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D-53. The closest liaison must be maintained between the checkpoint leader and senior policeman. Policemen at a checkpoint are employed to assist in the checking and searching of vehicles and personnel, to make arrests when necessary. Police ideally are employed on the scale of one officer for each lane of traffic. These civil authorities should attend rehearsals. As the degree of threat increases, police officers should be on standby to move with the patrol to the checkpoint site. Wherever possible, it should be the responsibility of the military to control the checkpoint while the police control the search aspects.
D-54. The leader must understand guidance from his chain of command on contingencies occurring outside of the checkpoint area that might require forces from the checkpoint. The checkpoint, unless otherwise ordered, is the primary task. If an incident occurs in the vicinity of the checkpoint most likely to require manpower and affect the efficient operation of the checkpoint, the leader should seek guidance from his higher headquarters.
D-55. Sequence of events for establishing the checkpoint include:
- Leader’s reconnaissance.
- Establish support-by-fire positions (and fighting positions as required).
- Establish blocking positions (entrance and exit).
- Establish search area for personnel and vehicles.
- Establish holding area (if required).
- Establish an area for mission command and admin.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad