DAF Form 178: Affidavit for Apprehension/Arrest (Download) – The DAF Form 178, officially titled Affidavit for Apprehension/Arrest, is a critical legal document used by the Department of the Air Force (DAF), including the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. It documents probable cause to support the apprehension or arrest of military subjects and helps establish the basis for criminal indexing and related law enforcement actions.
This form plays a key role in ensuring compliance with Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) procedures, Department of Defense instructions, and Air Force criminal justice policies. It is primarily used by law enforcement officers (LEOs), Air Force Security Forces (AFSF), and Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) personnel.
What Is DAF Form 178 and Its Purpose?
DAF Form 178 serves as a sworn affidavit that outlines the facts establishing probable cause for apprehending or arresting a subject. It documents specific offenses—typically violations of the UCMJ or U.S. Code (USC)—in plain language and supports downstream processes such as:
- Creating criminal history records via submission of FD-249 (fingerprint card) to the FBI’s Interstate Identification Index (III).
- DNA sample collection and submission per DoDI 5505.14.
- Coordination with servicing legal offices (e.g., Staff Judge Advocate) for probable cause determinations.
- Maintenance in the investigative case file and law enforcement agency (LEA) case management system.
Key distinction: The form is generally not used to document probable cause for arresting civilian subjects. Civilian arrests follow different authorities (e.g., Title 10 USC § 9377 for AFOSI civilian agents), and warrantless arrests are limited to exigent circumstances. For military subjects, it formalizes the LEO’s determination after coordination with legal counsel.
The form replaced or transitioned from the earlier AF Form 178 as part of the Department of the Air Force standardization.
Who Uses DAF Form 178?
- Air Force Security Forces (AFSF) and military AFOSI agents investigating military members.
- AFOSI special agents documenting probable cause determinations.
- Supervisors who review and witness the sworn statement.
- Servicing legal offices (SJA) for coordination.
The investigating LEO completes the narrative, the supervisor reviews for accuracy and signs as a witness to the oath/affirmation, finalizing the affidavit. The completed form must typically be uploaded to the case management system within three duty days of arrest.
Note: Commanders and supervisors do not use this form for administrative restraints; it is tied to criminal probable cause processes.
How DAF Form 178 Fits into the Broader Process?(AFMAN 71-102)
According to AFMAN 71-102, Air Force Criminal Indexing (and related DAF publications), the form is central to probable cause documentation:
- The LEO investigates and coordinates with the servicing legal office.
- Probable cause is documented on DAF Form 178, listing offenses by punitive article or USC citation plus a plain-language description (per DoDI 5505.11).
- The supervisor reviews and witnesses the sworn/affirmed signature.
- If probable cause exists for indexable offenses, fingerprints, photos, DAF Form 178, and DAF Form 179 (Apprehension/Arrest Notification) are processed for FBI submission.
- The form is retained in the investigative file.
Additional related forms include:
- DAF Form 179: Apprehension/Arrest Notification Form.
- DAF Form 239: Offense Disposition Report.
Key Sections and How to Complete DAF Form 178
While the official PDF includes specific blocks and instructions, typical elements (based on usage in AFMAN 71-102 and training materials) include:
- Subject Information: Name, rank/grade, SSN/DOD ID, unit/organization, duty location.
- Affiant Details: The LEO’s name, rank, position, and contact information.
- Offenses: List each suspected violation (e.g., UCMJ Article 120 – Sexual Assault; Article 128 – Assault Consummated by Battery) with a clear, factual narrative avoiding legal conclusions or unnecessary details.
- Probable Cause Narrative (often Section 12 or equivalent): A sworn statement of facts known to the affiant, including observations, witness statements, evidence, and how they establish probable cause for each offense. For domestic violence cases, include the relationship between subject and victim.
- Oath/Affirmation and Signature: The affiant swears or affirms the contents are true.
- Supervisor/Witness Review: Supervisor signature confirming review for accuracy.
Best practices for the narrative:
- Use plain language and specific facts.
- Stick to what the affiant personally knows or has verified.
- Include relevant details such as date, time, location, and elements of each offense.
- Consult legal for complex cases (e.g., consider lesser-included offenses like simple assault if battery probable cause is lacking).
Always follow the instructions printed on the current form or provided in unit training. Accuracy is critical, as the form supports criminal indexing and potential court-martial or administrative actions.
Download the Official DAF Form 178
The most current version is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download DAF Form 178 PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/saf_ig/form/daf178/daf178.pdf
Forms are also accessible via the official Air Force e-Publishing portal at www.e-publishing.af.mil. Always verify you are using the latest revision, as forms can be updated.
Why Proper Use of DAF Form 178 Matters?
- Ensures constitutional and regulatory compliance with probable cause requirements.
- Supports timely criminal history reporting to the FBI.
- Protects the integrity of investigations and chain-of-command decisions.
- Helps distinguish between administrative actions and criminal processes under the UCMJ.
Important: This article provides general information based on publicly available Department of the Air Force guidance and is not a substitute for official legal advice, unit-specific training, or current policy. Procedures may vary by installation or case type. Consult your servicing legal office, AFOSI, Security Forces leadership, or the Staff Judge Advocate for case-specific guidance.
For the most authoritative instructions, refer to:
- AFMAN 71-102, Air Force Criminal Indexing
- DoDI 5505.11 (Fingerprint Reporting)
- DoDI 5505.14 (DNA Collection)
- DAFI 71-101 series (Criminal Investigations)
Personnel in the Department of the Air Force should complete required training on apprehension, arrest, and criminal indexing procedures through their unit or professional military education channels.
Last updated information reflects guidance as of 2026 from official Air Force publications. Policies can change; always check e-Publishing for the latest forms and manuals.
If you are a DAF law enforcement professional, supervisor, or commander seeking templates, examples, or step-by-step unit guidance, contact your local Security Forces or AFOSI detachment for hands-on training. Proper documentation protects both the mission and individual rights.