Military Police patrol Contingency Operating Base Basra to enforce law and order

Photo By Sgt. Darryl Montgomery | During a routine traffic stop, Spc. Robert McGrane, a patrol officer with the 34th Military Police Company, 34th Infantry Division and native of Spring Valley, Wis., explains the violation to the driver to ensure he doesn't commit the violation again. The MPs conduct random searches of vehicles on Contingency Operating Base Basra to ensure local national drivers aren't hiding contraband.  

BASRA, IRAQ

09.23.2009

Story by Spc. Darryl Montgomery 

Multi-National Division-South

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — Soldiers of 34th Military Police Company, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division patrol Contingency Operating Base Basra on a daily basis, ensuring the occupants are safe and everything is running normally.

The MPs patrol the base looking for anything suspicious or dangerous, as well as helping residents in need.

"This can range from vehicle accidents, lost identification cards or criminal activities," said Lt. Col. Dale Slimmer, Multi-National Division — South provost marshal. "From the [base defense operations center], the fire department, ambulance, military police or quick reaction force will be dispatched depending on the emergency."

"We patrol the streets of COB Basra and make sure no one is committing traffic violations; we also conduct random searches of local nationals to ensure they don't have anything they aren't supposed to," said Spc. Robert McGrane, a patrol officer with 34th MP Co. "In the searches, we are looking for any kind of contraband they aren't allowed to have they may have sneaked in."

Although they said most of the time these vehicles' occupants mean no harm, the MPs search them anyway to be sure.

"Sometimes we find cell phones and DVD players they aren't supposed to have," McGrane, a Spring Valley, Wis., native said. "Anything that can store media, they aren't supposed to have it on post."

Not being allowing to carry these items makes it impossible for the local nationals to take photos or retain documents to take off-post when they return home at night, he added.

If residents of COB Basra see any suspicious activity, they are urged to call it in to the military police help desk by calling 911 on any phone.

The purpose of this mission is to provide an additional resource for security and enforcement of rules, regulations and policies, according to Slimmer, a Little Falls, Minn., native. This project will continue to grow even after the 34th Inf. Div. has returned home to Minnesota.

• Date Taken: 09.23.2009
• Date Posted: 09.29.2009 04:02
• Story ID: 39403
• Location: BASRA, IQ