FIXED POSTS

In many instances, patrol operations may require the establishment of fixed posts. Some of the purposes of fixed posts are the following:

1. Maintain visitor and vehicle control

2. Provide information and assistance

3. Provide control/surveillance at special events

4. Provide traffic control at dangerous intersections

COMMUNITY/HUMAN RELATIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: List and describe seven rules that govern conduct, and explain 11 procedures that contribute to the overall community relations program.

The Master-at-Arms should make every effort to earn respect by performing duties in an efficient and courteous manner. Careful attention to your bearing and conduct will enable you to perform your duties more effectively. Regardless of any provocation, never be gruff or sarcastic.

RULES OF CONDUCT

Your every act while on duty as well as off duty influences the attitude that is developed toward you and what you represent. You must convey an impression of competence by the way you perform your duties. Otherwise, you cannot command respect or confidence, nor can you obtain the necessary prompt and proper compliance with your directions. You must, or course, be firm at times, but avoid unwarranted conduct and remarks that engender irritation and antagonism. Observe the following specific conduct rules while performing your duties:

1. Be alert, orderly, and courteous.

2. Be friendly and tactful.

3. Be sufficiently disciplined to control temper.

4. Display pride and interest in your duties.

5. Give assistance and information in a cheerful and willing manner.

6. Treat all persons fairly and impartially.

7. Be firm without being officious or overbearing.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROCEDURES

As an MA, your personal appearance and conduct must be exemplary. You must avoid actions and attitudes that could be detrimental to community relations. Through your actions, you must create an impression of professional competence and service in the community.

When you are performing duty on a naval base, you must remember that you are a representative of the naval service and constantly in public view. As such, you must maintain a reputation for smartness, alertness, and efficiency. Equipment and vehicles must be kept clean and in good repair.

Service personnel are quick to notice and criticize faults in the uniform and behavior of patrol personnel. The following procedures will contribute to the overall community relations program.

Do not smoke while in public view.

Limit conversations with the public. Many civil police agencies limit informal conversations to 3 minutes or less.

Do not loiter or lean against buildings or objects.

Learn the proper methods for handling incidents and spectators at the scene of incidents. This is an effective method of gaining community confidence and goodwill.

Do not appear to the community to be "punishing" violators. Remember, this is the job of the courts, not the Master-at-Arms.

When driving police vehicles, use restraint and caution in emergencies, and drive slowly while on routine patrol.

Be courteous and professional when talking either in person or on the telephone.

The proper use of a notebook lends an air of professionalism to the Master-at-Arms and should be required by all patrolmen.

The use of security credentials to solicit favors, gifts, or gratuities is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, these concessions should not be accepted when offered. Members of the patrol must pay regular prices for meals, services, and goods, whether on duty or in a liberty or leave status.

Patrol members are forbidden to indulge in any form of intoxicating beverage or other form of intoxicant while on duty or at any other time, as prescribed by unit regulations.

Maintain respectful and friendly relations with civil authorities and the civilian community in general. Be alert to your duty in preventing disharmony prejudicial to the armed services.

COMMUNICATIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: State the primary means of communication in patrol activities. Distinguish between abase station and a mobile two-way radio set. Describe transmission procedures in terms of net organization, standard 10-codes, and plain language communications. Identify four transmission techniques prohibited by the FCC. List six communications elements for which the patrol watch commander is responsible.

Radio is the primary means of communications used in controlling patrol activities. Most operations consist of a base station (police headquarters) and a number of mobile units. Most of the radios in naval patrol units are frequency modulated (FM) voice sets. Only voice communications can give the quick transmission response necessary for command control of highly mobile patrols. Another important reason for the use of voice FM radio is the comparative ease of training personnel in using the equipment.

BASE STATION

A base station consists of a fixed or transportable radio transmitter and receiver capable of sending and receiving voice messsages to and from other radios on the same net. Fixed base stations are normally installed permanently at police headquarters. Transportable sets are small, self contained units that can be operated on internal batteries or a 110-volt power source.