Talk:Royal Navy Police

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[edit] Question

Just a quick question. I have nothing to do with the Navy at all, but i was wondering about how the RNP berates any Officer who is found being naughty - given that all the ranks given in the article are "Other Ranks"? Or do Officers have to face their CO or etc for a more severe beating, etc. Again, apologies for my ignorance. 220.235.141.96 01:03, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

[edit] RNP Authority

In answer to the previous question:

Queens Regulations for the RN and Section 45 of the Naval Discipline Act 1957 currently constrain the authority and powers of arrest for RNP. In general terms lawful orders to officers can only be given by superior commissioned officers or a Provost Officer (Commissioned RNP). In some circumstances personnel acting on the authority of a Naval Provost Marshal (NPM,)including RNP Ratings also have this authority although it is normally only on the orders of a NPM. However, in practical terms, for example when onboard ship, where this authority does not exist most Senior RNP Ratings (MAA or RPO) will berate commissioned officers even though the true authority is not present. The majority of Executive Officers (XO) will support their Senior RNP in such practices even though the discipline and conduct of officers normally rests with the XO. Ship's RNP will investigate the majority of offences committed by their respective ship's company, this includes all officers. Very serious offences will be investigated by the RNSIB.

The Armed Forces Act 2006, which comes into effect in 2009 changes this. Powers of arrest and certain authorities can be exercised by any member of the Service Police (RNP/RMP/RAFP) against any person subject to the Act regardless of rank.

Matlotab1 (talk) 13:38, 20 January 2008 (UTC)

Ah, thankyou kindly. So, even though outranked the RNP person is acting on either the order of a higher-ranked RNP person ashore, or the (presumptive orders of, given their role) ship's XO who outranks most officers on board a ship, thus they have the authority to compel an otherwise superior officer by proxy. That makes sense. Are you aware of what occurred in the age of sail or very early 20th century when there was still a very strong class distinction between officers and other ranks? ie, although a RNP NCO is acting on higher authority on this officer, the fact that he is an officer (and thus presumable a "gentleman") of a higher social position, did this seriously or regularly effect the outcomes or the effectiveness of the RNP during these times?
Being Australian, i find the whole notion of the British class system quaint, however i have noticed that it seems to pop up in the most unusual places in how people behave between one another - i was wondering if this applied to the RNP as they would have come up against "gentlemen" a lot more than the normal citizenry.
Anyway, thanks again. 58.7.187.79 (talk) 08:33, 26 April 2008 (UTC)