Military Police teach Force Protection

Sgt Dominix demonstrates how to properly search a vehicle.

Sgt Frank Dominix and MCpl Jodi Woolridge from the Military Police Unit Esquimalt instructed crews from HMCS Whitehorse and HMCS Nanaimo on security procedures pertaining to persons, baggage and vehicle searches Oct. 22.

The training was custom tailored to meet the crews individual needs based on their current in-place security policies, Defence Controlled Access Area Regulations, and Inspection and Search Defence Regulations.

One key point emphasized by Sgt Dominix and MCpl Woolridge during the training was, as a condition of being given access to a controlled area, a person shall on demand of a designated authority submit to a search without warrant of his/her person or personal property while entering or exiting the controlled area, or any restricted area within the controlled area.

If upon entering a controlled access area where a person refuses to be searched, they can be denied entry; however, once inside a controlled access area, they are subject to search by authorized persons who may use as much force as reasonably necessary to carry out that search.

These regulations apply when persons want access to Royal Canadian Navy ships and/or jetties which gives access to the ships.

During the training, MCpl Woolridge demonstrated proper techniques for searching baggage, while Sgt Dominix provided an informative demonstration of a thorough vehicle search using specialized search mirrors. Members of the audience were able to participate in the training by attempting to find pre-placed items of interest in both the demo vehicle and baggage.

As part of the MARPAC Force protection team, the Military Police Unit Esquimalt team continues to assist units with specialized Force Protection training and advice. 

-Military Police Detachment