Posse comitatus was an American federal statute prohibiting the deployment of Army or Air Force units on American soil. However, the Coast Guard was not subject to this restriction. ("Day 1: 11:00pm-12:00am", "Day 2: 1:00am-2:00am")
On Day 2, President David Palmer ordered Mike Novick to place a call to General Bowden regarding using the Army to quell riots on the East Coast in the wake of the nuclear detonation in California. Novick reminded him of the statute, but agreed to call the general upon Palmer's insistence. ("Day 2: 1:00am-2:00am")
Several years later, on Day 5, Vice President Hal Gardner instituted martial law by the Army in the city of Los Angeles to help track down Vladimir Bierko, effectively overturning posse comitatus for the duration of the crisis. ("Day 5: 6:00pm-7:00pm")
Background information and notes[]
- While 24 mentioned the Posse Comitatus Act a few times, it does not mention the Insurrection Act, which is directly related. While the former generally prohibits the military from being used as a police force, the latter allows the military to be used for certain exceptions - the most pertinent being to address terrorist activities, address nuclear situations, and when law enforcement agencies are inadequate for maintaining order (as long as the President notifies the Congress). Posse Comitatus is often used to prevent the President from using the military in 24, but in situations where the Insurrection Act would actually allow exceptions.
