Military Police

BACKGROUND

The establishment of the Lesotho Defence Force Military Police (LDF MP) follows the appointment of the Provost Marshal that derives from the Lesotho Defence Force ACT 1996; section 16 (1) (a) and (b) respectively, which states that "there shall be a Provost Marshal who shall be appointed by the Commander of the Defence Force from among the officers of the Defence Force. It further states that the officer shall be responsible for the enforcement of discipline within the Defence Force and shall further carry out other duties as may be assigned to him by the Commander of the Defence Force. The LDF MP unit initially known as Provost Unit is amongst the first that were formed during the process of the establishment of the Police Mobile Unit (PMU) in 1966.

The unit comprised of two officers who wore a black brassard cloth; a piece of cloth worn around the upper left arm as part of uniform that identifies the unit and was marked "P", hence the name "Li Pi" (police men) by Lesotho soldiers. With the growth of the army, the numbers rose to the company strength due to high demand and the broadening scope of the unit, including a change of name to that of MP and attire; wearing of a red brassard marked MP, red berets and red belt. At its initial stage it was aimed at assisting the then PMU in the enforcement of high discipline and good order, maintenance of high morale and prevention of any acts that may jeopardize the image of the organization. With developing nature of the army, the roles of the MP broadened to answer the demands of its stakeholders; focusing and maintaining Civil Military Relations aspect from different angles.

MISSION

To assist the Lesotho Defence force (LDF) in the preservation of high morale, good order and discipline. To prevent breaches of rules and orders by soldiers and officers.

VISION

To be a reputable, detective and responsive unit of excellence in performance.

Services

The services provided by the MP include the enforcement of high discipline and good order, maintenance of high morale and prevention of any acts that may jeopardize the image of LDF, assisting Civil Police in the investigations of offences involving LDF Personnel, solving disputes and conflicts between the military members and the public. It is also responsible for controlling movement of personnel and vehicles in and out of the LDF Barracks, including the provision of pilots and escorts for VIPs among other duties.

Military Police at Work

A member of the Military Police (MP) can arrest any individual suspected of having committed a relevant civil or military offence. The arrest may be effected anywhere within Lesotho borders and beyond, military police officers do not have to be on LDF premises to exercise their authority over military personnel, provided the provost officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person being arrested is a serving member of the LDF. The MP has a bigger role to play in solving disputes and conflicts between the army personnel and the public including the disputes arising within the families of army members.

However it is worth noting that Military Police personnel do not have any specific civil police powers over the general public, only whilst dealing with military personnel. Where disputes cannot be solved amicably the matter may be dealt with by civil police guided by the Lesotho laws. There are other cases, committed by the army members that cannot be addressed in Court Martials; but to be dealt with in civil courts and requires investigations by civil police. In such cases the military police would also assist civil Police in the investigations of such offences.

Being a military police officer is a challenging task, as it requires extra training and discipline because he or she deals with trained and disciplined characters. It is therefore worth noting that the Military Police officer duties can be dangerous and strenuous, and therefore require dedication to one's duty of maintaining the safety of other civilians and military members. Due to the nature of their duty, the military police requirement includes being physically fit since some of the duties of being on the military police force requires responding to emergencies where people are completely out of control and requires to be put to order. A potential military police officer requires being in prime physical health and being able to deal with some emotional and physical stress, depending on the emergency or assignment.

TRAINING AND DEVOLOPMENT

Being a Military Police personnel does not exempt one from being a soldier who can engage the enemy in case they are caught in the middle of war. The MP members first attend a basic and formal military training like all members of the regular force and are taught military tactics, field craft and use of weapons. Following selection into MP unit, the lessons cover police duties, investigations, handling evidence, and military law including other areas of policing.

The training is continuous and is determined by the Provost Marshal when he realizes any requirement. He directs the area to be covered basing himself on the challenges on the real time situations.

Discipline

Discipline is the corner stone any military setting and a willing instant obedience to orders. The Duke of Wellington once stated that a perfect state of discipline existed where subordinates fulfilled the wishes of their superiors just as well in their absence as in their presence. The MP members demonstrate a highly disciplined behavior in order to be able to control service members as they sometimes confront unwelcome behaviours from members and have to take them to task.

Courtesy

MP members sometimes are forced to deal with their seniors where they surpassed the rules. Despite being at the helm of discipline, and regulations they, still have to show respect by having courteous communication. That is, members still need to be polite, bearing in mind the rank they are dealing with, despite the wrong doing in question.

Poses proper Poise

The acquired training by the MP members brings them confidence in their duty. It therefore makes them self-confident individuals when at work. Working close to the VIPs can sometimes bring stress but due to relevant training they are able to handle such pressure without showing it.

Alertness

A member of the Military Police (MP) can arrest any individual suspected of having committed a relevant civil or military offence. The arrest may be effected anywhere within Lesotho borders and beyond, military police officers do not have to be on LDF premises to exercise their authority over military personnel, provided the provost officer has reasonable grounds to believe the person being arrested is a serving member of the LDF. The MP has a bigger role to play in solving disputes and conflicts between the army personnel and the public including the disputes arising within the families of army members.

Appearance

However it is worth noting that Military Police personnel do not have any specific civil police powers over the general public, only whilst dealing with military personnel. Where disputes cannot be solved amicably the matter may be dealt with by civil police guided by the Lesotho laws. There are other cases, committed by the army members that cannot be addressed in Court Martials; but to be dealt with in civil courts and requires investigations by civil police. In such cases the military police would also assist civil Police in the investigations of such offences.

Stakeholders

MP doors are open to members of the community, individuals, companies. We ensure that we meet members of the media through LDF Public Affairs Office to provide information, regarding the activities of the unit, willingly or as may be required.

The office also advices the command on how to handle issues affecting the discipline of the members.

Our Professionals

The unit, entirely comprises of the serving members. The unit trains professionals and members who are recruited from different units and go through the vetting process. Basically it is dominated by the Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

Values and Standards

The Military Police unit plays a nurturing role within the organization. It plays a role of a parent; may comfort and fight for and on the other hand may punish members but with the sole purpose of maintaining discipline, order and prevention of any acts that may jeopardize the image of LDF.

In order to maintain the said standard, members adhere and live by the following values and standards; demonstrate high discipline, courtesy, neatness and Military bearing, pose proper poise, appearance, smartness and alertness.

Military bearing

The office of Military Police interacts with various publics and as a result needs to conduct themselves in a professional manner in order to bring credit as individuals and the organization. Provision of pilots and escorts for VIPs is a typical example; they attend activities hosting their Majesty's, the prime Minister nd other important dignitaries including the Commander of the Defence Force among others.