The Canadian Forces Military Police (CFMP) contribute to the effectiveness and readiness of the Canadian Forces (CF) and the Department of National Defence (DND) through the provision of professional police like, security and operational support services worldwide.
CFMP are unusual in that although, not deemed Police Officers by any Federal or Provincial Acts, they are classified as Peace Officers in the Criminal Code of Canada, which gives them powers similar to civilian law enforcement personnel to enforce Acts of Parliament on or in relation to DND property or assets anywhere in the world. Their authority is similar to that of an appointed Special Constable. The National Defence Act, does not bestow the authority to the Minister of Defence to appoint Police Officers. Section 156(1) of the National Defence Act does allow the Minister to confer Peace Officer Status to Specially Appointed Military Police Members. They have the power to arrest anyone who is subject to the Code of Service Discipline (CSD), regardless of position or rank under the National Defence Act (NDA). MP have the power to arrest and charge non-CSD bound civilians only in cases where a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property or assets, or at the request of the Minister of Public Safety, Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada or Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Although MP jurisdiction is only on DND property across Canada and throughout the world, any civilian accessing these areas falls under MP jurisdiction and are dealt with in the same manner as any civilian policing agency. If in fact a crime is committed on or in relation to DND property or assets, MP have the power to arrest and charge the offender, military or civilian, under the Criminal Code of Canada. It is important to note though that the purpose of the CFMP is not to replace the job of a civilian police officer, but rather to support the Canadian Forces through security and interal policing services. MP also have the power to enforce the Provincial Highway Traffic Act on all military bases in Canada contrary to the Government Property Traffic Regulations (GPTR). The usage of of POLICE within the CFMP is deemed historical in use, and does not automatically confer or accredit the CFMP as a recognized Police Service. Although appointed Peace Officers, Military Police Members do not hold status as Police Officers or Police Constables as detailed in the Criminal Code of Canada. Their authority can be best described as that of a sworn Special Constable.
Read more about this topic: Law Enforcement In Canada, Police Forces
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