MCO 1620.3A governs the Marine Corps Absentee and Deserter Apprehension Program, including investigation, apprehension, and transport.
View MCO 1620.3A on armypubs.army.mil
It sets out the MCACC mission, command structure, Deserter Information Point functions, and Marine Corps Absentee Collection Unit duties. It requires liaison with civil authorities, escort certification, reporting, record disposition, and administrative processing.
The mission of the MCACC is to investigate the location of deserters; establish and maintain liaison with civilian law enforcement agencies to encourage their active participation in absentee and deserter apprehension efforts; initiate apprehensions; expedite notification procedures; and provide escorts for the purpose of transporting absentees, deserters, and prisoners as directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. (paragraph 3)
The Marine Corps will actively and aggressively investigate, locate, and affect the apprehension and return to military control of absentees and deserters, and release such information concerning the absentee and deserter apprehension program in an effort to deter absenteeism and desertion. (paragraph 4)
The DIP maintains the integrity of the NCIC database; accountability of active DD 553's (Deserter/Absentee Wanted by the Armed Forces); accountability of deserters in hands of civil authorities (IHCA) or hospitalized; ensures accuracy of daily return to military control (RMC) reports, and other reporting information as required per references (a) and (b); and performs various other duties as required. (paragraph 4)
Each MCACU provides escorts that are trained and certified for the transport of absentees, deserters, and prisoners per reference (b).
Escorts travel armed as required per Federal Aviation Authority Regulations.