Does the military have automatic "police-type" authorization over citizens, and where is this stated?

Question

As I was checking out this site, I could hear the TV in the background. I had it on the SciFi channel, which was running one of Bryant Gumbel's UFO reports - this one on Ketchburg (sic)Tennessee where it was reported that a UFO crashed in the woods several years ago. A number of people stated that they were either parked nearby, or the sights and sounds led to their approaching the "crash" site, only to be met by armed soldiers who ordered them to leave and threatened to confiscate their cars, arrest them, etc. if they did not obey. Bodily harm was not threatened; however, when you have an M-1 pointed at your head, I dare say it might have been implied! This leads me to ask whether the military has that automatic power over citizens and, if so, where is that written? Who gives them this absolute power?

Just found out that this occured 38 years ago.

Answer 1

In December 1981 additional laws were enacted clarifying permissible military assistance to civilian law enforcement agencies—including the Coast Guard—especially in combating drug smuggling into the United States. Posse Comitatus clarifications emphasize supportive and technical assistance (e.g., use of facilities, vessels, aircraft, intelligence, tech aid, surveillance) while generally prohibiting direct participation of Department of Defense personnel in law enforcement (e.g., search, seizure, and arrests). For example, Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDETS) serve aboard Navy vessels and perform the actual boardings of interdicted suspect drug smuggling vessels and, if needed, arrest their crews.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act

I was U.S.C.G for ten years. Four of them were spent aboard USCGC Dauntless.

http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cutter/dauntless/welcome.htm
It was homeport Miami at that time(mid 80's)
We did Haitian Migration interdiction and drug interdiction as well as being first on scene and on scene commander for short time during Space Shuttle CHALLENGER explosion.

But we could not stop people on the streeet

Answer 2

If something involves National Security, such as an Alien Craft, (taking an example from the show), then YES, there would be a National Guard Unit present to enforce the "interest of the United States" and guard any secrets that may be at the crash site, from those who would pick up soveniers, that maybe radioactive or some other things like a virus or germ plauge invasion, that could spread and have a "pandemic", which we are trying to aviod with the "bird flue".

Martial Law is usually instigated at a point, to ensure the publics saftey and the saftey and integrity of the Alien Craft.

Ok, now, lets get back to reality :)

I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 3

On national secuirty items, and National Guard witht he ok of the Governor and the US troops with ok from the President have police authority.

Next of course army has not used M1 in about 30 years.

And the police have the same authority you just mentioned, if they order citizens from an area and they don't obey, they are disobeying the order of a officer and may be arrested.

And if lets say this UFO was really a government rocket with some harmful chemical in it, they would want the area cleared.

Answer 4

Let's assume that the event you mention actually occurred....and I would be surprised if we were the only intelligent life form in the entire universe. I can't quote where it is officially written but I imagine you have heard this before...they are taking these actions you describe in "the interest of national security". The problem is that you have to prove that they are NOT acting to protect the national security. You might want to read or review the contents of Executive Order 12958 and how it applies to the FOIA.

Answer 5

If martial law is declared, yes they have police powers and will do to you as instructed to them. It's in the Constitution. Freedom is not free my friend. There are restrictions on everything. I always like the expression"Freedom to swing your right arm begins where my nose begins." You are restricted as I have my rights as well. M16 was used during Vietnam which really started in 1962, so its use has been around for over 44 years. M1 was a WW11 weapon.

Answer 6

So, the military was pointing a battle tank at someone's head? (an M-1 is a tank). You can't fire a tank round at a person. In the future, let's try not to base our opinions on things we see on television.

Answer 7

1. No, marshal law must be declared by the governor or president
2. M1 has not been used by our military in 30 or more years

Answer 8

So you have based a question on a show on Sci Fi Channel. Welll well well. The answer is NO.

Answer 9

They may not have it but as quick as they can get it they really don't need it. They are programed to do what they are told just like you and me.

Answer 10

NO!!! It is not stated anywhere.