Introduction

A 2003 documentary about the British Army’s military police force.

Outline

While the world focus of attention was on the war in the Gulf, the day-to-day work of the Royal Military Police continues at home.

At their HQ somewhere on Salisbury Plain, the Special Investigation Branch is constantly on the look out for wrong doers in the ranks.

The Army suffers crime the same as the rest of society, but due to the higher requirement of discipline, they always crack down on the slightest misdemeanours. SIB detectives are equipped with the latest technology in their fight against crime. A senior NCO is caught bootlegging films and music on DVD – using Army computers. He is arrested with incontrovertible evidence against him, but escapes with a caution.

Military Policemen are continuously training for every horror. A gory double murder and suicide within the Roussillon Barracks in Chichester turns out to be a realistic exercise for the Scene of Crime Investigators, lead by leading Forensic Pathologist Dr Peter Vanezis. Afterwards a court martial tests officers skills in giving accurate evidence.

In the barracks at Osnabrook in Germany, the Redcaps are busy with a possible bomb threat, a drunk squaddie driving – but no trouble in the bars and clubs because most of the troops are away serving in Iraq. The 115 Provost Company makes a big effort to support the wives and families of soldiers fighting overseas, and the Commanding Officer’s wife, Nikki Miller, gives testimony to the hardships of watching the war on television. Her 4-year-old daughter Tamzin proudly assures us that her dad is catching Saddam Hussein and as punishment he will be made to “sit on the step”.

The Real Redcaps Series

You can find a full index and overview of The Real Redcaps here.

Production & Filming Details

• Presenter(s): Robson Green.
• Release Date: 28 August 2003.
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.