Welcome to the Security section of the HardLight documentation. This section covers Space Law, enforcement authority, evidentiary standards, alert procedures, and operational policy. Whether you are a new Cadet or a returning officer, this documentation is your reference for lawful, consistent, and fair enforcement.
| Page | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Space Law | All charges, modifiers, punishments, and officer guidance |
| Security Authority | Legal authority, use of force framework |
| Legal Standards | RS, PC, and evidentiary thresholds |
| Escalation Policy | Ladder and limits for proportional force |
| Standard Procedures | Arrest, processing, and sentencing workflow |
| Prisoner Treatment | Rights, responsibilities, and custody treatment standards |
| Alert Statuses | Green / Blue / Red — criteria and authority changes |
| Security Policies & Guidebook | Roles, terminology, CDET policy, arrest procedure |
| Changelog | Recent updates to Space Law and Security policy |
ℹ️ Info
This section is Out-of-Character (OOC) guidance for players choosing Security roles.
From oksam (OOC):
Security can be one of the most rewarding, engaging, and entertaining roles on the server. However, it comes with its challenges.
Players who choose to play security roles are empowered with the ability to interrupt player's gameplay. Their authority entrusted in them through their in-character appointment carries an out-of-character impact.
Often, poor performance by security can lead to frustrations of the playerbase. Security players should apply liberal, generous understanding views when encountering conflict in game. It is not acceptable to "lock them up and throw away the key" - this win first mentality disrupts the community's objectives and creates a negative experience for most involved.
Security players should have a generous understanding of what player antags look like, and how to encounter them. Being able to distinguish the difference between a Head Revolutionary and turned Revolutionary is incredibly important, as it vastly changes the method of interaction with that player.
Security's objective is not to win, just like antagonists, they are expected to contribute to the gameplay loop and provide roleplay.
Some principles to carry into every shift:
Severe violations of outlined SOPs may also be treated as an OOC rule issue under Section 10.1 of Server Rules, since Security and Command are held to a higher standard of role performance.
Security done well is one of the most rewarding roles on the server. You set the tone for the shift.
The purpose of Space Law is to create better roleplay, not to "win" against another player. Officers, Wardens, and Command are expected to apply the law in ways that preserve scenes, reward cooperation, and let people lose gracefully when doing so does not meaningfully endanger the station.
Maximum punishment is not the default. If several lawful outcomes are available, prefer the one that creates the best scene, the clearest consequence, and the most room for continued play. A suspect who is cooperative, entertaining, remorseful, or trying to turn a scene into good roleplay should usually receive more discretion than one who is hostile, evasive, or repeatedly destructive.
Security should actively look for RP-forward alternatives when they fit the facts, including:
Examples of good "losing gracefully" and RP-first enforcement:
This discretion is not permission to ignore serious threats. It is permission to remember that the goal is station roleplay first, legal procedure second, and punitive maximization last.
ℹ️ Info
Operational reference for Security department personnel. This page covers roles, terminology, standard procedures, use of force, and enforcement policy. For evidentiary standards (RS, PC, Preponderance), see Legal Standards. For alert status changes, see Alert Statuses.
Each Security role carries specific responsibilities and authorities. Personnel are expected to operate within their role's scope and defer to the appropriate chain of command.
The entry-level Security position. Cadets are in training and must be supervised by a Security Officer, Warden, or the HoS at all times during active duty.
The frontline law enforcement role. Officers conduct patrols, respond to reported incidents, make arrests, and investigate crimes in progress.
The Detective investigates crimes, gathers evidence, and builds cases for prosecution. Detectives are experienced officers and are not restricted from performing any action a Security Officer is authorized to take; investigations are their primary focus and preferred assignment.
The Warden manages the brig, controls armory access, and is responsible for the lawful processing and timely release of all prisoners. The Warden is the legal guardian of anyone in custody.
The commanding officer of the Security department. The HoS sets operational priorities, authorizes elevated enforcement actions, and is ultimately responsible for the conduct and performance of all Security personnel.
📝 Note
Chain of Command: Captain → Head of Security → Warden → Detective → Security Officer → Cadet
Common terms used in Security operations and Space Law.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| AOS | Arrest on Sight — An active authorization to arrest a specific individual upon locating them, without needing to re-establish PC at time of contact. Issued by the HoS or Captain. Must be based on existing PC. |
| KOS | Kill on Sight — Authorization to use lethal force on a specific individual immediately upon locating them. Reserved for confirmed, active lethal threats where non-lethal options are not viable. Requires both HoS and Captain authorization. |
| Brig | The Security detention facility. Contains short-term holding cells where prisoners serve timed sentences. Distinct from Permabrig (indefinite holding). |
| Timer | The countdown on a cell indicating the time remaining in a prisoner's sentence. |
| Perma | Short for Permanent Confinement — indefinite brig detention reserved for capital crimes through lawful sentencing/placement. Perma prisoners retain the right to appeal to Colonial Command. |
| Processing | The intake procedure for a newly arrested individual: search, charge confirmation, sentence calculation, and timer set. Overseen by the Warden. |
| Stun | Non-lethal incapacitation using a stun baton, taser, or equivalent. The preferred method of subduing a resisting suspect in most situations. |
| C1 | Class 1 Contraband — Minor dangerous items. Not a criminal charge; but not permitted in the brig. |
| C2 | Class 2 Contraband — Restricted equipment that may be legally possessed with a valid C2 Permit. Without a permit, possession is chargeable under 206 — Possession, Contraband Equipment. |
| C3 | Class 3 Contraband — Dangerous or prohibited weapons and materials. Possession by non-Security personnel is chargeable under 306 — Possession, Illegal Inherently Dangerous Equipment unless explicitly authorized by applicable alert/command policy. Security personnel may carry/deploy C3 while acting in lawful security duties (/space-law/see Security Authority). |
| CDET | Contraband Denying Energy Turret — A statically placed automatic weapon that fires on any individual detected carrying C3 contraband. See CDET Policy below. |
| Warrant | A formal authorization to search a person, vessel, or area. Requires Probable Cause and must be approved by the Warden, HoS, or Captain. |
| Alert Status | The station-wide threat level. Any member of Command may declare or change the alert status (Green / Blue / Red). See Alert Statuses. |
| RS | Reasonable Suspicion — The minimum evidentiary threshold. Allows contact, questioning, and temporary detention. Does not authorize arrest or search on Green Alert. See Legal Standards. |
| PC | Probable Cause — The threshold for arrest, warrants, and search. Requires articulable facts supporting a belief that a crime has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur. See Legal Standards. |
Contraband Denying Energy Turrets (CDETs) are statically placed automatic weapons that fire upon any individual detected carrying Class 3 (C3) contraband. They are among the most powerful deterrent tools available to Security, and their use must be treated accordingly.
A CDET firing on an individual is not, by itself, justification for a search or arrest.
A CDET activation establishes Reasonable Suspicion for a contact — the responding officer may approach, request identification, and question the individual. The firing is one factor in the Totality of the Circumstances.
Additional observable factors — flight from the officer, continued movement toward a sensitive area, evasive or deceptive behavior, presence during an active alert — may combine with the CDET indicator to collectively establish Probable Cause for a search warrant.
Exception — Blue Alert: During Blue Alert, a CDET firing authorizes a search at the responding officer's discretion. A warrant is not required when Blue Alert is active and a CDET has fired on the individual. See Alert Statuses — Blue Alert.
📝 Note
If the detainee becomes belligerent, wields a long arm, draws a sidearm, or attempts to flee, the arresting officer may employ non-lethal or lethal force under Security Authority.
A call for help on radio does not immediately mark a suspect for arrest. Proper investigation is still required to establish evidence. Suspects may be brought in for interrogation if they willingly comply; otherwise, an arrest warrant is required.
If a Security Officer or member of Command directly witnesses a crime take place, the need for an arrest warrant is waived.
If a suspect marked for arrest via a warrant flees onto a private vessel, that vessel becomes subject to immediate search and seizure of all contraband held within. Crew on board are not subject to search unless they willingly impede officers or aid the individual being arrested.
Security is expected to maintain active mindshields throughout their time in service. If a individual is hired into Security, they shall receive a mindshield.
Upon entering Red Alert, the following is authorized by Colonial Command:
Use this protocol when dealing with ships operating in the station sector.
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Broadcast intent in both Traffic and Common before boarding action. |
| 2 | If boarding/search is warrant-based, send the warrant by fax where applicable before execution. |
| 3 | If the suspect vessel is combat-capable, order it to depower before boarding. |
| 4 | IFFless vessel status provides Reasonable Suspicion for contact/investigation. |
| 5 | Mass-scanner radar red pings (red weapons icon or red shields) provide Probable Cause for escalation/search action, but a warrant must still be obtained before any search unless another lawful exception applies. |
📝 Note
"Radar pings" in this protocol refers to mass-scanner console indicators showing guns in any color other than green, treated as C3-linked threat indicators.
| Situation | Green Alert | Blue Alert | Red Alert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full person search (bag / ID / equipment) | Warrant, consent, or incident to lawful arrest | Officer discretion with articulable reason | Officer discretion based on active threat context |
| Search after lawful arrest | Authorized | Authorized | Authorized |
| Search after CDET firing | Warrant/consent unless another lawful basis exists | Officer discretion; no warrant required | Officer discretion; no warrant required |
| Vessel/department search | Valid warrant required unless explicit exception applies | Valid warrant generally required | Warrant requirement waived where Red Alert exceptions apply |
For full search authority by alert status, see Alert Statuses.
When items are seized during an arrest or search, their disposition depends on whether they constitute evidentiary material, contraband, or general personal property.
Evidence of a Capital Crime
Key physical evidence relevant to proving innocence or guilt in a capital offense (400-level charge) must be retained within Security custody until the end of the shift. Preferred custodians are the Detective (evidence locker) or the Warden (armory), depending on the nature of the item. Evidence must not be destroyed, discarded, or returned to the subject while a capital case remains open.
Class 3 Contraband
C3 contraband seized as evidence or incidental to an arrest may be:
The handling officer should document which disposition was taken.
General Confiscated Contraband
As a general rule, Security personnel may not keep contraband removed from a citizen for personal use or possession. Confiscated items must be stored, processed, or disposed of through lawful channels. Retaining contraband for personal benefit may constitute 220 — Abuse of Authority.
📝 Note
Exigent circumstances may justify temporary personal custody of seized items (e.g., evidence lockers unavailable, active pursuit in progress). In such cases, the item must be transferred to proper custody at the earliest opportunity and the deviation documented.
Permanent Confinement is reserved for capital crimes and requires the following:
If the total charge time exceeds 30 minutes, the arrested person shall be placed in permabrig for the duration of their sentence. This does not make them permanently confined by itself; permanent confinement still requires a capital-level basis and lawful placement under the rules above.
Use of force authority, limits, and deadly force standards are governed by Security Authority. This guidebook section intentionally defers to that page as the authoritative source.
❗ Important
Security is not judge, jury, and executioner. When in doubt, brig and consult the Captain or HoS.
📝 Note
The authority granted to the Security Department is derived from Colonial Command and is exercised in trust. It is purposeful, limited, and accountable. Security officers act as agents of Colonial Command — not as independent arbiters of law. Authority that exceeds these bounds is itself a violation of Space Law.
Members of the Security Department — including Security Officers, Detectives, the Warden, and the Head of Security — are authorized enforcement agents of Colonial Command aboard this station. By virtue of this appointment, Security personnel are empowered to:
This authority extends to all space within the station's operational sector — including the station itself, all vessels present in the sector regardless of ownership or affiliation, planetary surfaces, and expedition sites reachable from the station. Authority persists outside the sector only in the active pursuit of a fleeing suspect who is subject to a valid arrest warrant or who has been lawfully arrested and has escaped custody.
Exception — Colonial Command Territory: Security does not exercise primary enforcement authority within Colonial Command's own territorial space. Security personnel may operate there only in exigent circumstances — specifically, active pursuit of a fleeing suspect, or situations requiring immediate action to prevent serious harm — and must defer to Colonial Command's authority upon contact.
Members of the Security Department are permitted to exercise professional discretion when handling criminal offenses. Security personnel are not expected to be unthinking enforcement automatons; instead, they should evaluate the context of a situation to determine if a formal arrest, a warning, or conditional leniency is most appropriate. Officers may choose not to act upon or formally charge a minor offense if they can articulate a reasonable, common sense justification for doing so.
When deciding whether to grant leniency, officers should weigh the totality of the circumstances. This includes looking at the suspect's intent, their history, and their level of cooperation, as well as whether the offense caused actual harm or damage. While minor infractions and petty crimes are excellent candidates for a simple verbal warning or, discretion should never be used to excuse behavior that actively compromises station safety.
For Capital Crimes (400-series), discretion is heavily restricted and must never be applied frivolously or openly. Because these high level offenses present a severe threat to the crew and the station, standard enforcement and sentencing are mandatory. Any deviation or leniency for a Capital Crime requires an extraordinary, operational necessity such as needing the suspect's immediate help to prevent a greater disaster and must receive explicit, logged approval from appropiate command.
⚠️ Warning
The purpose of officer discretion is to create leniancy in the application of Space Law. It should not be used excessively to the point of derelection or corruption.
ℹ️ Info
Security players should refer to RP-First Sentancing to understand alternative avenues for addressing criminal offenses beyond simple confinement.
Space Law applies to all vessels operating within sector space, regardless of their ownership, affiliation, or any claimed independence. A freelancer vessel, private ship, or independent craft is not exempt from Space Law by virtue of its private ownership. Vessels in this sector are not sovereign territory. No claim of independence, neutrality, or "castle doctrine" constitutes a valid basis for excluding Security authority.
Freelancer and Private Vessels: Freelancer vessels are private property — equivalent to a privately owned vehicle. They are not considered "station-affiliated" in any special sense, nor are they exempt. Space Law governs conduct aboard them the same as anywhere else in sector space.
No Asylum: No vessel within sector space may serve as a place of asylum from Space Law or from lawful Security enforcement. The law of New Avalon extends to all citizens and visitors within its claimed space, including those aboard private vessels.
Victim Discretion: For minor offenses committed aboard a private vessel — such as trespass — where the vessel owner or directly affected party declines to press charges, Security may, at its discretion, defer to that decision. This is a matter of enforcement discretion and does not limit jurisdiction. Security retains full authority to act regardless of victim preference where the offense is serious, where a third party was harmed, or where station safety is implicated.
Boarding and Search: A vessel owner may grant or deny consent to board their vessel. Absent consent, a boarding or search requires a warrant, except where a lawful exception applies. Whether Security may board is a procedural question — it does not affect whether Space Law applies aboard.
The lawfulness of an arrest depends on whether probable cause exists and whether a warrant is required. These requirements vary depending on whether the offense was witnessed directly, the severity of the offense, and the threat classification of the suspect.
When a Security Officer or member of Command directly and personally witnesses a crime being committed, the need for an arrest warrant is waived. The officer may immediately take the individual into custody.
The witnessing officer must be capable of articulating what they observed in sufficient detail to satisfy probable cause. A credible, firsthand account by a Security Officer or Command member constitutes probable cause without further corroboration.
❗ Important
The officer-witness exception does not permit pretext stops. An officer cannot claim to have witnessed a crime they did not, in fact, observe.
Where the suspected offense is a non-capital crime (Infractions, Minor Crimes, Misdemeanors, or Felonies) and the individual is not a confirmed or credibly probable Enemy of the Government, a valid arrest warrant must be obtained prior to effecting an arrest.
A valid arrest warrant must contain:
Hearsay alone is not a valid basis for an arrest warrant. Evidence must be articulable and, where possible, corroborated.
📝 Note
Alert-Level Exception: On Blue or Red Alert, the warrant requirement for non-capital offenses is waived. Arrests made under elevated alert status must nonetheless be supported by articulable probable cause and shall be documented and justifiable to Colonial Command upon request.
Where the suspected offense is a Capital Crime (400-series), or where the individual is a confirmed or credibly probable Enemy of the Government under 405 — Enemy of the Government, an arrest may be effected without a warrant.
This exception reflects the magnitude of harm posed by capital offenders and hostile actors. Delay for warrant issuance in such circumstances creates an unacceptable risk to the station and its crew. The operational necessity of immediate action supersedes the procedural warrant requirement.
Probable cause must still exist and must be documented. Warrantless capital arrests are subject to post-incident review by the Captain, and must be justifiable to Colonial Command if a review is requested.
Security Officers acting in the performance of their duties are authorized to:
Carry any weapon or item of any contraband classification — C1, C2, or C3 — including items that would otherwise constitute offenses under 206 — Possession, Contraband Equipment or 306 — Possession, Illegal Inherently Dangerous Equipment. This includes items issued from the armory, items seized as evidence and retained for operational necessity, or items otherwise necessary for the performance of security duties.
Brandish any such weapon when necessary to effect a lawful function: issuing lawful orders, effecting an arrest, responding to a credible threat, or protecting oneself or others. An officer brandishing a weapon in the performance of duty does not satisfy the elements of 117 — Brandishing and shall not be charged thereunder.
Deploy any such weapon in accordance with the Use of Force standards set out below.
This authority is contingent upon the performance of duties. A Security Officer who carries, brandishes, or uses C3 equipment for personal purposes, while off-duty, or outside the scope of any lawful security function is not protected by this provision and remains subject to applicable contraband charges under Space Law.
Post-Alert Obligations: Upon the conclusion of a Red Alert or other elevated operational status, C3 equipment must be returned to the armory or otherwise secured in accordance with Red Alert Equipment Protocol. Off-duty officers must stow all non-standard equipment appropriately.
A Security Officer is justified in using physical force upon another person when, and only to the extent that, the officer reasonably believes such force to be necessary to:
Force employed must be proportional to the threat presented and the objective to be achieved. An officer shall use the minimum degree of force reasonably necessary to accomplish the lawful objective. Where non-lethal means are practicable and sufficient to achieve that objective safely, they shall be employed in preference to lethal means.
Where circumstances permit, an officer should:
Deadly force means force applied through means designed or ordinarily used to cause death or critical physical incapacitation: kinetic firearms (non-rubber rounds), lethally-configured energy weapons, explosive devices, and equivalent armaments.
📝 Note
Operational context: Within this station's operational environment, death is not necessarily permanent — medical revival is feasible in most circumstances. Nevertheless, the application of deadly force carries full legal and ethical weight regardless of whether the target survives or is subsequently revived. An officer who employs deadly force must be prepared to justify that decision under the standard articulated below, and revival of the target does not retroactively exempt the officer from that obligation.
(1) A Security Officer is justified in using physical force upon another person when the general standard above is satisfied.
(2) A Security Officer is justified in using deadly force upon another person for a purpose specified in subdivision (1) only when it is, or reasonably appears to be, necessary to:
(a) Defend themselves or a third person from what they reasonably believe to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force;
(b) Effect an arrest or prevent the escape from custody of a person who the officer reasonably believes is attempting to escape by means of a deadly weapon, or who by their conduct or any other means indicates that they present an imminent threat of death or serious physical injury to others if not apprehended without delay; or
(c) Prevent the escape of a person from custody imposed as a result of conviction for, or confirmed commission of, a Capital Crime (400-series offense), or a person confirmed to be an Enemy of the Government pursuant to 405 — Enemy of the Government.
Nothing in this provision constitutes justification for willful, malicious, or criminally negligent conduct by any officer that injures or endangers any person or property, nor shall it be construed to excuse or justify the use of unreasonable or excessive force.
The following categories identify specific operational circumstances that satisfy the justification standard above, and define post-incident treatment obligations. These categories operate within the legal framework above — the legal standard is always controlling and the following does not supersede it. An officer applying deadly force in a listed category must still be able to articulate the applicable justification under subdivision (2)(a), (b), or (c).
Where lethal force is applied against a target who is not a confirmed Enemy of the Government, is not subject to a Kill on Sight order, and has not been sentenced to execution — the target must be revived and processed or deconverted as soon as practicable following neutralization. Petty criminals against whom lethal force was applied are to receive immediate medical attention once secured.
| Armed and Dangerous (Lethals) | Multiple Assailants (Armed) | Cultists (Flag, robes, highly armed, etc.) | Possessing Explosives (Grenades, etc.) | Enhanced Individuals (Stimulants, Implants, etc.) |
| Revolutionaries (Non-Heads) | Armory Trespassers (Armed or otherwise) | Risk of Harming Others (Physically) | Compromised/Dangerous Borg |
| Heavily Armed (Rifles, High-caliber Weapons, etc.) | Holoparasite Users (irrespective of type) | Hostile Exosuits (Any chassis) | Uncontainable Individuals (Shadeskip, Jaunt, etc.) |
| Nuclear Operatives (including infiltration teams) | Exogenous threats (Xenos, Space bears, etc.) | Revolutionary Heads (Non-standard Revolutionaries) | Abominations (Cluwns) |
❗ Important
Kill on Sight orders are authorized under subdivision (2)(b) — these targets present an imminent and ongoing threat of death or serious injury that cannot be safely neutralized by other means, or under (2)(c) where applicable. Posthumous revival of KOS targets is not required, but is permissible at the discretion of the HoS or Captain.
For evidence standards and legal definitions, see Legal Standards. For arrest and search procedures, see Legal Procedures. For criminal charges and elements, see Crimes & Punishments.
These standards govern how security officers may act, what level of evidence is required before taking action, and how guilt is established. Understanding these principles is essential to operating lawfully and fairly as a member of the security department.
A reasonable belief, based on observable facts, circumstances, or credible reports, that an individual may be involved in criminal activity.
Reasonable suspicion is the lowest threshold for action. It allows security to investigate, but does not authorize arrest or full searches.
No single factor above needs to be sufficient on its own. Reasonable suspicion is assessed by evaluating all observable facts and circumstances together, as they would appear to a reasonable, trained security officer in the same situation. Individual actions that seem innocent in isolation may — viewed collectively — establish reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur.
The standard is objective: would a reasonable, trained officer confronted with the same combination of facts conclude that criminal activity was afoot? If yes, the threshold is met. An officer's personal hunch or subjective unease, untethered from articulable facts, is not sufficient.
When writing your report, document each contributing factor individually and specifically. The strength of a reasonable suspicion determination is directly proportional to how clearly its component facts can be articulated.
📌 Example
After receiving a heightened alert from an intercepted communication suggesting a possible threat to command, a Security officer observes a Scientist making repeated circuits around the bridge, loitering near the bridge access doors, and visibly carrying a handheld crew scanner. None of these behaviors are criminal on their own — a scientist may have a legitimate reason for any one of them in isolation. Viewed in totality, however — the timing of the alert, the specific location being circled, the repetitive movement pattern, and the possession of a scanning device outside any research context — a reasonable officer in the same situation would have grounds to believe criminal activity has occurred, is occurring, or is about to occur. This justifies approaching, requesting identification, and questioning the individual. It does not yet authorize arrest or a full search without further evidence.
A reasonable belief, supported by evidence or testimony, that a specific individual has committed, is committing, or intends to commit a crime.
Probable cause is the threshold for arrest and warrants. It requires more than suspicion — it must be grounded in articulable, specific facts.
Probable cause does not require absolute certainty, but must be supported by facts an officer can clearly articulate — not a hunch.
📌 Example
During lawful investigatory detention, the officer questions the Research Assistant seen circling the bridge. The individual then flees. The officer gives a clear order to stop, and the individual continues fleeing. This establishes probable cause for 119 — Resist, Delay, or Obstruct Justice. Security uses a disabler to stop the individual, applies restraints, and conducts a search incident to arrest. During that lawful search, Security finds an access breaker and a syndicate uplink. Security has now lawfully located and arrested a syndicate operative before they could cause harm.
The responsibility to establish, to the required standard, that a crime occurred and that a specific individual committed it. This burden rests with Security, not the accused.
For criminal proceedings, Security must establish guilt by a preponderance of available evidence — meaning it is more likely than not, based on all available information, that the individual committed the offense.
📌 Example
No camera footage exists, but three independent witnesses report seeing the same individual attack a crew member unprovoked. The preponderance of evidence supports a charge of 101 — Assault.
| Situation | Standard Required | Authorized Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Suspicious behavior observed | Reasonable Suspicion | Detain briefly, question, request ID |
| Credible witness report of a crime | Reasonable Suspicion → Probable Cause with corroboration | Investigate; arrest once PC established |
| Officer directly witnesses a crime | Probable Cause (immediate) | Arrest, search, charge without warrant |
| Physical evidence recovered | Probable Cause | Arrest, search, charge |
| Crime confirmed by multiple sources | Preponderance of Evidence | Charge and sentence |
Every crime in Space Law is defined by elements — discrete conditions that must each be satisfied for a charge to hold. Security must be able to articulate how the evidence satisfies each element of the charge.
In instances where OR is used, such as Trespass, "Present in an area without admission or access" .. "Or remained after being asked to leave" - the element that must be satisfied is either or.
📌 Example
The elements are (1) damaged, destroyed, or permanently defaced, and (2) non-critical furniture, vendor, or personal property. An officer must be able to point to evidence showing both: what was damaged, and that it qualifies as non-critical property. Damage to an APC would satisfy element 1 but not element 2 — that is Sabotage instead.
If any element cannot be established by a preponderance of evidence, the charge cannot stand. In those cases, consider whether a lesser offense better fits the available evidence.
See Crimes & Punishments for individual offense elements and Legal Procedures for arrest and search procedures.
This page defines prisoner treatment standards for Security operations. It is intended to preserve lawful enforcement while maintaining a humane, roleplay-forward environment.
ℹ️ Info
Prisoners are in custody, not outside the law. Security is responsible for lawful confinement, basic welfare, and timely release.
| Principle | Practical Standard |
|---|---|
| Lawful custody | Confinement must be tied to valid charges/sentences and proper authority |
| Humane treatment | Basic needs and medical safety remain in scope while incarcerated |
| Accountability | Restrictions and major custody decisions should be explainable and reviewable |
| RP-first enforcement | Maintain station safety without treating brig as pure punishment theater |
| Right Area | Baseline Right | Limit/Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Medical care | Prisoners have a right to medical aid when sick or injured | In self-harm situations, immediate treatment decisions may be discretionary for Security based on active risk and scene safety |
| Timer fairness | Sentence timers continue during lawful medical treatment | Timer manipulation to extend punishment is not permitted |
| Legal notice | Prisoners must be informed of charges and sentence | Updates are required if charges/sentence change |
| Timely release | Prisoners may not be held past lawful sentence | Holding beyond sentence requires new lawful cause and documented authorization |
| Perma legal rights | Permanent-confinement prisoners retain legal representation and appeal rights | Appeals follow normal Colonial Command process |
| Basic living conditions | Isolation/perma confinement must still provide minimum necessities | Safety controls may be applied, but not deprivation beyond lawful necessity |
| Communication | Headset/radio access is not an absolute right while incarcerated | Access may be restricted for bona fide misuse (including disruptive comms behavior) |
| Visitation | Visitation is a privilege, not a right | Permitted only at the discretion of the ranking officer; visitors are subject to full person search; use the visitation booth where one exists |
⚠️ Warning: Communication Access
Headset access is a controllable custody privilege, not an unconditional prisoner right.
| Responsibility | Expected Behavior | Typical Consequence for Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Comply with lawful custody | Follow lawful orders from Security staff | Additional lawful charges or disciplinary handling |
| Preserve brig safety | Do not damage cells or equipment | Timer reset, isolation, or prisoner infraction handling |
| Do not escape | Do not attempt or complete escape from custody | Re-detention, timer reset, and related charges |
| Do not obstruct operations | Do not interfere with transport/intake/process flow | Additional lawful charges (for example obstruction-related offenses) |
| Use comms appropriately | No comms spam/disruption while in custody | Headset restriction/removal, plus comms-related charge if applicable |
📝 Note
Prisoner misconduct outcomes are governed by existing Space Law and prisoner infraction procedures; this page does not create a separate punishment ladder.
| Item Type | Intake Handling | Release Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Standard personal property | May be temporarily removed and logged during sentence service | Return on lawful release unless separately restricted by charge/safety basis |
| PDA | Seize during incarceration to control communications and evidence risk | Return on lawful release unless held as evidence/contraband |
| ID card | Remains on the prisoner during incarceration for identity and processing continuity | Continues with prisoner unless separately restricted by a lawful basis |
| Evidence items | Secure through normal evidence procedures | Retained per investigation/evidence requirements |
| Contraband | Confiscate and process per Space Law | Not returned where possession remains unlawful |
❗ Important
Evidence chain integrity matters: seized items should be logged and secured so later review is possible.
| Safeguard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Authorization | Execution requires Captain authorization |
| Announcement timing | Public comms announcement must occur before execution |
| Record/reporting | Required details and Colonial Command fax/reporting must be completed |
🚨 Danger
Execution is an extreme measure. All procedural safeguards must be followed exactly.
| Decision Area | Default Authority | Override Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Routine prisoner-treatment restrictions (comms limits, visitation limits, isolation placement, intake controls) | Warden | HoS or Captain where operationally/legal necessity requires |
ℹ️ Info
Alert statuses are declared station-wide by any member of Command and indicate the current threat level to the sector. Each status changes what Security and crew are authorized to do. Changes take effect immediately upon announcement.
| Status | Threat Level | Search Authority | C3 Equipment (Crew/Freelancers) | Crew Obligation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green | None known | Warrant required | Prohibited | Normal operations |
| Blue | Confirmed threat | Reasonable Suspicion | Prohibited | Remain vigilant; report suspicious activity |
| Red | Immediate threat | Officer's discretion | Authorized only when specifically approved by HoS/Captain | Cooperate with Security; follow authorities |
| Black | Threat Beyond Security Control | Officer's Discretion | Authorized on Station | Obey orders of Command and Security. Disobedience punishable by death. |
Normal operations. No known threat to the sector.
💬 Quote
"A confirmed threat to the sector has been identified. All crew should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Security."
Blue Alert indicates that a credible, confirmed threat is present or that circumstances strongly suggest one is imminent.
Blue Alert should be declared when any of the following apply:
Any member of Command may declare Blue Alert. The declaring member should notify the Captain and HoS promptly.
Search Authority
Officers may conduct searches without a warrant when there is an articulable reason for the stop. Blue Alert does not authorize arbitrary or mass searches — the officer must still be able to state a reason. The standard is reasonable basis, not mere presence.
Identification
All crew are required to wear their ID card visibly. Failure to produce or wear a valid ID card during Blue Alert is a chargeable offense under 118 — Failure to Identify.
CDET Activation
CDETs may be activated at Command authorization during Blue Alert. A CDET firing on an individual during Blue Alert authorizes a search at the responding officer's discretion — no warrant is required. See CDET — Contraband Denying Energy Turrets.
Equipment
Officers may visibly carry and display weapons. Officers may carry one step above their standard-issue load at HoS discretion.
💬 Quote
"There is an immediate threat to the sector. Security should prepare to use lethal force if necessary. All crew should cooperate to ensure mutual safety and are advised to follow any present authorities."
Red Alert indicates an active, immediate threat that requires maximum readiness and coordinated response.
Red Alert should be declared when any of the following apply:
Red Alert should not be treated as a permanent state. It must be lifted as soon as the immediate threat is neutralized or contained. Leaving the station at Red Alert without active justification is a misuse of authority.
All Blue Alert changes remain in effect, plus:
C3 Equipment
Security personnel may carry and deploy C3 while acting in lawful security duties (/space-law/see Security Authority). Crew members and freelancers may carry C3 during Red Alert only if specifically requested by the HoS or Captain — a Red Alert declaration alone is not general authorization. Unauthorized possession of C3 remains chargeable under 306 — Possession, Illegal Inherently Dangerous Equipment.
Lethal Force
Security is authorized to use lethal force when the situation warrants it. Lethal force is authorized — not mandated. Officers must still exercise judgment proportional to the threat. See Security Authority for the full Use of Force framework.
Crew Assistance
Crew may be directed by Security to assist in responding to the threat. Crew who assist must operate under direct officer supervision and follow all Security commands — unauthorized independent action remains chargeable under 104 — Vigilantism. See M05 — Griseo Maris.
Freelancers who assist may be coordinated by the Harbor Master, but final direction and enforcement authority remain with the HoS.
💬 Quote
"There is an immediate threat to the sector beyond the control of security personnel."
Black Alert indicates an active, immediate threat that requires maximum response beyond the capabilities of station security.
Black Alert should be under the following cirtiera:
Black Alert should not be treated as a permanent state. It must be lifted as soon as the immediate threat is neutralized or contained. Leaving the station at Black Alert without active justification is a misuse of authority.
All Red Alert changes remain in effect, plus:
C3 Equipment
All personnel are explicilty permitted to deploy class three contraband on station.
Commanded Obedience
Obedience to directives by command and security is mandatory. Failure to obey commands may result in death.
Crew shall:
Any member of Command may downgrade alert status. When an alert is lifted: