There are three military law enforcement agencies on Okinawa - PMO, Criminal Investigations Division and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Usually, PMO is the first unit to receive calls regarding criminal complaints. Based on the nature of the complaint, it is either handled directly by PMO or directed to one of the investigative units.

Whether the alleged crime is a felony or a misdemeanor is usually the factor that decides which agency it is directed to, according to James Campbell, a supervisory special agent with NCIS. Misdemeanors are normally handled by CID, and felonies are usually handled by NCIS. Each agency has its own unique methods of investigation, but they sometimes team up for special cases.

"Our primary mission with CID is to provide commands with investigative services," said Master Sgt. Daniel Hardesty, a chief investigator with the Camp Foster Criminal Investigations Division. "Crimes that we commonly investigate are sexual and aggravated assaults that do not involve weapons, thefts of small dollar amounts and (breaking and entering)."

CID is comprised of Noncommissioned officers and civilian investigators with in-depth knowledge of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Both Marines and civilians attend the Criminal Investigative School at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

The agency also employs Okinawans as translators and investigators.

"Aside from investigating crimes on base, we also investigate off-base crimes that involve civilian or military personnel," he said. "While Japanese Police have jurisdiction in any crime occurring off base or involving Japanese citizens, we provide support in the form of evidence or intelligence."

When the crime is of a more serious nature, NCIS steps up and provides a more specialized skill set.

"At NCIS our goal is prevention, protection and reduction," said Campbell. "We try to protect naval assets and personnel by reducing and preventing crime."

Globally, NCIS tends to focus on terrorism, especially after the attack on the USS Cole in 2000 and the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, according to Campbell. On Okinawa, NCIS focuses more on crimes such as drug trafficking and criminal activity relating to families or children.

"We have a variety of tools at our disposal to accomplish our mission," he said.

Like CID, NCIS has a staff of civilians and service members, and they often work with the local police.

"On Okinawa there really is no dominant law enforcement agency," said Campbell. "The agencies on island might have different methods, but we all work together and strive to get the job done."