strategies. Military police

units at all levels coordinate actions to identify and influence crime-conducive conditions. Military police

support and develop strategies to maintain order and enforce the rule of law across the range of military

operations. See ATP 3-39.20 for additional information on police intelligence.

PRINCIPLES OF POLICE OPERATIONS

1-12.

The planning and execution of police operations are guided by six principles. These principles do not

comprise a rigid checklist; however, they guide how military police units and planners develop plans and

execute police operations supporting and technical tasks. The following are the principles of police

operations:



Prevention.



Public support.



Restraint.



Legitimacy.



Transparency.



Assessment.

REVENTION

1-13.

Military police conduct policing operations in a manner that emphasizes proactive actions to prevent

and deter crime and stop the disruption of civil order. The objective is to be proactive and to prevent crime

and potential disruptions to military operations that threaten lines of operation. Fundamental to this approach

is the identification of criminal activity and crime-conducive conditions from which trends, patterns, or

associations emerge and for which policing strategies are developed. Predictive analysis, performed formally

or informally, is essential to prevention strategies and programs. Military police often use proven police

strategies, models, and surveys to focus the collection of police information through police activities.

Proactive policing activities are enabled through the deliberate application of integrated police intelligence

activities by military police and USACIDC elements. If prevention efforts fail, military police are trained for

rapid response to resolve problems resulting from incidents occurring within the AO or sphere of influence.

UBLIC

UPPORT

1-14.

Police forces should not be detached from the public they are policing, as successful police forces are

nested with the public that they are charged to protect. Police activities and strategies are generally enhanced

through the efforts of an involved citizenry that is supportive of the police. In many societies, the public

supports police efforts that provide a security, safety, or service benefit to the community if the police force

is trustworthy or reasonable. Military police are organized and employed in a manner that facilitates building

public support through frequent and continuous interaction with a population. Military police can

successfully garner public support as they collect and disseminate information to a community or population

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

1-5

through Soldier and leader engagement. (See FM 3-13 for additional information on information-related

capabilities.) Police engagement provides a connection to the public and other police entities as part of

community policing initiatives. This is apparent in traditional law enforcement activities and police and

protection activities within an operational environment. Police engagement effects can be increased when

integrated with ongoing military information support operations programs (such as rule of law) or by being

supported by a specific military information support operations program (such as those that support crime

reporting).

ESTRAINT

1-15.

Lethal capability often differentiates police forces from security, paramilitary, or conventional military

forces. The perceived threat of significant violence that is associated with conventional military forces can

often prevent conflict, but it may result in tensions in a civilian community. These tensions may lead to

disorder and confrontation. Introducing police forces with the appropriate level of lethality often signals a

return to rule of law and may reduce community tensions. These forces present a less-threatening force

posture that may be more acceptable to the local inhabitants.
1-16.

Police activities often complement other graduated-response mechanisms that are intended to reduce

violence and disorder within an area by mitigating the unnecessary escalation of force. Military police and

other forces that are engaged in police activities among local populations must be capable of exercising

restraint in the application of objectively reasonable force to compel compliance from civilians and others.

Military police are specifically trained to engage the public and the community within established rules for

the use of force along with the rules of engagement in a deployed environment, applying only the required

level of force to accomplish the mission. The prudent and measured application of force is often critical to

gaining and maintaining public support. Excessive force can alienate the population, undermine police

efforts, and pose a threat to friendly forces.

EGITIMACY

1-17.

Police authority is generally accepted as legitimate if it is sanctioned by competent authority and the

laws or mandates are applied in a fair and impartial manner. This includes maintaining consistency in

applying police activities within a community or across the AO. Police actions that appear to be based on

ethnic, religious, personal, or political bias or affiliation generally lack legitimacy, lose public support, and

often lead to confrontation or reprisal. Military police and other police personnel maintain a professional

bearing and deal with the public in a firm and impartial manner. Law enforcement activities or programs that

lead to justice and the effective resolution of problems, conditions, or incidents within the area build and

maintain trust within the population.

RANSPARENCY

1-18.

Policies, established principles, leadership intent, and corrective actions that affect police and detention

operations and should be open and accessible. This does not mean allowing public access to police files and

information regarding ongoing investigations; rather, transparency ensures that personnel, policies, and

procedural aspects of police organizations are known and reasonably accessible to the public. This allows for

public awareness, scrutiny, and accountability. Military police and USACIDC elements who are conducting

police and detention operations must operate in a manner that can withstand public scrutiny. Leaders

continuously balance the need for transparency with the operational security requirements necessary for

protection.

SSESSMENT

1-19.

Police activities and operations are continually assessed through cause and effect and cost versus

benefit analyses. Using trend, pattern, and association data, police personnel focus police efforts to develop

or adjust police strategies, identify where criminals or crime-conducive conditions exist, and predict where

problems may emerge. Military police and USACIDC elements continuously assess their activities in support

of establishing order and determining the progress measured against established measures of effectiveness.

This allows leaders to adjust the application of police resources. These assessments develop awareness and

Chapter 1

1-6

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

intuitive judgment in police personnel and organizations and identify the subtle changes or variations in

societal behavior toward disorder or changes that may signal a deteriorating security environment.

RULE OF LAW

1-20.

The rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities (public and private),

including the state itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and

independently adjudicated and that are consistent with international human right principles. The rule of law

limits the power of government by setting rules and procedures that prohibit accumulating autocratic power.

It dictates government conduct according to prescribed and publicly recognized regulations while protecting

the rights of all members of society. It also provides a way to resolve disputes nonviolently and an integral

method to establish enduring peace and stability. Generally, the rule of law exists when—



The state monopolizes the use of force in resolving disputes.



Individuals and their property are secure.



The state is bound by law and does not act arbitrarily.



The law can be readily determined and is stable enough to allow individuals to plan their affairs.



Individuals have meaningful access to an effective and impartial legal system.



The state protects human rights and fundamental freedoms.



Individuals rely on the existence of legal institutions and the content of law in the conduct of their

daily lives.

1-21.

The rule of law is the foundation upon which the legal system is built, enabling equal and fair treatment

in the enforcement, investigation, adjudication, and punishment of offenses. Military police conduct and

support activities within the full range of legal systems, from established and mature legal structures (the

Uniform Code of Military Justice [UCMJ] and civilian courts in the United States) to near anarchical systems

(such as those present in Iraq immediately following the fall of the Ba’athist government). A criminal justice

system based on the rule of law provides the laws and legal structure required for police operations,

specifically law enforcement activities.
1-22.

A functional criminal justice system requires three separate, yet supporting and complementary, legal

functions to work effectively:



Judicial.



Law enforcement.



Corrections.

1-23.

These functions are critical to the maintenance of the rule of law and the legitimacy of civil authority.

The functions of the criminal justice system are inextricably connected and interdependent. Military police

support all three functions, although they provide the primary operative elements within law enforcement

and corrections activities. Military police support the rule of law and the legitimacy of the government

through law enforcement and corrections activities in a manner consistent with the Army ethic and worthy

of their professional status. The professional and ethical execution of all domains within the rule of law is

critical in establishing and ensuring legitimacy of the government in the eyes of the populace.
1-24.

In some operations, a criminal justice system and the rule of law may be virtually nonexistent, corrupt,

or infiltrated by destabilizing forces. This may be the case where regimes have been toppled and the existing

infrastructure (to include civil security and civil control mechanisms) has been decimated. The immediate

aftermath of major disasters (natural and man-made) may also produce environments where the rule of law

is nonexistent or ineffective due to a lack of legitimate government control or substantial degradation in

capability. In these environments, efforts to establish civil control and civil security (leading to the emergence

of a legitimate government based on the rule of law) must be initiated at the earliest feasible point. When

possible, these efforts should begin during large-scale combat operations to eliminate significant delays to

control and security efforts.

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

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1-7

1-25.

In certain operational environments, military police may initially operate without a HN police

organization or with a fledgling force that cannot match the military police capabilities, numbers, or standards

of ethical conduct. In many instances, military police will operate with civilian police from other nations

operating under the authority of international organizations (such as the United Nations). See ADP 3-07 for

additional information.
1-26.

In the United States and its territories, military police work closely with local, state, tribal, and federal

law enforcement organizations during normal operations and DSCA events (during natural disasters, large-

scale disruptions to the social order, pandemics the technical capabilities) within the limitation of established

laws, including Section 1385, Title 18, United States Code (18 USC 1385) (commonly known as the Posse

Comitatus Act). See ADP 3-28 for additional information on the Posse Comitatus Act and DSCA.
1-27.

Efforts to prosecute threat personnel captured during military operations in civilian criminal courts

have placed emphasis on the importance of site exploitation efforts, to include evidence collection,

preservation, forensic analysis, and documentation required for prosecution within civilian judicial systems.

Adherence to evidentiary and other due process requirements within many operational environments is

difficult, at best, and requires specific technical training to be performed properly and to withstand scrutiny

at criminal trials. Army law enforcement is uniquely suited to perform these tasks and to provide training and

guidance to other Soldiers regarding evidence collection requirements. War crime investigations are typically

supported by USACIDC elements.

COMMAND AND CONTROL OF ARMY LAW ENFORCEMENT

1-28.

The command or support relationship structure for Army law enforcement assets depends on the

specific operational environment and mission set. The exercise of command and control for military police

assets is determined on whether police operations are focused internally to police U.S. military personnel and

resources or externally to support civil control efforts and provide stability and the rule of law for an HN

population. Furthermore, the execution of command and control for Army law enforcement assets also

depends on whether the mission is conducted in support of bases and base camps, within an expeditionary

environment, or within the context of a DSCA mission.

OLICE

PERATIONS IN

UPPORT OF

RIENDLY

ORCES

1-29.

Police operations conducted to maintain order and enforce laws on bases and base camps are typically

supervised and controlled by a PM through the law enforcement activities center and the provost marshal’s

office (PMO), working within the directorate of emergency services structure. The PM and the director of

emergency services support a garrison commander to enable base operations within their AO. The director

of emergency services ensures the execution of law enforcement according to the garrison commander’s

priorities and in support of base protection efforts. As the chief law enforcement officer, the PM advises the

garrison commander on all police operations and provides professional and technical advice concerning

policing objectives, policies, and directives. The commander approves the degree of policing required to

support order and discipline for ongoing military operations. The PM advises the commander on the means

and methods needed to achieve the commander’s priorities and requirements. In these instances, the PMO

typically requires augmentation by military police units assigned to the base. These military police Soldiers

remain under the command of their parent organization, but are under the operational control of the PM when

conducting law enforcement activities.
1-30.

When supporting U.S. bases and base camps within an expeditionary environment, police operations

are typically conducted under the command and control of the senior military police commander. In these

cases, after the joint operations area has matured to a point where dedicated policing support to U.S. forces

is required, a military police law enforcement detachment can be deployed to conduct police operations in

support of the base. The detachment generally operates under the command of a military police brigade or

battalion commander who, in turn, supports the base commander. The military police law enforcement

detachment requires augmentation from other military police units, depending on the mission variables. This

augmentation will normally be provided from military police platoons and companies assigned or attached

to the military police brigade or battalion commander responsible for the policing mission.

Chapter 1

1-8

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

1-31.

In some cases, a military police law enforcement detachment may be deployed to provide law

enforcement support to a geographic combatant commander with numerous bases of operation within the

area of responsibility. In these cases, the military police law enforcement detachment will typically be located

at the largest base. Military police platoons and companies will be tasked to establish military police

substations for providing law enforcement support to outlying bases within the area of responsibility. The

military police law enforcement detachment will provide these military police substations with police

administrative support for processing and maintaining police records. The military police law enforcement

detachment will also provide other technical capabilities (traffic management and enforcement, military

police investigation, and physical security) to the military police substations, as required.

OLICE

PERATIONS IN

UPPORT OF

OST

-N

ATION

OPULATIONS

1-32.

The exercise of command and control over military police forces performing police operations in

support of a HN population is provided by three primary echelons of military police headquarters units―the

military police command, the military police brigade, and the military police battalion. Each echelon has a

staff that enables the commander to exercise command and control of military police organizations

conducting police operations, detention operations, and security and mobility support. Although military

police companies are not typically listed as headquarters elements, it is important to understand that the

military police company headquarters may fill the role of the senior military police headquarters in support

of a unit (normally when task-organized within a brigade combat team). While the military police company

lacks the staff of other military police headquarters, it may still be called upon to provide a limited, but

necessary, headquarters role and associated command and control functions of subordinate military police

platoons. See FM 3-39 for specific information regarding the capabilities of these headquarters units.
1-33.

Military police organizations (brigades, battalions, companies, and platoons organic to brigade combat

teams) prepare for and conduct police operations support to establish and maintain civil control by operating

in a decentralized manner. Whether operating within a military police brigade command structure or a brigade

combat team as a multifunctional brigade, division, or corps, these military police elements will conduct

police operations in support of the higher headquarters mission and commander’s intent. Decentralized

execution allows the commander to direct police operations, as required, to establish and maintain order and

civil control within the AO based on specific mission variables. As the AO matures and stabilizes and

operations transition to establishing HN police capability and capacity across the joint operations area, police

operations will typically be centralized under the command and control of a military police brigade or

battalion (depending on the size of the operation).
1-34.

Centralized execution is better for managing scarce resources, especially those that can produce effects

throughout the AO. It may also be necessary to mass effects decisively in some cases. Centralized execution

is also suitable for operations in which greater than normal coordination (within the force, with other

Services, or with HN forces) is involved. The centralization of HN police development and training ensures

the consistent application of policing across the entire corps or theater AO. A military police brigade or

battalion exercising command and control over military police elements performing HN police support

ensures that the HN police organization receives consistent training, policy, and operational guidance and

support. This consistency is critical to establish and maintain public support and legitimacy. Chapter 6

addresses military police support to HN police.
1-35.

When police operations are not centralized within a functional military police structure, military police

technical channels are critical to ensure that law enforcement activities are coordinated and synchronized.

The consistent application of law enforcement, police training, policies, operational guidance, and support

must cover the entire corps or theater AO. The negative impact of the unsynchronized and inconsistent

application of police operations and efforts to build HN policing capability in an AO can have significant

strategic implications and cause major delays in operational benchmarks. When extensive and long-term

military police technical capabilities and uniform effects are required in an AO, military police brigade assets

and associated command and control networks and systems specific to military police operations are required

to ensure the technical oversight, synchronization, coordination, and consistent application of military police

capabilities. This is especially true when stability tasks are dominant within the AO.

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

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1-9

NITED

TATES

RMY

RIMINAL

NVESTIGATIONS

OMMAND

SSETS

1-36.

The exercise of command and control of USACIDC special agents (SAs) conducting law enforcement

activities is retained within the USACIDC command structure. The headquarters and headquarters

detachment military police group (criminal investigation division) provides command and control support,

staff planning, policy and technical guidance, supervision of operations, administrative support, and legal

advice and guidance for USACIDC elements in its assigned AO. The headquarters and headquarters

detachment military police group (criminal investigation division) is assigned to the headquarters USACIDC

and provides support to the Army service component command or combatant commander. Other USACIDC

organizations include—



The headquarters and headquarters detachment, military police battalion (criminal investigation

division). The battalion provides supervision of operations of subordinate USACIDC elements.



USACIDC elements that provide USACIDC operations in their assigned AO.

Note.

In some instances, USACIDC personnel may be placed under the command and control of

a multifunctional commander to provide specific law enforcement technical staff advisory support

(such as support associated with the law enforcement professionals program). FM 3-39 provides

additional information regarding the law enforcement professionals program.

OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

1-37.

The

operational environment

is a composite of the conditions, circumstances, and influences that affect

the employment of capabilities and bear on the decisions of the commander (JP 3-0). An operational

environment includes physical areas (air, land, maritime, space domains) and the information environment

(including cyberspace). The

information environment

is the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and

systems that collect, process, disseminate, or act on information (JP 3-13).
1-38.

An operational environment for any specific operation involves not only isolated conditions of

interacting variables that exist within a specific AO, but also interconnected influences from the global or

regional perspective (for example, political, social [crime], and economic) that impact conditions and

operations. To be successful in the conduct of military operations, commanders must thoroughly understand

and appreciate the changing nature of an operational environment. See ADP 3-0 for additional information

on the operational environment.
1-39.

The term threat includes any combination of actors, entities, or forces that have the capability and

intent to harm U.S. forces, U.S. national interests, or the homeland. Threats include nation-states,

organizations, people, groups, or conditions that can damage or destroy life, vital resources, or institutions.

The various actors in an AO can qualify as a threat, an enemy, an adversary, or a neutral or friendly. A peer

threat is an adversary or enemy with the capabilities and capacity to oppose U.S. forces across multiple

domains worldwide or in a specific region where it enjoys a position of relative advantage. Peer threats

possess roughly equal combat power to U.S. forces in geographical proximity to a conflict area. See FM 3-0

for additional information on peer threats.
1-40.

Land operations often prove complex because actors intermix, often with no easy means to distinguish

one from another. Civilians who are sympathetic to the enemy may become significant threats to operations.

They may be the most difficult to counter because they are not normally part of an established enemy agent

network and their actions may be random and unpredictable.
1-41.

Many urban environments include vast, densely packed areas with populations that exceed a million.

In urban environments, threats can be difficult to identify due to the often complex nature of the forces and

environment. These threats may operate independently or together. Individuals may be active members of

one or more groups. Potential urban adversaries share many characteristics. In urban terrain, friendly forces

may encounter a variety of potential threats, such as conventional military forces, paramilitary forces,

insurgents or guerilla forces, terrorists, common criminals, drug traffickers, warlords, or street gangs.

Chapter 1

1-10

ATP 3-39.10

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1-42.

Nation-states use criminals and other irregular threat actors to achieve strategic, operational, and

tactical objectives while retaining plausible deniability. Nonstate actors, such as terrorist networks and

insurgencies, continue to rely on criminal activities to accrue the necessary financial means to sustain forces

and operations. Terrorists and insurgents continue to use criminal populations as recruiting pools for new

members. State and nonstate actors collaborate with criminal networks to gain access to the critical

knowledge, skills, and abilities that they may lack among their forces to generate the necessary synergy to

create multiple dilemmas for their opponents.
1-43.

The nexus between criminal and irregular threats has grown closer and stronger. Criminal elements

have been categorized as a subcategory of irregular threats. Their organizational structure, tactics, and

activities are not exclusive to one type of irregular threat. Most criminal activities in the operational

environment occur in densely populated urban areas where disorder, crime, and the fear of crime harm

civilian populations, weaken developing security forces, destabilize governments, and threaten military

operations.
1-44.

Irregular and criminal threats continue to attack, manipulate, exploit, and intimidate vulnerable and

frustrated populations as ways to discredit governments, gain power and influence, drive disorder and

instability, and generate illicit profits. Crime, disorder, and the fear of crime continue to be persistent,

debilitating factors that contribute to instability across the operational environment, especially in densely

populated urban areas and in weak, failing, and failed states.
1-45.

Criminal threats exist at every level of society and in every operational environment. Their presence,

regardless of their capabilities, add to the complexity of any operational environment. Criminal threats may

be connected with irregular forces or with regular military and/or paramilitary forces of a nation-state.

However, criminal threats may pursue criminal activities independent of other actors. For additional

information on criminals, see appendix B.

UNIFIED ACTION

1-46.

Unified action

is the synchronization, coordination, and/or integration of the activities of governmental

and nongovernmental entities with military operations to achieve unity of effort (JP 1). The complexity of

police operations (specifically law enforcement) requires effective external liaisons and cooperative

relationships with other U.S. military, civilian, and multinational law enforcement organizations and nonlaw

enforcement organizations. The PM or senior military police commander must be prepared to coordinate and

synchronize operations with external agencies and organizations to maximize effectiveness. Resource

constraints increasingly require external coordination to fill capability and resource gaps. Unified action is

especially critical when planning, training for, and responding to crisis situations or large-scale, special-event

scenarios. Information sharing and fusion activities also require extensive interagency coordination to

maximize effectiveness. See ADP 3-0 for additional information on unified action.

POLICE OPERATIONS ACROSS THE RANGE OF MILITARY

OPERATIONS

1-47.

The increased requirements to prosecute enemy personnel (captured by military forces within

operational environments) for the crimes they commit have significantly increased the relevance and

requirement for law enforcement capabilities across the range of military operations. Military police and

USACIDC Soldiers provide technical capabilities required for the collection, preservation, and

documentation of material and evidence collected at incident sites to support targeting, protection, and

criminal prosecution. USACIDC personnel can also provide investigative support of criminal activities

leading to prosecution in criminal courts, to include supporting war crime prosecution.

1-48.

Police operations are conducted across the range of military operations. Policing and law enforcement

tasks associated with police operations are typically conducted simultaneously. The relative emphasis given

to policing and law enforcement tasks specifically depends on the operational environment, the level of

violence, and the presence of the applicable rule of law. An operational environment characterized by general

war will require police operations heavily weighted toward policing tasks, with minimal emphasis on law

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

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1-11

enforcement. Operational environments characterized by relative stability and governance under the rule of

law will require much more law enforcement activity and less focus on policing tasks. See figure 1-1.

1-49.

The U.S. military forces will continue to face a complex array of threats in a myriad of environments.

These threats span a range that includes petty criminals, organized criminal elements, complex insurgencies,

ideological terrorists, and rogue states with conventional military capabilities. Their organization types range

from individuals and small teams to large militaries with complex, hierarchical structures. Current and future

operational environments require the U.S. military to engage in operations simultaneously across the range

of military operations, from military engagement, security cooperation, and deterrence to major operations

and campaigns. The points along the range of military operations are not static and are not exclusive. Even

though a joint operations area will generally be characterized by a singular point along the range of military

operations, the levels of conflict and corresponding violence may vary within the joint operations area. It is

not uncommon to conduct operations at different points along the range of military operations simultaneously

within a joint operations area or even within an AO.

Figure 1-1. Law enforcement and policing operations within the context of the range of

military operations

1-50.

War includes major operations against a broad variety of threats ranging from standing military forces

to armed groups and combinations of these different capabilities. At this end of the conflict continuum,

military police and other enablers are integrated to enable freedom of action for friendly forces while denying

freedom of action to adversaries. Military police missions include identifying and meeting the challenges

associated with the protection of high-risk personnel, facilities, assets, and other aspects not typically

associated with close combat. Police operations at this end of the range of military operations are typically

limited. They will be focused internally to maintain order and protect sustainment elements. As maneuver

elements move forward or establish defensive positions, military police elements may begin initial police

engagement efforts with friendly HN, indigenous forces, or multinational forces in the area, setting conditions

for police operations in support of civil security and civil control lines of effort as the joint operations area

stabilizes.

Chapter 1

1-12

ATP 3-39.10

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1-51.

As the level of violence decreases, the environment may devolve into an insurgency situation. An

insurgency may include the widespread use of small unit tactics, terrorist tactics and criminal activities.

Military police support operations at this point are predominantly policing missions that are focused on

supporting civil security and civil control efforts, enhancing the commander’s freedom of action by enabling

freedom of movement, providing area security in designated areas, and supporting detainee or dislocated

civilian operations. Military police can help control, limit, or restrict insurgent freedom of action and low

level crime in specific areas while supporting HN police and security strategies. Military police conduct

deliberate efforts to identify HN police capability and capacity, enforcement gaps, and mechanisms to assess

the criminal environment. Through police engagement activities and integrated police intelligence activities,

military police and USACIDC personnel can identify conditions conducive to crime or corruption that may

be exploited by insurgents, terrorists, or criminals. These assessments lead to initial efforts by military police

to regenerate HN police capability and capacity and shape conditions for a return toward rule of law. Military

police and USACIDC personnel provide critical technical capabilities for site exploitation relevant to

evidence collection, tactical questioning, and law enforcement interrogations (when warranted). See

ATP 3-39.12 for additional information on law enforcement investigations.
1-52.

When one or more factions threaten or use violence to achieve their objectives, thus threatening the

stability of the AO, the condition of the environment may be characterized as unstable peace. Unstable peace

may also result when violence levels decrease after conflict. In some cases, external powers may intervene

to limit conflict. Preventing a return to violence may require peace operations. Peace operations may be

necessary when peace is not immediately achievable. Military police may support these efforts by providing

police operations support, as required. This may include recruiting, training, and equipping HN police

organizations to build force capability and capacity. A joint operations area characterized by unstable peace

may have operating bases that have matured to a point where dedicated police operations may be required to

provide law enforcement support to friendly forces living and operating out of the bases.
1-53.

At one end of the conflict continuum is peace (stability), characterized by relative order and little or

no violence. Peaceful interaction may include cooperation and assistance. Military police may support HN

police organizations through partnership and mentorship programs. Typically, during peace operations, these

policing activities are the responsibility of the HN. Assistance in response to disaster relief and foreign

humanitarian assistance usually includes support to local and HN law enforcement and opportunities that

immediately and positively impact the situation. When HN police capability is rendered ineffective by

disaster (natural or man-made), military police may be required to provide police operations support to the

local population until the HN capability can be regenerated. Military engagement, security cooperation, and

deterrence activities sometimes require large numbers of military forces. Forces performing these operations

will need infrastructure, facilities, lines of communications, and base camps to support sustainment. Military

police will be engaged in protecting these Soldiers and facilities and supporting the commander by

maintaining order across the AO.
1-54.

Military police must understand the complex environments in which they will be operating and the

changing nature of warfare as it transitions along the range of military operations. They must ensure that their

efforts are consistent, nested, and conducted within a shared framework as they provide police operations

support. Military police are organized, equipped, and trained to conduct police operations at any point. The

focus of proactive policing using an offensive mindset, appropriate to the level of violence within the AO, is

a critical enabler to overall command objectives.

SUPPORT TO UNIFIED LAND OPERATIONS

1-55.

The Army conducts operations across multiple domains and the information environment. An

operation

is a sequence of tactical actions with a common purpose or unifying theme (JP 1). Unified land

operations is the Army’s contribution to unified action.

Unified land operations

is simultaneous execution of

offense, defense, stability, and defense support of civil authorities across multiple domains to shape

operational environments, prevent conflict, prevail in large-scale combat, and consolidate gains as part of

unified action (ADP 3-0). Unified land operations is executed through decisive action and guided by

command and control.

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

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1-13

1-56.

Successful unified land operations require Army forces to seize, retain, and exploit the initiative by

forcing an enemy to respond to friendly action. By presenting multiple dilemmas to an enemy, commanders

force the enemy to react continuously until it is finally driven into untenable positions. Seizing the initiative

pressures enemy commanders into abandoning their preferred options and making mistakes. Enemy mistakes

allow friendly forces to seize opportunities and create new avenues for exploitation. Throughout operations,

commanders focus on combat power to defeat enemy forces, protect populations and infrastructure, and

consolidate gains to retain the initiative within the overall purpose of an operation.
1-57.

Operations to shape consist of various long-term military engagements; security cooperation; and

deterrence missions, tasks, and actions intended to assure friends, build partner capacity and capability, and

promote regional stability. Operations to shape occur in support of the geographic combatant commander’s

theater campaign plan or the theater security cooperation plan. These operations help counter actions by

adversaries that challenge the stability of a nation or region that is contrary to U.S. interests. Shaping activities

are continuous within an area of responsibility. Commanders, PMs, and military police planners must

synchronize, integrate, and organize military police capabilities and resources throughout operations to shape

and protect U.S. interests and build partner capacity and partnerships.
1-58.

Operations to shape include unit home station activities (maintaining operational readiness, training,

contingency planning). Combined exercises and training, military exchange programs, and foreign military

member attendance at Army schools are examples of home station shaping activities. At home stations,

military police conduct law enforcement, criminal investigations, police engagement, corrections, physical

security procedures, antiterrorism, and protective services tasks to maintain safe and secure environments

that enable commanders to generate, project, and preserve combat power during training and deployment

tasks that are associated with Army Sustainable Readiness requirements in support of unified land operations.
1-59.

The purpose of operations to prevent is to deter adversary actions that are contrary to U.S. interests.

They are conducted in response to activities that threaten unified action partners and require the deployment

or repositioning of credible forces in a theater to demonstrate the willingness to fight if deterrence fails (see

FM 3-0). Operations to prevent are characterized by actions to protect friendly forces and indicate the intent

to execute subsequent phases of a planned operation. Military police support operations to prevent to improve

security within partner nations, enhance international legitimacy, gain multinational cooperation, and

influence adversary decision making. All Army operations are multi-domain, unfolding across not only land,

maritime, air, space, and cyberspace domains but also the electromagnetic spectrum and the information

environment.
1-60.

Large-scale combat operations, including multiple domain aspects, incur significant operational risk,

synchronization complications, capabilities convergence considerations, and high operational tempo. Army

forces attack, defend, conduct stability tasks, and consolidate gains to attain national objectives. During large-

scale combat operations, Army forces focus on the defeat and destruction of enemy ground forces as part of

the joint team. Army forces close with and destroy enemy forces on any terrain, exploit success, and break

their opponent’s will to resist. Large-scale combat operations are extensive joint combat operations in terms

of scope and size of forces committed, conducted as a campaign aimed at achieving operational and strategic

objectives.

Large-scale ground combat operations

are sustained combat operations involving multiple corps

and divisions (ADP 3-0).
1-61.

In large-scale combat operations commanders conduct decisive action to seize, retain, and exploit the

initiative. This involves the orchestration of many simultaneous unit actions in the most demanding of

operational environments. The scale, scope, tempo, and lethality of large-scale combat exacerbates the

dynamic and uncertain nature of war, delaying or making precise cause-and effect determinations difficult.

Military police enable Army forces to defeat enemy organizations, control terrain, protect populations, and

preserve the joint force by conducting police operations tasks. See FM 3-0 for additional information on

multi-domain extended field and large-scale combat operations.
1-62.

During periods of armed conflict, military police will continue to protect forces, populations, and

critical infrastructure and assets. Military police employ manned-unmanned capabilities, to include military

working dog (MWD) teams, to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance of bases, routes, facilities, and

storage sites to detect, deter, defeat, or delay enemy forces, criminals, irregular threats, and bypassed

conventional forces. Military police defeat Level I and II threats and delay Level three threats until a tactical

combat force can arrive.

Chapter 1

1-14

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

1-63.

Many of the information and operational requirements military police support at home stations are

generally the same requirements they support throughout the operational framework during large-scale

combat operations. Current assessments of peer competitors, criminals, and irregular threats indicate they

will likely operate throughout the operational framework (see figure 1-2). Military police conducting police

operations will be countering these threats from home-station installations through the close area. Police

operations conducted at home station in the strategic support areas should be considered an extension of

police operations conducted in operational and tactical support areas and close areas. Only by treating them

as interdependent and interrelated missions will the Army generate the synergies and achieve the desired

security effects and outcomes required to prevail during periods of competition and armed conflict.

Legend:

BCT

brigade combat team

FLOT

forward line of own troops

Figure 1-2. Operational framework

1-64.

In addition, military police, in coordination with domestic and foreign law enforcement authorities,

joint partners, and Army counterintelligence, expand their police operations to protect power projection

platforms to ensure friendly forces are able to conduct movement and maneuver. They also conduct physical

security inspections, crime prevention assessments, and vulnerability assessments to determine the

effectiveness of security measures and to identify potential gaps in security posture. Along with the inspection

and assessment results, military police provide unit commanders and facility managers with police

intelligence assessments, enabled by biometric and forensic data, to strengthen crime prevention, physical

security, and antiterrorism measures.
1-65.

Consolidate gains

are activities to make enduring any temporary operational success and to set the

conditions for a sustainable security environment, allowing for a transition of control to legitimate authorities

(ADP 3-0). Consolidation of gains activities occur in portions of an AO where large-scale combat operations

are no longer occurring. See FM 3-0 for additional information on the consolidation of gains.
1-66.

The consolidation of gains is not separate or isolated from large-scale combat operations; consolidation

of gains activities are a form of exploitation inherent to large-scale combat operations. Army forces conduct

consolidation of gains throughout the range of military operations. Military police that support the

consolidation of gains focus police operations priorities toward the performance of the six primary stability

tasks as the security situation stabilizes:



Establish civil security.



Support to civil control.

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

1-15



Restore essential services.



Support to governance.



Support to economic and infrastructure development.



Conduct security cooperation.

1-67.

Military police execute missions as part of an integrated combined arms effort through decisive action.

While some tasks are executed as part of a purely functional unit activity, all executed tasks and missions

must be conducted within the intent and in support of the overall combined arms effort. The technical

capabilities and tactical tasks associated with the police operations discipline can be applied across the range

of military operations (see figure 1-3). Major operations, crisis response, and contingency operations have

the potential for close combat. These operations rely on the integration of military police and other enablers

to ensure the protection and security of friendly forces while denying freedom of action to adversaries

(countermobility). For additional information on military police support to the Army’s strategic roles, see

FM 3-39.

Figure 1-3. Police operations across the strategic roles

SUPPORT TO DECISIVE ACTION

1-68.

Army forces may execute a simultaneous and continuous combination of offensive, defensive, and

stability operations or DSCA tasks. (See ADP 3-0.) Military police capabilities are relevant within all four

operations of decisive action by maintaining good order, enabling freedom of action, providing protection of

the force, consolidating gains, and shaping conditions for the successful transition from combat operations

to civilian governance under the rule of law. Police operations support to decisive action includes a wide

range of missions and tasks that support uninterrupted movement, allow maneuver forces to preserve combat

power so that it may be best applied at decisive points and times, and foster rapid transitions in operations.
1-69.

Throughout all operations, USACIDC elements conduct required criminal investigations regarding war

crimes, detainee abuse, U.S. military and civilian employees, contractor personnel, and other persons

accompanying the force. USACIDC SAs may also be assigned to brigade and higher-level staffs within the

PM section, to military police brigades, or military police battalions to support police operations planning,

police intelligence activities, and site exploitation. (See ATP 3-90.15 for additional information on site

exploitation.) USACIDC SAs assigned or attached outside of the USACIDC command structure are not

authorized to conduct felony law enforcement investigative operations. (See AR 195-2.) Specific police

operations-related tasks that support decisive action include—



Conducting police station operations.



Conducting criminal investigations.



Conducting traffic management and enforcement.



Employing forensic and biometric capabilities.

Chapter 1

1-16

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021



Conducting police engagement.



Conducting temporary detention of personnel.



Providing protective services for selected individuals and high-risk personnel security.



Conducting law enforcement raids.



Conducting critical site security.



Providing customs support.



Restoring and maintaining order.



Conducting border control, security, and freedom of movement operations.



Restoring public safety and order.



Performing HN police training and support.



Providing support to civil law enforcement.

1-70.

Military police conduct police operations in support of decisive action within three contexts or

conditions, including support of the following:



A commander’s internal efforts to maintain good order and discipline (such as providing support

for bases and base camps). In this context, the application of the police operations discipline is

focused internally at policing our own Soldiers and civilians and deterring, mitigating, and

preventing criminal and terrorist threats. Police operations within this context are critical to

preserving combat power and enabling commanders to focus on their primary missions. Deliberate

police operations are significantly reduced during large-scale operations in immature theaters.

Minor infractions are typically handled by the chain of command without direct military police

support. USACIDC conducts criminal investigations of major crimes (including those involving

death, serious bodily injury, and war crimes) regardless of the environment or relative maturity of

the joint operations area.



A commander’s efforts to establish and maintain civil security and civil control within an AO to

enable self-governance under the rule of law. This application is focused externally on policing

and law enforcement activities targeting the local population in an operational environment where

policing and security capability is nonexistent or inadequate. The goal of any police operation

within an AO is the eventual transition of all policing and law enforcement activities to local

authorities.



Local law enforcement agencies within the United States or its territories in times of crisis during

DSCA:



United States Army National Guard military police elements that regularly support their

respective state governors in this function while operating as state assets under 32 USC.



United States Army Reserve and Regular Army military police elements, including

federalized National Guard Soldiers, generally prohibited from direct participation in law

enforcement. See ADP 3-28 for additional information on DSCA and a more complete

discussion of the legal authorities and restrictions pertaining to police operations support to

civilian law enforcement authorities in the United States.

FFENSIVE

PERATIONS

1-71.

offensive

operation

is an operation to defeat or destroy enemy forces and gain control of terrain,

resources, and population centers (ADP 3-0). Offensive operations can be conducted across the range of

military operations. Due to the pace, level of violence, and intent, police operations are typically limited

during offensive and defensive tasks to the early shaping operations conducted to establish conditions to

prepare follow-on efforts for civil security and civil control. These tasks may include military police, with

other elements, beginning initial efforts to restore and maintain order in areas passed by maneuver forces.

Military police also initiate police engagement activities to support the collection of police information to

establish the identification of criminal elements and crime conducive conditions. Early assessments of the

criminal environment, and initial efforts identify criminal actors, crime, disorder, and the fear of crime that

may impact operations and it establishes rapport with existing local police or friendly security elements.

While extensive police operations during offensive and defensive operations are typically not possible, early

and proactive and offensive oriented efforts are done to rapidly restore order and conduct police engagement.

Police Operations Support to Army Operations

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

1-17

These tasks are conducted to establish a secure environment, increase situational understanding of the

criminal environment, and build trust within the local population. These tasks are critical enablers to the

successful transition to stability operations and an eventual return to rule of law.
1-72.

Military police elements can provide technical capabilities to identify, gather, preserve, and document

evidence located as a result of offensive tasks and at incident sites within the AO. Integrated police

intelligence activities conducted by police intelligence analysts within PM sections or law enforcement

personnel attached to maneuver units can assist commanders by providing enhanced situational

understanding of the criminal and threat environment.

EFENSIVE

PERATIONS

1-73.

defensive operation

is an operation to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, economize forces, and

develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability operations (ADP 3-0). Police operations during the

defense are similar to those in the offense, but can be more deliberate and focused due to the relatively static

nature of defensive operations. Generally, interior lines of communications are more stable during defensive

operations. This relative stability in unit locations and operations within the AO allows for more aggressive

and thorough police engagement activities which, when enabled by integrated police and other intelligence,

can result in a better understanding of the criminal environment and generate positive relationships with local

police, the local population, community leaders, other governmental agencies, and nongovernmental

organizations throughout the AO. This condition sets the stage for successful stability tasks and support for

U.S. forces if offensive tasks are required.
1-74.

Police operations within population centers and rural areas throughout the AO can be effective in

restoring and maintaining order and enabling the transition to deliberate law enforcement activities. If police

capability and capacity is significantly degraded or destroyed throughout the AO, military police may be

required to conduct initial police operations to restore and maintain order within the population with little or

no assistance from local authorities. Optimally, any available police capability that is friendly to U.S. forces

will be employed to conduct law enforcement and policing activities to support populations throughout the

AO. Police operations during a defense mission can identify and prevent or mitigate criminal and terrorist

threats against U.S. personnel and resources. They can enhance a commander’s protection efforts and

preserve combat power.

TABILITY

ASKS

1-75.

stability operation

is an operation conducted outside the United States in coordination with other

instruments of national power to establish or maintain a secure environment and provide essential

governmental services, emergency infrastructure reconstruction, and humanitarian relief (ADP 3-0). These

operations support governance by a HN, an interim government, or a military government. Stability

operations occur before, after, or simultaneously with offensive and defensive operations. Stability operations

lead to an environment where a legitimate authority or other instruments of national power can be leveraged.

Legitimate governments without legitimate police forces can result in disgruntled and unsupportive

populations. One key to local security often lies in the effectiveness and legitimacy of the police.

See ADP 3-07 for additional information on stability tasks.
1-76.

Military police support stability tasks through the conduct of the military police disciplines; however,

military police missions will typically be prioritized to focus military police capabilities and effort toward

policing tasks to build the capacity of a HN, an interim government, or a military government police, security,

and military forces supporting efforts to restore public order and enable transition toward rule of law. While

building or establishing law enforcement capability for a country, military police may be required to conduct

law enforcement for the civilian populations to simultaneously help restore order and rebuild police

infrastructures.
1-77.

In stability tasks, police operations and integrated police intelligence activities are synchronized and

integrated within the information collection plan help military police and USACIDC elements detect,

identify, and track criminal and other threats. Military police share police information and conduct joint

police operations with local police and other civilian law enforcement and security agencies (such as

international police agencies or a police force provided by a United Nations effort). These agencies provide

Chapter 1

1-18

ATP 3-39.10

24 August 2021

an important service during the transition from conflict to postconflict missions by assisting the HN, an

interim government, or a military government with developing and training new police officers and

increasing their capabilities and capacities.
1-78.

During the conduct of prolonged stability operations, more extensive police operations in support of

U.S. forces may be required, mirroring the support provided at a home stations. As a theater matures and

base camps grow in size, population, and varied demographics, the level of criminal activity and requirements

for common law enforcement tasks (traffic management and enforcement) increase beyond the capability of

unit commanders. Military police will typically establish PMOs that are manned and equipped to provide

police operations support to U.S. forces operating from relatively mature bases in support of military

operations overseas. Base or geographic commanders will typically request military police law enforcement

support within their base camps, based on the relative maturity of the base camp and increased indicators

(speeding, traffic accidents, larcenies, contraband concerns, other impediments to the good order and

discipline of the force) that a dedicated law enforcement capability is required. If the base commander or

commander of the AO has not directed dedicated police operations support, the PM or senior military police

commander may recommend establishing a PMO based on the previously stated indicators.

EFENSE

UPPORT

IVIL

UTHORITIES

1-79.

Defense support of civil authorities

is support provided by U.S. Federal military forces, DOD civilians,

DOD contract personnel, DOD component assets, and National Guard forces (when the Secretary of Defense,

in coordination with the Governors of the affected States, elects and requests to use those forces in Title 32,

USC, status) in response to requests for assistance from civil authorities for domestic emergencies, law

enforcement support, and other domestic activities, or from qualifying entities for special events

(DODD 3025.18). Military police support to domestic operations is constrained by various laws. (See

ADP 3-28.) It is accurate to say that most military police tasks performed in domestic support are common

to overseas operations; however, military police conduct them under very different conditions.

Note.

State and local governments have the primary responsibility for protecting life and property

and maintaining law and order in the civilian community. Supplementary responsibility is vested

by statute in specific agencies of the U.S. Government other than the DOD.

1-80.

Police operations by military police in DSCA tasks are typically limited to support tasks. The Posse

Comitatus Act specifically restricts the use of military forces to enforce civilian laws within the United States.

National Guard elements operating under state control are not restricted by the Posse Comitatus Act. (See

32 USC.) After National Guard elements are mobilized under federal authority, they become subject to the

Posse Comitatus Act restrictions. (See ADP 3-28 for additional information on DSCA and a more complete

discussion of the legal authorities and restrictions pertaining to military police support to civilian law

enforcement authorities within the United States.) There are exceptions to the Posse Comitatus Act, which

can be enacted by the President or the Secretary of Defense during operations within the United States. The

Posse Comitatus Act applies to military personnel operating under federal authority. See 10 USC.
1-81.

United States Army MWD teams provide support to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies;

the Department of State; and the United States Secret Service. The United States Army MWD program may

also provide MWD teams to support ongoing law enforcement activities (such as the control of U.S. borders

during counterdrug operations and authorized law enforcement counterdrug operations as defined in

DODD 5200.31E).

24 August 2021

ATP 3-39.10

2-1

Chapter 2

Police Operations Integration

Police operations requirements are identified and synchronized during the planning

activities of the operations process, requiring the critical reasoning skills and problem-

solving techniques inherent in established Army planning. Police operations are

complex and resource-intensive with regard to time, manpower, technical skills,

equipment, and sustainment resources. Military police commanders and staffs conduct

extensive and proactive coordination when planning, preparing, organizing, and

assessing the conduct of police operations in support of Army operations.

SECTION I - PLANNING, PREPARING, EXECUTING AND ASSESSING POLICE

OPERATIONS

The operations process is a commander-led activity informed by command and control principles. It

consists of the major command and control activities performed during operations: planning, preparing,

executing, and continuously assessing an operation (see figure 2-1). These activities may be sequential or

simultaneous. They are rarely discrete and often involve a great deal of overlap. Commanders use the

operations process to drive the planning necessary to understand, visualize, and describe their unique

operational environments; make and articulate decisions; and direct, lead, and assess military operations. See

ADP 5-0 for a detailed discussion of the operations process.

Figure 2-1. The operations process

Chapter 2

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ATP 3-39.10

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The commander begins visualizing policing strategies and solutions, describes the concept and intent

to the staff, and helps drive the planning process and courses of action development. Through constant

assessment, the commander obtains enough information to begin directing the staff to achieve those tasks

necessary to support the rule of law, protect to maintain law and order, safety, and other matters affecting the

general welfare of the population based on the current and potential criminal threats (see appendix B for

additional information on criminal threats). Figure 2-2 shows how police intelligence operations (integrated

tasks) drives planning, preparation, execution and assessments of police operations.

Legend:

IPB

intelligence preparation of the battlefield

Figure 2-2. Police intelligence operations drives police operations

PLANNING

Planning

is the art and science of understanding a situation, envisioning a desired future, and

determining effective ways to bring that future about (ADP 5-0). Planning consists of two separate but

interrelated components: a conceptual component and a detailed component. Successful planning requires

the integration of both components. Army leaders employ three methodologies for planning: the Army design

methodology, the military decisionmaking process (MDMP), and troop leading procedures. Commanders

determine how much of each methodology to use based on the scope of the problem, their familiarity with

the methodology, the echelon, and the time available.

Military police commanders and staffs consider many factors when planning for police operations.

Within environments where police operations are ongoing, planning often involves identifying enforcement

and security gaps; shifts or changes in criminal activity; changes in technology, policy, or command

Police Operations Integration

24 August 2021

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2-3

guidance; and threats or hazards within the environment. Policing planning is typically focused on conditions,

capabilities, and capacities related to police and prison structures, organized criminal elements, legal systems,

investigations and interviews, crime-conducive conditions, and enforcement gaps and mechanisms

(POLICE). See ATP 3-39.20 for a detailed discussion of POLICE and associated assessments.

Planning and subsequent changes to police operations within this context typically require incremental

changes to existing police operations rather than major shifts in police strategy or resources. In some cases,

this includes specific events, major crisis situations, or changes in threat to the Army community (including

personnel and resources). Typically, a change to operations may require relatively short-term organizational

and operational adjustments to address a specific event, crisis, or threat. Some factors that planners may need

to consider include—



Police intelligence assessments that accurately identify problems and their level harm (severe,

high, moderate, or low).



Policing models and strategies.



Patrol areas and distribution.



Manpower and mission requirements.



Patrol methods.



Specialized capabilities employment (MWD [see ATP 3-39.34], traffic enforcement units).



Police engagement activities.



Interagency collaboration and fusion.



The development of police engagement themes and talking points for law enforcement

patrols, military police staff, and law enforcement investigators.



Public information campaigns.



Integration and upgrades of supporting technology (lighting, surveillance cameras, biometric and

forensic technologies, automations and communications systems, alarms and alarm monitoring,

special-response equipment).



Critical-incident and special-event planning.



Memorandums of agreement and memorandums of understanding with area agencies and

organizations.



Historical trends of calls for law enforcement services.

RMY

ESIGN

ETHODOLOGY

Army design methodology

is a methodology for applying critical and creative thinking to understand,

visualize, and describe problems and approaches to solving them (ADP 5-0). It includes interconnected

thinking activities that aid in conceptual planning and decision making. By first framing an operational

environment and associated problems, it enables commanders and staffs to think about the situation in depth.

From this understanding, commanders and staffs develop a more informed approach to solve or manage

identified problems. Police operations contribute to the Army design methodology by helping commanders

and staffs form an understanding of the operational environment, identify problems associated with criminal

and other irregular threats, and develop possible solutions that address the crime, the criminal, and instability

aspects of the operational environment to promote enduring and stable outcomes. During operations, the

Army design methodology supports organizational learning through reframing—a maturing of understanding

that leads to a new perspective on problems or resolutions.

The integration of police intelligence operations throughout all police operations provides commanders

and staffs valuable police information and police intelligence. This information and intelligence can assist

commanders and staffs in framing and reframing the operational environment, problems, and potential

environment, solutions throughout the execution of police operations to reduce and defeat crime, disorder

and the fear of crime. Police operations supports the Army design methodology by continuously assessing

and contributing to the commander and staff understanding of crime and criminal threats. See ATP 5-0.1 for

greater details on the Army design methodology.

ATP 3-39.10 POLICE OPERATIONS (AUGUST 2021) - page 1