What does military police work entail?

Could someone explain what military police duties are like? Do they mostly deal with law enforcement within the military, or are there other tasks they handle as part of their job description?

Military police have a multifaceted role that involves both law enforcement and security duties within the military, as well as tasks beyond those typical of civilian police. Their primary responsibility is to uphold the rule of law and ensure public safety within military bases and installations, both domestically and internationally.

Just like civilian law enforcement officers, military police are tasked with traffic control, crime prevention, and response to emergencies. They conduct patrols, enforce military laws and regulations, and investigate crimes. They work to maintain law and order among military personnel, offering services similar to civilian police departments such as arrest, detainment, and evidence collection.

But there's more. In addition to on-site law enforcement, military police often perform specialized duties depending on their branch of service and the requirements of their deployment. These can include battlefield circulation control (directing military traffic), area security, and enemy prisoner-of-war operations. Some may even participate in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance activities.

Moreover, those serving as military police can also engage in military intelligence operations or combat support, aiding in the bigger picture of maintaining national security. Each of these aspects contributes to the overall efficiency and readiness of the military institution they work for.

Lastly, it's essential to note that the scope of their duties may also differ depending on the specific needs of the branch of the military they serve in. For instance, the roles of military police in the Army may slightly differ from those in the Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.