Standard Operating Procedures
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Sector Law Enforcement Standard Operating Procedures
This page is to clearly define standard procedures that every employee in the SLE is to adhere to without impunity. These are not meant to be interpreted by personal opinion, they are plain procedures to be followed at all times.
NOTE: THESE ARE TO BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES AND EMPLOYEES FAILING TO DO SO WILL BE GIVEN DEMERITS AT WILL BY THEIR SUPERVISOR.
Chain of Command
The Sector Law Enforcement is a multi-tiered organization dividing responsibility between the different personnel within it. The organization chart shown outlines the general chain of command, with those marked with yellow serving as the command staff for the department.
Roles Defined
Commissioner
First and foremost you are the premier authority on Space Law and criminal matters in the sector. You sit at the top of mountain and typically work in an administrative role, unless there's extreme threat of loss of life. Essentially, it is recommended that you are not to be running amok with the Officers unless the Sector is on fire and actively burning or you are actively participating in supervisory training, the department can run with a dead Lieutenant but not with a dead Commissioner. First and foremost, you are responsible for the chain of command and either delegating or assigning a Lieutenant to supervisory assignments. The Commissioner should be holding his/her people accountable for any negligent or perfunctory actions they may take. Note: ALWAYS FOLLOW THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, even from top-down a Commissioner should go to the immediate supervisor if you receive word of an Officer needing a demerit and allow them to report back with the investigation results.
Side note with the Commissioner role, you are not to be passing along administrative duties to the Lieutenant if you go cryo. You are to report this in an ahelp, and advise the SR you are clocking out.
Lieutenant
The Lieutenant, one of the most pivotal roles in all of the SLE. You are the platoon leader and ensure your squads are not only well-geared but are well learned in what they're doing. You shoulder most of the responsibility while the Commissioner sits back with a bourbon and cigar. As the senior training officer it's also your duty to ensure Sergeants are aptly giving the cadets the proper time to learn the ropes and receiving good habits to exemplify. Given the large amount of hats a Lieutenant may have to put on, it is likely that more than one may be recruited. It is best for the Commissioner to delegate specific subsets of tasks to Lieutenants, such as "Armory Supervisor", "Field Commander", or "Warden of the Brig". It is best that a Lieutenant doesn't take to the field, unless they have other Lieutenants at SLE Outpost taking on the other duties.
Side note with the Lieutenant role, you are not responsible for the Commissioner's administrative duties. If they decide to Cryo you are not to be deemed "temporary" Commissioner, you are instead to report to the SR (which should already be done by the Commissioner ahead of time) for budget management and pay.
Sergeant
The Sergeant, a seasoned veteran of the SLE who knows how to navigate Space Law effectively and doesn't flinch at even the most hostile of engagements. You are the ground force supervisor, in charge of the grunts and keeping them in line. Your primary responsibility is to ensure the viability of your squad in any engagement, whether through gear, training or piloting. Learn your team, their strengths and weaknesses and find out how to best use them for success. Also you may be assigned a cadet or two, don't ignore them or their training... make them feel welcome because they are our future leaders. You never know who's going to be Commissioner the next time you join...
Officer
The bread and butter of the department, a true ground force grunt filled with rage and an urge to make your supervisor proud. You are responsible for tackling the calls for service and more importantly taking orders from your direct and higher ranking supervisors. This position should be mostly learned in Space Law and you should know how to deal with most situations. The only note here is: FOLLOW ORDERS GRUNT.
Cadet
Cadet, welcome to your new life. Your humble beginning in making the sector a safer place is a tenuous one, your superiors will be watching you to see if you are a good fit just as the public will be watching to see if they can trust you to be what keeps them safe. The SLE will ensure you have a Field Training Officer, be it a Sergeant or someone else trusted in the position, and they will perform their duty to you, the department and the public by ensuring that you are trained, ready and suitable to become a proper Officer. Ask questions and do as you're told, and remember, you're being graded.
Prison Guard
You are in charge of the prisoners, your primary responsibility is to not only ensure they're safe keeping but also their overall health. You answer directly to the Lieutenant. Occasionally sit down for a game of cards with your perma friends, or maybe engage in a round of riddles.
Corpsman
First and foremost, you keep people alive. This applies to everyone as a first priority, from civilians to prisoners to your fellow department employees. You are given the tools to create life-saving chemicals and life-ending poisons, use this knowledge for the greater good. You are not to be utilized in a traditional combat role (I.e. your first priority should be the preservation of life, not blasting enemies), but instead a support member who provides the necessary tools and assistance so Officers stay alive during hostile engagements.
Detective
As the detective, you are given more freedom to complete your job duties. Sniff out sneaky smugglers or question some civilians nonchalantly about a cold case. You answer directly to the Commissioner and should be keen on finding the details if you're called in on an active case. Smoke your fancy cigars and keep your secrets.
Public Affairs Liaison
The Public Affairs Liaison is the go-to person for civilians interacting with the SLE, handling everything from inquiries and complaints to paperwork. They support SLE officers by helping with administrative tasks like drafting reports, processing warrants, and making sure everything follows department policies. On top of that, the Liaison represents the department in legal matters, acting as the prosecutor in criminal cases and defending SLE in civil cases. They also help with dispatch duties, keeping communication smooth between officers and the public, and ensure everyone follows SOPs and space law. Finally, as part of interacting with the public, the PAL should be handling contraband exchanges with citizens or mercenaries who bring them in to the SLE. If they require pay, contact the Commissioner or SR to access sector funding. This role calls for strong legal expertise, attention to detail, and great communication skills to keep things running smoothly both inside and outside the department.
Unit Structure
This section will define and lay out the overall unit structure of the Department. Each supervisory role has a place in the chain and has the freedom to commit their people at will to any duty assignment. For example, a Lieutenant can assign one of his "Squads" to a prowler clandestine patrol team and in said team the Sergeant can assign one of his units to be the pilot and the others to be apart of maybe an entry team. There are no set rules as to how these units are supposed to be ran, and the Commissioner, Lieutenant and Sergeant are encouraged to find their niche in structure.
- Department - The entire entity headed up solely by the Commissioner.
- Platoon - The various squads and squad leaders headed up by the Lieutenant.
- Squads - Individual teams led by a Sergeant and comprised of Officers and Cadets.
Paperwork Handling
Submission of Paperwork to the Public Affairs Liaison
SLE personnel must submit all paperwork (reports, requests, complaints, legal documents, etc.) to the Public Affairs Liaison for review and processing. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Incident and arrest reports
- Warrant requests
- Complaint forms
- Evidence logs for court cases
Personnel should ensure all documents are fully completed and legible before submission. The Public Affairs Liaison may return incomplete or unclear paperwork for revisions.
Review and Formatting by the Liaison
The Public Affairs Liaison will review submitted paperwork for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to SOPs. They will format documents as needed (typed, handwritten, or digitally processed) to meet internal and legal requirements. The Liaison will then either file the documents or submit them to the appropriate legal or administrative channels.
Legal Document Handling
For any paperwork related to legal matters, such as court proceedings or evidence submission, SLE personnel must ensure that all supporting documentation is provided to the Public Affairs Liaison. The Liaison will review, prepare, and submit these documents to the appropriate court or legal authority, ensuring compliance with legal deadlines.
Urgent Paperwork and Priority Requests
Any urgent paperwork, such as warrant requests, time-sensitive reports, or legal filings, should be clearly marked as such. The Public Affairs Liaison will prioritize these documents and ensure they are processed and submitted without delay.
Filing and Archiving
Once reviewed and processed, the Public Affairs Liaison will be responsible for filing paperwork in both physical and digital systems, depending on departmental protocol. They will ensure all documents are stored securely and are easily accessible for future reference by authorized personnel.
Corrections and Resubmissions
If the Public Affairs Liaison identifies errors or missing information in the paperwork, they will promptly return it to the originating officer for corrections. It is the responsibility of SLE personnel to correct and resubmit paperwork promptly.
Communication and Updates
The Public Affairs Liaison will regularly communicate with SLE personnel to provide updates on the status of submitted paperwork, especially in legal cases or time-sensitive situations. Personnel can follow up with the Liaison if they need to check the progress of their submissions.
Standard Paperwork Templates
Variation and reasonable revisions to the standardized templates provided are permitted, provided that they do not deviate from established procedure (eg: the Public Affairs Liaison cannot solely authorize a Class 2 Contraband Permit).
Search Warrant
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color] [color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color] [head=2]Search Warrant[/head] [head=3]Warrant Information[/head] [bold]Subject (Person/Vessel IFF):[/bold] [bold]Request Reason:[/bold] [bold]Shift Time Granted:[/bold] [head=3]Requestor Information[/head] [bold]Case #:[/bold] [bold]Request Time:[/bold] [bold]Requesting Officer:[/bold] [bold]Officer Rank:[/bold] [color=#AAAAAA]This Warrant is only valid when requested by an agent of the SLE and approved, signed, and stamped by a [italic]distinct[/italic] (unless impossible) officer ranked Lieutenant or above or a Station Representative.[/color]
Arrest Warrant
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color] [color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color] [head=2]Arrest Warrant[/head] [head=2]Defendant(s)[/head] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Description:[/bold] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Description:[/bold] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Description:[/bold] [head=2]Offense Details[/head] [bold]Case #:[/bold] [bold]Approximate Time of Offense:[/bold] [bold]Location of Offense:[/bold] [bold]Charges:[/bold] [head=2]Requestor Information[/head] [bold]Requesting Officer:[/bold] [bold]Authorizing Officer:[/bold] [bold]Time of Authorization:[/bold] [color=#AAAAAA]This warrant is only valid when requested by an agent of the SLE, and approved, signed and stamped by a distinct (unless impossible) officer ranked Lieutenant or above, or a Station Representative.[/color]
Arrest Report
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color] [color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color] [head=2]Arrest Report[/head] [head=2]Incident Details[/head] [bold]Case #:[/bold] [bold]Time of Arrest:[/bold] [bold]Location of Arrest:[/bold] [bold]Charges:[/bold] [head=2]Arrested Person(s)[/head] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Description:[/bold] [bold]Fine or Punishment:[/bold] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Description:[/bold] [bold]Fine or Punishment:[/bold] [head=2]Arrestor[/head] [bold]Arresting Officer:[/bold] [bold]Supervisor:[/bold] [color=#AAAAAA]I, the undersigned, hereby swear under oath that all information on this report is accurate and correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of signing.[/color]
After Action Report
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color] [color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color] [head=2]After Action Report[/head] [bold]Case #:[/bold] [bold]Offending Vessel:[/bold] [bold]Suspect:[/bold] [bold]Charges (list any escalations):[/bold] [bold]Suspect:[/bold] [bold]Charges (list any escalations):[/bold] [bold]Responding Vessel:[/bold] [bold]Time of Incident:[/bold] [bold]Officers on Board:[/bold] [head=3]Evidence Collected[/head] List all evidence collected below and the officer in possession. [head=3]Incident Summary[/head] [head=3]Commendations[/head] [head=3]Recommendations[/head] [color=#AAAAAA]I, the [italic]Lieutenant or Commissioner[/italic] of the SLE, or an agent acting on their behalf, certify that everything written in this report is correct and truthful. I am aware of the penalties should anything in this report be proven incorrect, falsified, or exaggerated.[/color]
Duty Log
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color] [color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color] [head=2]Duty Log[/head] [head=2]Commissioner[/head] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Sign On Time:[/bold] [bold]Sign Off Time:[/bold] [head=2]Officers[/head] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Position:[/bold] [bold]Sign On Time:[/bold] [bold]Sign Off Time:[/bold] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Position:[/bold] [bold]Sign On Time:[/bold] [bold]Sign Off Time:[/bold] [bold]Name:[/bold] [bold]Position:[/bold] [bold]Sign On Time:[/bold] [bold]Sign Off Time:[/bold] [color=#AAAAAA]This Form is considered NT Sensitive Data, Class 2, and is for internal SLE use only.[/color]
Authorization for Bluespace Threat
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color]
[color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color]
[head=2]Authorization for Bluespace Threats[/head]
[bold]Vessel Captain:[/bold]
[bold]Vessel IFF:[/bold]
[bold]Shift Time:[/bold]
[bold]Issuing Aurora Sector Command:[/bold]
[bullet]XXXXXXXX, Station Representative
[bullet]XXXXXXXX, Commissioner
This document authorizes the above vessel and its captain to assist and cooperate with the SLE and Aurora Sector authorities in neutralizing hostile bluespace threats to the sector. These include, but are not limited to:
[bullet] Cultist vessels
[bullet] Syndicate vessels
[bullet] Wizard Federation vessels
[bullet] Arcadia Industries vessels
This document does NOT recruit the authorized party into the SLE. The authorized party is not granted special privileges to arrest, detain, and prosecute individuals associated with Nanotrasen.
[bold]Any contraband seized during operations aboard hostile vessels must be surrendered, either to the SLE or the Station Representative, for a cash bounty. Failure to surrender contraband will lead to the forfeiture of this agreement, and the authorized party may be liable for criminal charges.[/bold]
The authorized party is to keep a copy of this document for inspection. The authorized party is expected to maintain contact with SLE command and/or the Station Representative to minimize casualties.
Before engaging with hostile vessels, the authorized party is expected to follow any instructions given by the SLE for staging or other preparation prior to boarding.
[color=#AAAAAA]This Form is void without the signatures of both Parties and a stamp of Aurora Sector Command (Commissioner or Station Representative).[/color]
Contraband Amnesty Agreement
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color]
[color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color]
[head=2]Contraband Amnesty Agreement[/head]
[head=3]Contraband Holder[/head]
[bold]Name:[/bold]
[bold]Species:[/bold]
[bold]Vessel IFF:[/bold]
[bold]Payout per SCU:[/bold] [color=#ff0000]$5,000[/color]
[bold]Shift Time:[/bold]
This document is a contract between the above Contraband Holder and Aurora Sector Command.
Any crimes of contraband possession for the Contraband Holder will be waived so long as all class 3 contraband items, and any class 2 contraband items not subject to a Class 2 Contraband Permit are turned in within reasonable time (subject to the clause below), and not used for malicious purposes. Noncompliance with this document results in voiding any standing Class 2 Contraband Permits.
If the Contraband Holder is not paid in full at the above rate for any contraband turned in, they may remain in possession of the contraband without penalty at their discretion.
[color=#AAAAAA]This form is void without the signatures of both Parties and a stamp of Aurora Sector Command (Commissioner or Station Representative).[/color]
Class 2 Contraband Permit
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color]
[color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color]
[head=2]Class 2 Contraband Permit[/head]
[bold]Permit Holder:[/bold]
[bold]Holder Crew:[/bold]
[bullet/]
[bullet/]
[bullet/]
[bold]Shift Time:[/bold]
This Permit allows the Holder and crew, as listed above, to possess and use class 2 contraband.
Non-compliance with a Contraband Amnesty agreement voids this Permit.
Refer to §6.1.4 of Space Law for a full definition of class 2 contraband.
[color=#AAAAAA]This Permit is void without the signature of the Holder and the signature and stamp of the Commissioner[/color]
Contraband Turnover Reciept
[color=#33578a][bold]Aurora[/bold] [bold]Sector Law Enforcement[/bold][/color]
[color=#33578a]‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾‾[/color]
[head=2]Contraband Turnover Receipt[/head]
[bold]Contraband Holder:[/bold]
[bold]Total Contraband Value (SCU):[/bold]
[bold]Payout per SCU:[/bold] [color=#ff0000]$2,000[/color]
[bold]Payout Total:[/bold]
[bold]C2 Contraband:[/bold]
[bullet/]
[bullet/]
[bullet/]
[bold]C3 Contraband:[/bold]
[bullet/]
[bullet/]
[bullet/]
[bold]Shift Time:[/bold]
[color=#AAAAAA]This Form is void without the signatures of both Parties and a stamp of Aurora Sector Command (Commissioner or Station Representative).[/color]
Hostile vs Non-hostile sector
Sector Heat
Note this system is what's going to be utilized by the Commissioner or Highest ranked authority to determine how the SLE will be equipping themselves, engaging with civilians and hostile individuals or groups and patrolling the sector.
Sector Heat is an internal sLE classification as to how secure the Sector is at any given time. This methodology will help keep the department standardized and unified in the eyes of the public during differing interactions.
The concurrent sector heat level will be assumed "0" until otherwise stated by the highest departmental authority, anytime the level is raised or lowered it must be announced and acknowledged by ALL currently active staff.
There are Four classifications that will be defined below, from an "All Good" to a "Hell on Earth" level.
| Heat Level | Alias | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | All Clear | Everything is well in the sector, no active threats or bluespace events that would cause any suspicious that things are amiss. |
| 1 | Probable Threat | There are suspicions that something is amiss, whether through random fax or CentComm Announcement, but nothing has been CONFIRMED. |
| 2 | Confirmed Threat | There is a confirmed threat in the sector that needs immediate response to, use caution and approach expecting resistance. |
| 3 | FUBAR | Everything has gone to hell, the space itself is on fire and we might as well activate the nuke. This threat level is only to be used in the most dire of times, when all is lost. |
Rules of Engagement
This will be the most important section of this document. Do not, and repeated, DO NOT assume in any situation that lethal force is the first option. Below will outline the proper assumed rules of engagement in a typical manner to be utilized in every law enforcement encounter:
- Hail and attempt conversation.
- Attempt a show of force, specifically brandishing and making it known you have and will use Non-Lethal force.
- Utilize Non-Lethal force.
- Make every effort to advise you will use Lethal force.
- Utilize Lethal force.
Note this is an outline of what should be at least attempted in all engagements, and its understandable that it can't be followed in every assumed situation. If at any point the individual or group you are in contact with attempts to engage you first, you may use equal force to ensure minimal loss of life.
Sector Enforcement
No Fly Zones
No Fly Zones are areas in which the SLE will ANNOUNCE OVER RADIO and are used in scenarios where there is a direct risk to the safety of civilians (I.E. Heat Level 2+) and they are to remain a fair distance from the engagement. This can be punished by minimum of trespassing charges and maximum of sabotage charges if the actions match the crime. THESE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE USED TO JUST "KEEP PEOPLE AWAY" THEY ARE TO BE USED ONLY IN SITUATIONS WHERE THERE IS CONFIRMED THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY.
Belligerent Vessels
Reference Space Law for the specifics, however to expound on the authorization of full force to inhibit or destroy these vessels keep in mind to utilize the engagement rules and conform to the current Sector Heat Level.
Hostile POI's
You are not be to ACTIVELY seeking out Listening Point Bravo or the Pirate Cove. Both of these are meant to be hidden entities in the sector of which nobody has any meta knowledge of. If the department receives a tip about a possible location, or it's stumbled upon you are free to engage with it at the behest of your immediate supervisor.
Department Regulations
Equipment Regulations
Uniform, Equipment and Hardsuit usage are to be regulated and enforced by the varying department supervisors. There is a time and place to be walking around in minimal gear as well as fully decked out in a tank Experimental Hardsuit.
Proper Attire
For basic attire such as jumpsuits, any non traditional format can be assigned at will per direct supervisor. Each Officer specifically should be waking up in the standard issue beige short or long sleeve jumpsuit/skirt.
Proper Standard Equipment
Standard equipment that all department personnel should be issued no matter the circumstance.
- Equipment that all departmental personnel should have on that most if not all the time.
- Basic Belt Kit - Two sets of handcuffs, Stunbaton, flashbang and a tear gas grenade.
- Standard issued crowbar - It's a crowbar. it opens doors when they have no power.
- Gas Mask and Extended Emergency air tank - keep yourself alive in EVA environments even when you're not expecting it.
- SCU - Security Credit Units, earned from turning in contraband to Colonial Command
Non-Standard Equipment
Formal Attire - When you need to dress pretty.
Formal attire is to be kept available at all times when department personnel need to be dressed appropriately for public events.
Tactical Jumpsuits - For clandestine missions.
Equipment Usage
Equipment usage is directly correlated to the current sector Heat Level. This section with expound on what is expected to be worn and carried at each of the levels.
| Heat Level | Standard | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Minimal equipment required. | Standard issued jacket or softsuit, sidearm and basic belt kit are allowed to be worn at all times. |
| 1 | Minimal equipment required, however suspicious behavior warrants being ready for anything. | Standard issue jacket or softsuit, sidearm, basic belt kit and assigned primary weapon are allowed to be worn at all times. The standard issue primary weapon is not to be open carried. |
| 2 | Combat equipment required, confirmed threats in the sector. | Standard issue combat hardsuit or experimental hardsuit, essentials to survive such as food and water, and all previous non-clothing equipment are allowed to be worn at all times. The standard issue primary weapon is permitted to be open carried. |
| 3 | Maximum defense and combat equipment required, sector destruction is imminent. | Prepare for war or death, anything and everything goes. |
Lockers
Lockers have been kept empty for a reason, all department staff are to utilize them. If you are not utilizing extra gear (such as when the Heat Level is not high enough to warrant them) you are to keep them in your assigned locker. These are assigned per employee and any/all personal or extra work items are to be kept contained in them. Commissioner's may assign different locker expectations, and locker inspections are not only allowed but encouraged.
Sensitive Materials Handling Regulations
This section will define what department personnel will need to do in the event they come across contraband, dangerous artifacts or any other unknown material.
Contraband
In the event any department staff comes across, finds, or actively seizes contraband these are the steps that MUST be followed:
- Ensure the items are confirmed contraband and contact your immediate supervisor.
- Gather all of them, ensuring they are not a danger to life and property, into as few containers as possible.
- Transport them as safely as possible back to The Outpost to either be disposed of or sold for SCUs.
Dangerous Artifacts
In the event any department staff comes across any unconfirmed or confirmed dangerous artifact these steps MUST be followed:
- Ensure all civilian personnel are cleared from the immediate area.
- Attempt to determine the danger level of the artifact as safely as possible and contact any nearby science vessel for assistance.
- If a science vessel responds and is en route, standby and keep the area safe.
- If no science vessel is available, attempt to contain the artifact and transport it to be safely destroyed or sold.
Unknown Origin Items
In the event any department staff comes across an unknown material these steps MUST be followed:
- Try and determine the danger the item presents.
- Try and determine the origin of the item.
- Approach and safely contain the item if it presents no immediate loss of life potential. In the case it does present an immediate danger contact CentComm to determine the correct course of action.
- Transport the item to the Outpost for safe containment until further orders from CentComm are given.
Demotions & Demerits
The Demerit Process will be tuned in such a way that Supervisors can actively monitor the success of their employees. Demerits in this instance will be given out due to a couple of actions: Disorderly Conduct, Failure to Comply (with a direct order) and gross negligence are just a few examples. Currently, Demerits will be given out at will by the direct supervisor of the involved AND DOCUMENTED.
Demotions will be based upon the demerit system, and are to be utilized by the Commissioner only. Whenever an officer receives a demerit it is to be documented properly by their direct supervisor and turned over to the Commissioner for them to review. Sergeants and above receiving demerits will be held to a much harsher demotion system.
At this time the standard will be as follows:
For Officers and Cadets,
- 1 demerit will coincide with a warning from their direct supervisor.
- 2 demerits will warrant a sit down with the Commissioner and direct supervisor.
- 3 demerits will conclude the process with a demotion and/or removal from the department decided upon by the Commissioner.
For Sergeants and Lieutenants,
- 1 demerit will warrant an immediate discussion directly with the Commissioner.
- 2 demerits will begin the demotion and/or removal from the department process.
Legal Procedure
Due Diligence
Due diligence in law enforcement refers to the thorough and meticulous investigation and verification of facts, evidence, and information related to a particular case or situation. This process is crucial in ensuring that department and officials act with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Reasonable Suspicion VS Probable Cause
RS, or reasonable suspicion, is what an officer needs to perform an “investigatory” stop. Reasonable suspicion is the legal standard that the department must meet in order to briefly detain a person and search him/her for contraband. This standard is not as high as for probable cause. The officer must have reasonable suspicion that a person has committed a crime, is currently in the process of committing a crime, or plans to commit a crime.
PC, or probable cause, is when the police must have sufficient knowledge of facts or evidence that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been, is, or will be committed and that the person being investigated committed the offense. Arrests made with or without a warrant must be based on probable cause. People are protected from unreasonable searches or seizures or the issuance of a search warrant without probable cause.
Search, Seizures, and Warrants
When an individual or group has been detained pending criminal investigation and you have a warrant or valid probable cause you are authorized by Space Law to search them. This applies solely to the individual, unless you have separate probable cause to believe a vehicle or other structure than can contain evidence of the crime is involved you CANNOT GO SEARCHING RANDOM SHIPS OR CONTAINERS. All matters of bureaucracy must be followed in accordance with Space Law in order to proceed with criminal charges and if it calls for it a Trial.
Reasonable Suspicion is grounds to detain, Probable Cause it grounds to arrest. If during an investigation in which you have someone detained but cannot establish probable cause at the scene but new evidence or information comes to light after the fact establishing it then a warrant can be issued.
When it's determined a crime has been committed and a search is completed if any possible evidence is found it may be seized at the arresting Officer's discretion. Anything and everything can be used in a court of law to provide reasonable basis to the arrest. When a seizure is being done these are the steps the MUST be followed:
- Advise the individual under arrest the "X" items are being seized as evidence.
- Contain the items in a secure location as to ensure they will not be tampered with.
- Once returned to a secure area where the prisoner will be secured, contain the evidence inside of an evidence locker and try and document it for court purposes.
Detaining vs Arresting
Detain - To be detained means that a law enforcement officer suspects that someone has been or may be engaged in criminal conduct. For an officer to detain someone, they must have reasonable suspicion. That means that they have a justifiable basis for stopping the individual. The reasonable suspicion standard is lower than the probable cause standard for an arrest, which we’ll discuss later. A detention is temporary. It should last only long enough for the officer to determine what to do next.
Arrest - To be arrested means that an officer had cause to take a person into custody. The individual is reasonably believed to have been involved in criminal conduct. An officer must have probable cause to believe that a person has committed or was about to commit a crime. Probable cause is a higher standard than reasonable suspicion, which is needed for a detention. It means that the officer has concrete and objective facts they can point to to justify the arrest.
Detaining a Suspect
Utilizing the above definition, when actively stopping someone based on reasonable suspicions they are to be informed that there is reasonable belief they are committing or going to commit a crime and that they are being detained pending investigation. The detention process defined should be:
- Come into contact with the individual(s)
- Inform them you have reasonable suspicion to believe they are committing or going to commit "X" crime.
- Advise them they are being detained pending investigation.
- Detain them using your issued Handcuffs, zip-ties, or any other means of restricting movement temporarily.
Arresting a Suspect
Utilizing the above definition, after the investigation has been thoroughly done and complete if the officer has probable cause established leading them to believe the detainee has committed the crime they will then be placed under arrest. The arrest process is as follows:
- Inform the Suspect(s) they are under arrest AND WHAT FOR.
- Take down the Suspect(s) if they resist and ensure they are securely restrained.
- Move the Suspect(s) to the Brig and ensure they are treated fairly.
- Assign them their brig time, unless awaiting a trial and if this is the case ensure they are privy to legal council.
Criminal Citations
This section is incomplete.
paperwork for citations, including issued fine amount - issued on misdemeanor crimes
Capital Punishment
It is inevitable that when maintaining peace and order across the Aurora Sector you will have to execute a prisoner due to their capital crimes, as well as the risk of them committing more capital crimes. Keep in mind this punishment is the most severe sentence the SLE is permitted to enforce, so consult Space Law's “Capital Punishments” clause for proper guidance towards alternative capital punishments if you believe your situation does not merit death.
To warrant the consideration of lawful termination the prisoner in question must be charged with capital crimes.
All accusations of capital crimes are to be given the chance to be brought to criminal court. You are obligated to ensure the prisoner is aware of their right to trial for their alleged crimes.
Upon the prisoner denying their right to trial, or upon the court sustaining the charge of capital crime, you may consider the accused guilty and continue with the steps towards their termination.
Prisoners have the right to request a method of termination within the realms of reasonability and accessibility. The methods they can chose from are the following: spacing, electrocution, firing squad, or lethal injection. You ARE NOT to execute a prisoner with any other method outside of these official means.
Once guilt is a certainty, the right to trial has been explored and exhausted, and a method of termination decided, the officer may commence the lawful termination of the prisoner’s life.
Once a prisoner has been terminated, regardless of trial or not, a communication console announcement must be made detailing who was terminated and why they were terminated.
The corpse of the prisoner if salvageable is to be treated with dignity and respect. They are to be taken to a morgue, incinerator, or biomass reclaiming machine. They are not to be resuscitated, revived, or cloned by the Aurora Sector's technology. Anyone who attempts to or succeeds to revive or clone the prisoner can be charged with insubordination, or obstruction of justice if the capital crime was sustained by a court.
If the prisoner is revived or cloned, they are to be arrested and held for the same charges that they were found guilty of.
If the prisoner’s reappearance in the Aurora Sector is the result of the prisoner exiting cryogenic sleep transportation, a Central Command Agent is to be contacted (AHelp) and informed that a clone of the previously executed prisoner has returned, no doubt due to a system error.
If a Central Command Agent cannot render aid or guidance, you are to put the prisoner into Extended Confinement for the duration of the shift, for their capital crimes.