§ 527.20 - General.

(a) DA policy is to give maximum service to persons entitled to use Army facilities. Installation activities extend check-cashing privileges for the convenience of their customers.

(b) The personal check is more than a simple promise to pay. By signing a check, the person makes a binding agreement to the receiver (in exchange for goods, services, or cash) that enough money to cover the check is in the person's account.

(c) The number of dishonored checks and the subsequent loss of funds to Army facilities call for firm measures to control and prevent dishonored checkwriting. Timely administrative action will be taken in all cases involving abuse or misuse of check-cashing privileges. Moral persuasion and command supervision will be used as primary measures to ensure dishonored checks are promptly redeemed and dishonored checkwriting ceases. Commanders will not tolerate or make excuses for dishonored checks issued by soldiers and their family members. Soldiers, their eligible family members, and other authorized patrons of Army facilities are expected to pay their just financial debts. Commanders will take immediate action to ensure prompt redemption of dishonored checks. They will counsel and take disciplinary action where appropriate to prevent abuse or fraud by soliders under their command.

(d) Patrons who have abused check-cashing privileges will be given a chance to present evidence in their behalf. (See §§ 527.24 and 527.35.)

(e) Patrons may have their check-cashing privileges suspended indefinitely if they show a chronic attitude of personal and financial irresponsibility.

(f) If a person is found using an unstamped ID card during their suspension period and when they are required to have their card overstamped, the person's check-cashing privileges may be suspended indefinitely.

(g) Suspension procedures in this chapter do not preclude action under the UCMJ.

(h) All persons who abuse check-cashing privileges are subject to pertinent civil laws. Reported check-cashing abuses may be referred to civil law enforcement authorities or, if applicable under local U.S. procedures, to a U.S. magistrate. (See AR 190-29.)