Overview of Military Police Customs Operations CPT Marshall Sybert MP Customs Information Brief

Outline –Purpose –References –Overview –Terms and Definitions –Roles and Responsibilities –Units –Summary –Questions MP Customs Information Brief

Purpose To provide an information brief on Military Police Customs. MP Customs Information Brief

References AR Customs Law Enforcement DoDD Customs and Border Clearance Program DoDD R Defense Transportation Regulation DoDD DoD Cooperation with Civilian Law Enforcement Officials AR 190–22 Searches, Seizures, and Disposition of Property.

Overview

Directed by the Department of Defense Military Customs are in place to ensure that prohibited/restricted items are not allowed to illegally enter the US Ensure host nation tax and currency laws are honored (black market). Military Customs inspectors can either be military or civilian personnel, and they work closely with the US Department of Agriculture. Overview

All foreign theaters of operation in which US military personnel are assigned should have a US military customs program Can be a mission for any MP unit, normally, it is done by Law and Order Detachments

Inspection/clearing process includes equipment and personnel, normally set up at points of debarkation Customs inspectors may conduct investigations with host nation, other services or US federal agencies Overview

Terms and Definitions

An observation of personal property, DOD cargo, and / or the oral questioning of DOD sponsored personnel. Customs Inspection

Items that can be introduced into the United States with approved documentation. Wine / Champaign Rifles / Shotguns / Handguns Tobacco / Tobacco Pipes etc… Restricted Items

Items that can not be brought into the US under any Circumstances. Wild Animals Plants / Soil Explosives Prohibited Items

High Risk Conducted on an individual based on information from the soldier’s Chain of Command that he/she may be trying to smuggle contraband into the US. When MWD alerts on accompanied baggage. Types of Inspections

Low Risk / Random Mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A mandatory 3-10 percent of all passengers (excluding the high risk exams) is required by US Customs. This is an integrity check of the systems. Types of Inspections

Exemption A special privilege of freedom from customs requirements. Duty Free Goods that are exempt from tax on import / export.

Sterile Area Enclosed or protected area where personnel, baggage, and/or cargo is held separated from unauthorized contact with plants, animals products, and pests. There is no longer an Amnesty Box.

War Trophies Weapons & explosives US Army Center for Military History –“historical significance”

Roles and Responsibilities

Customs Inspectors Officers / Warrant Officers MP of any rank Non-MP, E-4 and above DOD Civilians who are citizens of the US who are GS-5 or above. Pass US Customs approved training. Military Customs Inspectors

Work with host nation to ensure both nation’s customs and tax laws are protected. Assist U.S.Customs officials in ensuring integrity of U.S.Customs laws. Prevent the introduction of prohibited items and infestation of foreign organisms. MP Customs Role

Dissemination of information Critical for smooth and efficient customs processing of personnel and equipment. Responsibility of the chain of command that all information is disseminated to the most junior levels. This ensures the most expedient customs clearance. Commander’s Role

Pre-Customs Inspections Ensure numerous and unannounced health and welfare inspections are conducted. These inspections should also include equipment. Pre-Customs Prep Ensure that there are facilities available to pre- wash vehicles and equipment to facilitate the inspection by the inspectors. Commander’s Role

Customs Units and Transformation

42d MP Group 14th MP Brigade 560th MP Company USAREUR Strength 213,00060,000 Customs Strength Customs Companies USAREUR’s CUSTOMS CAPABILITY USAREUR Customs Transition

COMPANY HQ MANNHEIM 1ST PLT HQ - MANNHEIM Field Offices: Mannheim Heidelberg Stuttgart Vicenza 2ND PLT HQ - HANAU Field Offices: Hanau Rhein-Main/Flughafen Darmstadt Kitzingen Schweinfurt Giessen 3RD PLT HQ - KAISERSLAUTERN Field Offices: Kaiserslautern Ramstein Baumholder Wiesbaden 4TH PLT HQ - BAMBERG Field Offices: Bamberg Hohenfels Vilseck-Graf Ansbach ( MP 560 MP... MP Office Locations USDA Customs Clearance The entire EUCOM AOR 560 th MP CO

Purpose References Overview Terms and Definitions Roles and Responsibilities Units Summary Questions Summary

Questions?