MASTER-AT-ARMS The chief master-at-arms (CMAA), often called the sheriff, is responsible to the executive officer for maintaining good order and discipline. Personnel of the MAA rating usually fill this billet on larger ships. On ships not having a CMAA, a chief petty officer from another rating usually will be appointed by the commanding officer and will be assigned CMAA as a collateral duty. If you are not part of the MA rating and are assigned to the MAA force, your tour of duty usually will be 6 months. If you are assigned as an MAA, your job will require tact, a lot of common sense, and thorough knowledge  of  Navy  and  command  regulations. Remember, an MAA is much like a police officer and, as such, must be courteous and friendly and must enforce regulations without favor to anyone. SHORE PATROL MISSION AND DUTIES During your career, you will normally have the opportunity of being assigned to shore patrol (SP) duties. SP may be for a tour of duty or it may be for 24 hours or less. Your primary mission will be to preserve order among members of the armed forces who are on leave or in a liberty status. You should always be courteous and fair and keep a cool head at all times. You will be required to give assistance and information when necessary and to apprehend or otherwise control military personnel who violate the law or regulations. The shore patrol also apprehends deserters and members of the armed services who are unauthorized absentees. The Secretary of the Navy has delegated the authority to create a shore patrol to the naval area representatives and to the senior officer present in any area outside the continental limits of the United States. Shore patrol duties in foreign countries will vary from nation to nation according to treaties, agreements, and as directed by the senior officer present. Duties within the United States Shore patrol units, located within the United States and  its  territorial  possessions,  are  limited  to  the following two functions: 1.  They perform court liaison functions with civilian law enforcement agencies and courts in the immediate area. Court liaison functions are limited to the provision of an official Navy point of contact for the courts, the provision of advice for individuals and local commands, and court appearances with individuals from deployed commands. 2.   They   receive   courtesy   turnovers.   Courtesy turnovers   are   limited   to   those   individuals   whose behavior and attitude are acceptable and who desire to be  returned  to  the  custody  of  their  parent  command. Courtesy  turnovers  will  be  accepted  from  jails,  police stations,   and   so   forth,   but   not   directly   from   police officers on the scene. Duties Overseas The  following  are  some  of  the  duties  of  the  shore patrol overseas: They render assistance to members of the armed forces. As a shore patrol member, you should be able to supply information on curfew, out-of-bounds areas and establishments,   uniform   regulations,   and   lodging accommodations.  You  also  should  have  knowledge  of transportation,   recreational   facilities,   first-aid procedures,   and   the   locations   of   hospitals   or   other medical treatment centers. They maintain good order and discipline among military   personnel   and   apprehend   all   unauthorized absentees (and other offenders as necessary). As a shore 8-21 Q15. Which of the following factors will determine if a PO3 is assigned as a section leader? 1. Size of the command 2. Number   of   personnel   assigned   to   your duty section 3. Both 1 and 2 above 4. Number   of   the   departments   in   the command Q16. Which, if any, of the following responsibilities belong to the police petty officer? 1. Apprehending violators 2. Keeping   the   quarterdeck   clear   of unauthorized personnel 3. Serving as court liaison 4. None of the above REVIEW QUESTIONS