The company has the following characteristics:

a. The capability to move all elements in organic transport.

b. The capability to detach platoons for independent operations.

c. Good communications.

d. The requirement for timely and adequate information to allow it to perform its allotted tasks.

The organisation, vehicles, communications, equipment and weapons of the MP company enable it to accomplish a wide variety of tasks. Deployment of the company will depend upon the operational environment and the extent of the tasks to be carried out. The tasks of the MP company are as follows:

a. Traffic control.

b. Assistance with local defence of headquarters,installations and vulnerable points.

c. Assistance with physical security of military installations and property, military ports, rail centres, depots and terminals.

d. Ceremonial escorts and protective security of VIPs.

e. Protection for convoys and security escort for weapons and ammunition.

f. Assistance with refugee control.

g. Control of stragglers.

h. Assistance with the control and evacuation of PWs.

i. Assistance with the maintenance of morale and discipline outside unit areas.

j. Prevention of crime within the Army.

k. Investigation of military traffic accidents.

l. Investigation and apprehension of absentees and deserters.

m. Exchange of police information with service police, allied forces police, civil police authorities and other law enforcement agencies.

n. Assistance to civil authorities in the event of a natural disaster or civil emergency.

All MP companies have a standard establishment. The principal components of the company are:

a. company headquarters, including the company operations centre;

b. administrative platoon; and

c. six MP platoons.

The MP company is the basic MP unit of any formation of division or equivalent size. It is usual for MP platoons to remain under command of the parent company headquarters. They are then tasked as required in support of a formation. Platoons may be placed in support or under command of formations or other MP companies for specific operations.