Royal Navy Police
| Royal Navy Police | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1944–Present |
| Country |
 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
|
| Allegiance | HM The Queen |
| Branch | Royal Navy |
| Type | Service Police |
| Role | Policing and Counter-intelligence |
| Motto(s) | Ne Cede Malis (Latin: 'Do not yield to adversity' or 'Do not give in to evil') |
| Website | Royal Navy |
| Commanders | |
| Provost Marshal (Navy) | Commander Jack Hawkins |
| Insignia | |
| White Ensign (1801 – present) |
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| Naval Jack |
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The Royal Navy Police (RNP) is the service police branch of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Members of the RNP enforce law, discipline, and maintain order as outlined in the Armed Forces Act 2006.
The Royal Navy Police was known as the Royal Navy Regulating Branch until 2007, when the service was renamed the Royal Navy Police in a change brought about by the Armed Forces Act 2006. Members are, however, still known as "Regulators".
The RNP subsumed the Royal Marines Police in 2009, although for operational purposes the majority of the two cadres of personnel are employed within their respective areas of the service. The RNP provide a Troop strength unit of Royal Marines to 3 Commando Brigade to provide policing services as part of the UK Landing force.
The motto of the RNP is "Ne Cede Malis" which translates from Latin into English as 'Do not yield to adversity' or 'Do not give in to evil'.
The RNP is the smallest of all police branches in the three services, with its provost marshal holding the rank of commander.
The Royal Navy has always, in one way or another, had the need to maintain order and discipline. When at sea, historically, the captain was the king's representative, his rule was kept by the first lieutenant, who was assisted by a person known as thee Ship's Marshal, who was supported by a number of ship's corporals. Ship's marshals were abolished and replaced by the master at arms (M.A.A.) rate, which was introduced in about 1699, a tradition that continues right up to the present day.
On punishment day, at six bells in the forenoon watch, the order was given,"All hands to witness punishment". The master at arms presented the offender to the captain, who questioned him about the offence and then delivered a verdict. The officer of the offender's division was asked if he had anything to say in mitigation. If their reply did not satisfy the captain, he ordered the man's punishment. Other than the actual act of flogging; the M.A.A. was responsible for ensuring that any punishment awarded was carried out. The M.A.A. was also accountable to the lieutenant at arms for the duties of the ship's corporals, the supervision of sentries, the guard, and training the ship's company in the use of small arms. Another duty that the M.A.A performed was, at around 9 pm, to patrol the ship and check that all lanterns and fires were out, and that no men were intoxicated. Probably an early form of evening rounds.
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Wikipedia