SoP: Security

Standard Operating Procedures
Ship Operations | Chain of Command | Emergency Protocol
General | Command | Security | Engineering | Science | Medical | Supply

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SoP: Security

Duties & Expectations

The Internal Security Department (ISD) is a crucial part of every Nanotrasen corporate holding. As a member of the ISD, you are expected to protect the installation, as well as your fellow crew, from any threat that arises.

• Maintain order. The installation cannot function under chaos.
• Work with the crew. Both the ISD and all others are part of the installation’s staff - it is not you versus them.
• Protect the installation from any threats, whether internal or external.
• Practice good etiquette. Remember, you are often on the front lines of first contact - represent the company in good light.
• Uphold Policy/Corporate Regulations. They are provided for the crew’s safety.

Dress Code & Presentation

Members of the Internal Security Department hold both authority and responsibility. They must be easily identifiable while on duty.

• It is mandatory to wear recognizable security uniform(s), or otherwise recognizable clothing.
• Recognizable clothing include most clothing with dominant colors consisting of two or more of: black, blue, and red.
  • Those with valid nudity permits must wear either a red security armband, appropriate outerwear, or appropriate headgear.
• Overly casual clothing, e.g. short tank tops and skirts, are allowed but discouraged.
  • Clothing should be sufficiently protective. While you are usually not going to require body armor, having most of your body uncovered tends to be a bad idea.
• Detectives / Forensics agents do not need to follow the above; they may wear something thematic for their job.

Definitions

Relevant terminology is clarified below, both for security directives as well as for corporate regulations, to clear up confusion.

• Lethal Weapons: Any weapon intended for and/or able to be used in a lethal configuration. This includes things like energy guns, as they have a lethal setting.
• Less-Lethal Weapons: Weapons that fire rounds that cause minor wounds with the intent to disable without killing or seriously injuring someone. Ballistic armaments that are unable to fire lethal rounds without (illegal) modification are included.
• Non-Lethal Weapons: Weapons not designed to be used lethally and/or not containing a lethal setting.
• Director: ‘Director’ refers to the installation’s director, facility director, captain, or the acting director in times of crisis.
• Central Command / Installation Oversight / Corporate: Each installation has an assigned command post, or an assigned relay station/ship for said command post. This is where most faxed reports go to.
• Crime refers to any breach of Policy/Corporate Regulations.

Chain of Authority

The Internal Security Department operates with a more unique chain of command than other departments.

• The Director of the installation and the Head of Security serve as the leads of the ISD. The Director may overrule the Head of Security on most decisions, except in situations where they themselves face investigation for clear-cut, major breaches of regulation.
  • The acting Director is also, per definitions, considered to be the Director for the purposes of these directives. They may not automatically override the HoS (or warden if there is none), unlike proper Directors. Security is nonetheless expected to cooperate during emergencies within reason.
• The warden holds primary authority over the brig, and the final word on sentencing, within reason, except when overruled by the HoS/Director.
• Other members of Command have no hard authority on security proceedings. Security, however, must abide by valid orders while in another department.
  • The directives of Command should regardless be considered, even if not binding. You are here to work with them, not against them.
  • Command staff are not above Corporate Regulations. You are expected to follow best judgement to determine how to resolve any particular breach.
  • Attempts to hamper legitimate exercise of Security’s responsibility towards protecting the installation may be overruled, e.g. a head of staff harboring a fugitive in their department and refusing to allow Security entry. In severe cases, the member of command may be charged with the same breach as the person in question, if judged to be aiding and abetting.
• Those in employ or command of the ISD are not above regulations and directives. The ISD has an obligation to protect the installation, including from those in command of it if necessary.
  • The Warden would be able to rightfully stop the HoS/Director from checking out multiple lethal weapons from the armory without reason.
• The HoS, Warden, and Director do possess the power to temporarily suspend or modify the sentencing and/or sanctions levied upon an perpetrator, potentially up until the end of the shift.
  • They do not possess the power to pardon individuals or overrule charges. A violation of regulation still occurred, regardless of what is done in response.
  • Severe cases are recommended to be faxed to Central Command for book-keeping and review.
  • It is recommended to involve IAA if corruption or nepotism is suspected.
• Sentences may not be suspended in extreme cases where doing so would represent a tangible threat to the installation.
  • e.g. The HoS may not order letting a murderer run free in most cases. Attempts to do so may additionally result in charges of ‘Exceeding Official Power’ towards the Head of Security in question.
• Detainment powers: All members and leaders of the ISD, including acting Directors, carry the power to detain crewmembers for investigation.
  • Forensic analysts and Detectives are primarily hired for investigations; they should hand off arrests to officers outside of emergencies.

Rules of Engagement

The Internal Security Department is equipped with a wide variety of tools and armaments, ranging from non-lethal, to less-than-lethal, to fully lethal.

• Verbal directives and de-escalation is to be prioritized where possible. Remember; You are here to work with the crew, not against them.
• Non/Less-Lethal force may be used to detain a non-compliant perpetrator or stop an ongoing crime. Examples include when someone is:
  • Running away from a valid arrest
  • Attempting to break out of the brig
  • Actively smashing a window
  • Non-compliant and approaching to cuff would be a risk to an officer's safety
• Lethal force may only be used in cases where other options are either ineffective, or unable to prevent imminent loss of life or severe destruction to the facility. Examples include when someone is:
  • Attempting to bomb the installation, explode the engine, flood gas into the atmospherics system, any other acts of widespread destruction.
  • Crash the installation (in ship deployments) into asteroids.
  • Violently seizing the bridge or command deck (See: Immediate Threats)
  • Hopped up on extreme painkillers, and waiting them out is not viable. Same applies for augmentations that block pain/normal tools of incapacitation.
  • A hostile synthetic which stun weaponry are not effective against.
  • Extra: In cases where the brig and/or facility command structure is destroyed, and a violent criminal is resisting arrest.
• Lethal force authorization is just that, authorization. Officers of the ISD are expected to be able to justify with valid reasoning any application of lethal force.
  • It is important to remember lethal-force authorization is not the equivalent of an on the spot execution. Lethal force is necessitated to end an effective threat; in some of the above cases, it is not at all required to continue firing after someone is down.
  • An officer maybe charged with excessive force in detainment, or in extreme cases, murder, if they are found to be using lethal force at a whim.
• Chemical/Biological/Explosive weapons are always considered lethal force due to their unpredictability.

Immediate Threats

The following scenarios and intrusion in the following areas allow for the potential use of lethal force to subdue a perpetrator without the usual following of RoE. It is expected that an officer make a best-effort judgement call.

• Armory, or any attempt at securing high-grade lethal weaponry via illegal means.
• AI/Cyborg uploads, or any attempt at unlawful modification of synthetic laws.
• Violent seizure of the bridge to take control of the facility.
• Toxins Lab, or otherwise fabrication/usage of high explosives, biological weaponry, or chemical weaponry. See ‘Terrorism’ in Corporate Regulations.
• Research Server Room, if sabotage is suspected.
• Engine Core, if sabotage is suspected.
• Gateway, if sabotage is suspected.
• It is expected that a best-effort judgement call be made in all cases. In almost none of the cases above is immediately attempting to terminate an offender a justifiable action unless there is already reason to believe the installation is in serious, lethal danger.

Standard Equipment

All members of NT Corporate Security are expected to wear/carry the following at all times:

• Clothing with colorations within the bounds of NT Corporate Security's color scheme, while dressing in compliance with departmental dress code.
• Non-lethal weaponry such as a standard flashbulb device, pepper spray, taser, etc.
• An emergency light source, like a flashlight or flare.
• A way to access arrest statuses remotely. HUD glasses are recommended for this, but an NIF implant can perform just as well.
• Supplementary devices like PDA cartridges.
• Carrying an extra weapon cell or rubber magazine.
• All members of Corporate Security must be on-comms with a security communications key at all times while on duty.

Armory

All equipment from the secure armory must be checked out with the Warden, or Head of Security (if a warden is not present), with the correct paperwork.

The Warden has complete oversight of the armory and its paperwork. They may request items for themselves, though paperwork must be filed correctly, with stamps/signatures from the HOS (or captain in this case) where applicable.

During an adequate emergency, paperwork is not required to withdraw armory supplies so long as they're replenished to the best of security's abilities. Expended ammunition is exempt from this.

The Warden, HoS, and Director are permitted and recommended to carry a lethal-capable weapon of their choice. This is so they are equipped to handle emergency situations. Said lethal weapon can be what is provided in their lockers, or something else of their choice, within reason.

The colored boxes painted on the floor signify the value and/or risk of an officer accessing the equipment, and NOT the alert level required to access them. - Blue tier boxes are generally safe to hand out with the correct paperwork. - Yellow tier boxes can result in collateral damage, or have the potential to be lethal/disruptive even on accident. - Red tier boxes generally contain high-danger or highly restricted armaments, and require both the Warden and HOS stamp/signatures to withdraw. The Facility Director may not sign in either the HOS or Warden's place for red-tiered gear. If only one is present, two is not required. - All two-handed and multicrew equipment Require either a 4706 or a 4707 request/deployment form, followed by a 4708 permit form. Phasers are exempt from this requirement.

Unlawful usage, abuse, and accidental damage while using armory equipment will be directed upon the suspect. A separate investigation may begin against the one who provided the equipment to ensure appropriate recordkeeping, and reviewal of requests to ensure lack of negligence.

Detective / Forensics

Forensics agents may carry the standard less-than-lethal weaponry in their lockers. They should also be carrying their forensic gloves, evidence bags, recorder, tape, camera, etc - anything to assist in investigation of an incident at short notice.

Weapons / Permits

See corporate regulations for more details.

Permits

Standard permit forms may be found in Guide/Paperwork. There should be valid reasoning to issue a permit, especially if the permit is for something considered highly dangerous.

Permits must be signed by the Director, or the HoS, or the Warden, in that order of priority, depending on who is onboard at the time of issue.

It is considered common courtesy to inform a newly arriving ranking officer of permits issued before their arrival.

• Permits may be revoked by their issuers, or revoked by a higher ranking officer.
• Permits do not mitigate crimes committed with weapons or contraband in such permit.
• Permits may be terminated by any officer’s discretion if the items in question were used to commit a crime.
• No individual may sign for their own permit.

Security

Members of the ISD have automatic authorization to carry armaments necessary for their job.

This includes:

• Anything listed in ‘standard equipment’ given to them in their lockers
• Anything found in the brig as additional equipment that do not fall under armory gear
• Anything checked out from the armory through valid means for a justifiable purpose. (e.g. 'just in case' is not a reason to carry lethals every shift without provocation).

Officers nonetheless require permits (form 4708) for weapons obtained externally that they otherwise would not have by default. They are not immune from contraband regulations.

Permits for armory-obtained weapons are only required for longarm (two handed) weapons during non-emergency situations. Exceptions exist for the self contained firing range within security, and only with direct supervision from someone capable of granting a permit.

Visitors

In addition to permits, visitors may be granted permission to carry contraband onboard verbally by the Director or the Head of Security. Security is advised to monitor all proceedings if this clause is exercised, as they are responsible for ensuring no harm comes of it.

• This clause is expressly written to expedite matters involving other sector entities, like traders.

External Areas

To expedite excursions and scouting conducted under the company, most contraband and weapons policy are suspended within the research, expeditionary, and mining department’s interiors, as well as on any company owned or external shuttlecraft, or while on an excursion of any kind. Infractions of regulations (e.g. assault) are still be to be charged as such, and injunctions against this clause may be issued if problems arise.

Searches

Searches of person(s) or property are always permissible in the following cases:

• If the person is being detained for a valid reason.
• If the person is directly witnessed as to be breaching regulations.
• On blue alert, or higher: Suspicion alone is enough to justify searching a person. Examples of suspicion include someone being spotted to have gear not commonly available, lurking around maintenance and being generally shifty, being seen near a crime scene, etc.
• On yellow alert, or higher: Department heads are expected to automatically comply with search requests to their departments if pertinent to the emergency. Civilian areas are automatically authorized for searches.
• On red alert, or higher: Privacy regulations are fully revoked due to an immediate threat to the facility. Security may search any one/place for any reason.

Search authorization in the form of a written warrant is required to search someone outside of the above, for privileged data, or to enter a department or other area if the person(s) in charge of said area do not consent to a search.

Search authorization may be obtained from the warden, HoS, or Director. IAA are expected to audit suspicious or unnecessary issuance of warrants.

Verbal authorization is considered valid search authorization in justifiably time-sensitive cases.

Privileged Data

The following are considered privileged data, and require search authorization to be accessed, ouside of emergencies:

• Sensor data
• Medical records
• Medical scans, unless they are pertinent to security/a potential threat (e.g. sentient parasitic infections, contagions, dangerous contraband in the form of cybernetics, explosives)
• Telecommunications logs of any kind (and any data collected by wiretapping)
• Employment records - Data stored on the Research mainframe

Each of these will be detailed in their own department’s directives pages.

Arrest Procedures

Standard arrest procedures only apply when detaining someone verbally compliant or otherwise not physicallly combative. Otherwise, follow Rules of Engagement.

1. Inform the person in question of the main reasoning for their arrest.
   • If the person is an unregistered visitor, e.g. visiting traders, diplomats, etc, consult with the HoS/Director for how to proceed. The ISD holds jurisdiction over them on Nanotrasen property, but maintaining relations is crucial for operations.
2. If paying a fine will suffice and questioning is not required, offer them a chance to do so before proceeding. Do not waste time with unnecessary detainment.
3. It may be advisable to handcuff the person in question if they are suspected of a violent crime, have weapons on their person, or if escorting them alone.
   • Stunning someone known to be dangerous if they refuse to lay on the ground to be handcuffed is acceptable.

If the crime scene may require investigation, consider taping it off.

Criminal Processing

This section is relevant when someone is already in the brig.

1. Inform the suspect of their charges, as well as of their right to have the charges audited by an IAA on request. Inform IAA of their request if they choose to levy a complaint.
   • Do not delay processing/questioning. IAA investigations happen in parallel; see IAA section.
2. Conduct any relevant questioning. See: ‘Interrogation’.
   • This is also a good time to search them for any further contraband they may or may not have.
3. Determine relevant charges and punishments to apply.
4. Cell procedures:
   • Take the suspect to their cell; make sure the ‘general area’ shutters (if applicable) are closed while processing.
   • Strip off any gear that can be used as a weapon or to escape and put them into the locker. This usually involves their backpack, pockets, job equipment, etc. Do not strip them of their clothes/PDA/radio, or other irrelevant items!
   • Set the timer accordingly.
   • If deemed uncooperative, you may buckle them to the cell, and flash them before stripping them of their handcuffs and leaving the cell.
   • Open up the shutters to the general area if necessary.
5. Update security records accordingly. List all charges in comment with a timestamp of arrest, and sentence applied. Set their status to ‘incarcerated’ for the duration of their stay.

Prisoner Rights

Employee (and visitor) rights are not suspended in most cases of imprisonment.

• Prisoners should be immediately released if the brig is under severe threat, outside of cases where releasing such prisoners would pose a threat (e.g. held-until-transfer for murder).
• Prisoners are entitled to medical treatment during their stay, either by a medic treating on-site or temporary relocation to medbay. Their timer continues to tick during treatment.
• Prisoners should not be left unattended for long periods of time. Don’t forget about the brig if someone’s inside. If no warden exists, the arresting officer carries the responsibility of letting them out afterwards and monitoring their health.
• Prisoners are entitled to standard amenities like food, water, etc, in long stays.
• Prisoners are entitled to their radio headset, unless they are found to be abusing this privilege, like inciting a riot over the radio or plotting an escape.
• It is expected to allow prisoners into the general area of the brig for any sentence longer than ten minutes.
• Solitary confinement may only be used in the most extreme cases, and prisoners inside must be monitored regularly. Solitary confinement is not a punishment, and reinforced cells only exist for absolute emergencies. Abuse will result in a quick demotion and likely dismissal.

Interrogations

Interrogation rooms are provided to privately screen suspects and get any pertinent information.

• Simple matters does not require use of said interrogation rooms; do not waste time for dramatics.
• Time used for interrogation should be taken into account during sentencing. If you kept someone in interrogation for thirty minutes and they end up being charged for any less than thirty minutes, you can probably skip the brigging part.
• Time used for interrogation should not take more of someone’s time than the worst case sanction of their infraction. Interrogating someone for half an hour over petty theft is asinine.
• Interrogations may not be conducted via duress, and any confessions made under duress outside of the most serious crimes are to be safely disregarded. Abusive practices will not be tolerated.

Internal Affairs and You

Internal Affairs are not lawyers. They exist to audit the crew’s compliance with reguations and directives.

• IAA may request entry to the brig at any time unless there is a valid, justifiable reason to deny them entry.
• IAA hold no hard power over the ISD. They are expected to communicate with the HoS and Director, as well as with Central Command if a compromise cannot be reached.
• IAA are not lawyers. It is their job to investigate questionable charges, questionable practices (e.g. nepotism, permit fraud, recklessness, unreasonable sentencing, excessive force, etc), and directive adherence within the ISD. It is not their jurisdiction to determine what to do with every criminal!

Cadets

Cadets are officers in training who have received a minimum of screening and preliminary interviews. They are not full officers, and should defer to full officers in all cases during their candidacy. It is expected that full officers and up conduct cadet training where available.

• Cadets are expected to avoid engaging outside of emergencies, and when they are instructed to for the purposes of their training.
• Cadets should not attempt arrests alone unless no officers are onboard and there is a clear cut and dangerous breach of regulations.
• Cadets may be overruled by any other member of the ISD.

Crew Restrictions

Installation security is expected to be capable of tasks ranging from patrols, to detainment, to investigations. As such, there are some minimum guidelines towards employment in the department.

Physical Fitness

Members of the ISD are expected to be capable of free, unassisted motion, including trekking outdoors in standard atmospheres, climbing ladders, and the ability to carry standard and additional gear required to carry out job duties.

• EVA training is heavily recommended, but not required.

Height / Size

Due to the demands expected of installation security, employees are required to be, at a minimum, 2’6”/76.2cm tall.

Communications / Sensory Requirements

Members of the ISD must be able to clearly communicate and survey their surroundings. As such:

• Speech is a required part of the job.
  • TTS devices adequately serve as a replacement if not natively able to speak.
• Good eyesight is a must-have. Those with nearsightedness must have it corrected to 20/20 with usage of prescription glasses or contacts.
  • Senses that are provably equivalent to eyesight serve as a replacement.
• Speaking and understanding fluent Galactic Common is a must.

Biologies

The following lifeforms/species are not allowed to be permanently employed within the ISD:

• Xenochimera - Members of the ISD are potentially subjected to dangerous, provocative situations. The unique and sensitive biology of a Chimera may result in loss of control.
• Proteans - Sector treaties prohibit the express usage of nanocluster-based synthetics as dedicated policing units.
• Vox - Company policy prohibits Vox from serving as part of the ISD.

The above are open for further review.