MCRP 12-10B.1, page 130

a. MP units support area damage control operations. With the increased possibility of rubbling, MP units report on and block off affected areas and reroute movement to alternate road networks. b. When conducting EPW operations, MPs collect prisoners as far forward as possible and transport them to the rear. They operate temporary collecting points and holding areas to briefly retain EPWs and civilian internees. EPW operations are important in built-up areas because the rate of capture can be higher than normal. c. Commanders must realize that MP support may not always be available and that infantry units may have to assume certain MP functions. These functions include: (1) Providing convoy escort and security for lines of communications. (2) Controling roads, waterways, and railroad terminals that are critical chokepoints in the main supply routes. (3) Providing security of critical sites and facilities, including communications centers, government buildings, water and electrical supply facilities, command and control nodes, airfields, storage facilities, and other essential areas. (4) Provide refugee control in close cooperation with host nation civil authorities. (5) Collect and escort EPWs. 4205. Communications a. General. Manmade structures create many challenges for CIS in an urban environment. Other CIS challenges include extensive commercial and communications networks and public service radio nets. Commercial communication networks are commposed of miles of Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain The use of reconnaissance assets must be used wisely. Reconnaissance assets must not be risked indiscriminately if the information can be collected by other means. Consideration should be given to flank and rearward employment of ground reconnaissance units, in addition to close (0 to about 2,000 meters), distant (approximately 2,000 - 20,000 meters), and deep (from about 20,000 meters and beyond, plus preassault) missions. Reconnaissance of bypassed pockets of resistance, avenues of approach, canals, bridges, subways, and sewer systems (possibly in conjunction with combat engineers) is feasible. Observation, sniper, and listening posts guarded by reconnaissance personnel are also missions that reconnaisance personnel perform. The limited combatant diving capability of division reconnaissance may be employed to advantage in many coastal cities. 4204. Military Police (MP). MPs can play a significant role in the urban environment. They may conduct battlefield circulation control, area security, enemy prisoner of war (EPW) and law and order operations. These operations require continuous coordination with MAGTF units as well as with host nation military and civilian police. 4-17