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Title | HPD Guide |
Content | Table of contents
HPD Ranks:Inspector - OOC LeadAn individual of stature in the HPD, known for their unyielding determination. The Inspector, having ascended through the ranks, now stands at the top. Unfazed by the daily concerns of their subordinates, they focus on optimizing the department.Captain - OOC LeadThe bridge between the HPD's seasoned officers and the upper echelons of Hathian's political and law enforcement leadership. The Captain steers the narrative, driving the corruption that fuels our stories.Lieutenants - Investigation Divison/Patrol DivisionThe apex predators of the HPD. With one in charge of investigations and the other overseeing patrol, they manipulate their subordinates, instigate cases, orchestrate raids, adjudicate disciplinary issues, and recommend officers for promotions.SergeantsThe linchpins of the HPD's daily operations. Viewed as leaders by newcomers and appreciated for their indisputable value, they are expected to mentor fresh officers, spearhead investigations, and report their findings up the hierarchy.CorporalOfficers who've risen above the rank of an ordinary beat cop, not through diligence, but by sheer ruthlessness. They've earned their place as trusted members of the HPD leadership, demonstrating their dependability and willingness to partake in corruption.Senior OfficerAn officer who's proved their mettle on the streets, gaining a reputation for their promise and potential. While not a leadership role in itself, they are held in high regard and are observed closely for possible advancement.OfficerAn essential member of the patrol, known for their dependability. Their responsibility is recognized, and they are armed while on duty.RookieThe hopefuls with their futures wide open, they still have much to prove to earn their trust within the ranks.General PrinciplesThe police department is at the heart of criminal role-play in Hathian. Since many police role-play features such as citations, arrests, or case assignments are designed to award roles to the general population - and can have a huge impact on their RP - it’s important to understand the following points:
Welcome to Hathian’s finest: New hires/‘rookies’ at the HPDImportant things to do once you are accepted as a cop:
The CD Field HUDThe CD Field HUD is a vital part of our unique roleplay system. You will need it to write reports or to issue citations; it will inform you about inmates, suspects and warrants; and it will link you to other important resources. And the newest update even integrates an AI dispatch to add to your roleplay experience. Upon clicking the HUD, you’ll find your badge number, call sign and rank displayed. The HUD offers the following menu options:
New hires are not allowed to carry a gunAs a new hire - even if you already earned a gun permit as a citizen - you are not allowed to carry a firearm when on duty. This is a non-negotiable rule and applies to all new hires according to the sim’s firearm policy. You will have to get your first promotion to regular Officer before you can have a gun. Till then - you will have a baton, and you will have a taser. And you can use the radio to call for backup. These are powerful weapons, too!Participate in training sessions and workshopsIf you have any questions after reading this guide, whether about the system, rules, RP interactions, or anything else, don't hesitate to reach out to any brass member. We're here to help! We recommend that you visit one or two combat training sessions (contact: Lyssandra Ritter). From time to time, the HPD also offers Q & A sessions.These opportunities are not just for new hires; all ranks are welcome to participate. Keep in mind that combat rules and sim policies can vary from sim to sim, and that they develop over time. Even experienced RPers can benefit from refreshers and contribute their expertise to help others. Last but not least: Participating in training sessions and workshops might even help your career. Also, stay informed about sim-wide workshops through the event calendar. Workshops cover various topics like RP etiquette, meta- or power-gaming, story-building, and more. Always keep yourself updated with the sim rules. Check the forums (and soon Discord), read sim notices and ask sim staff or leads when in doubt. Don’t trust (and don’t spread) rumors, and don’t rely on possibly outdated information when you took a longer break from CD. Be aware that rules might change over time.Your First Promotion - From New Hire to OfficerThe system will automatically promote you once you meet specific requirements, but remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. However, there are ways to speed up the process! Here are some tips to help you advance:
Returning officersIf you're a returning officer to the HPD, you can request your prior rank to be reinstated. The decision will be made by the HPD leads on a case-by-case basis, based on various factors, such as your previous rank, the circumstances of your departure, the duration of your break, or the current number of officers in the department.Interaction with citizens and criminalsYour OOC goal as a police officer is not to eliminate crime and make Hathian a "safe" town without gangs. The police department and criminals need each as a counterpart - the ongoing conflict is what makes CD exciting. Fight them in-character (IC) with passion, but avoid sabotaging their stories out-of-character (OOC). We're all here to have fun, not to accuse or hate on each other OOC. It's normal to encounter RP issues and disagreements, but let’s handle them civilly. Avoid jumping to generalizations, don’t bash individual RPers or entire groups based on a single scene or an honest mistake. Sometimes people want to vent, but toxic group chat or constant negativity escalates easily to hurtful drama - and has a negative impact on the HPD’s reputation. If necessary, address issues politely in IM - or make use of the abuse report system. Always remember that everyone can have a bad day, nobody is perfect - you and your fellow officers included. And: We all once have been new, and everyone has the potential to learn and improve.General roleplay guidelines
Gun confiscations“Confiscating guns” has been implemented to limit gun use. After three confiscations, the gun permit will be automatically revoked for a limited period of time. This is meant to discourage people from carrying or using their guns all the time.
ArrestsPrinciples: jail RP is not supposed to be OOC punishment. We expect criminals to do their time when caught, but we don’t want to discourage criminal acts. Criminal RP, along with HPD corruption, makes CD dangerous and exciting. In RP, few things are worse than boring hours without interaction. This is why we highly encourage cops to RP with the inmates. Not every scene must end in an arrest! Alternatives like beatings, demanding bribes, information or personal favors should be considered, especially if you know in advance that you won’t be around for jail RP. Golden rule: The cop making the arrest should RP at least one jail scene with the inmate. But sometimes it’s just not working. RL happens, time zones differ, or other, equally important RP gets into the way. Whenever you have time, check if there are inmates waiting for interaction. Inmates can also reach out in OOC chat or IM when they are waiting for a scene. They also have several options to create their own RP: they can be visited by friends, enemies or lawyers, and of course they can (and should!) RP with each other, too. It is not allowed to bring your sidearm into the cell block area.
Fake charges / corrupt reportsIt’s good practice to ask for consent before you arrest someone for fake charges. They might have valid reasons to avoid jail time, like a planned scene, an event they organize etc. If so, they of course should act accordingly, too: They should comply and not provoke an arrest. Trumped-up charges don’t need consent. They will be on the record, but usually won’t have a big effect on jail time: With the last update the maximum jail time is limited and bail is possible after 24 hours.Visitors
Lawyers
The GymInmates are allowed to use the gym when no officers are around. Of course there always will be NPC officers to stop any possible fights or breakout attempts.Bail
Parole and probation officersProbation officers have access to the HPD interrogation and visitation rooms to visit inmates. Under no circumstance are parole officers allowed in isolation or the cell block - except if arrested themselves.
Youths and Civil servicesYouth cases are to be filed just like any other cases. However, criminal youth will be locked up at the Civil Services building, not at the station. Please inform one of their social workers (or the lead). Runaways or orphans are to be escorted to Civil Services, too. Contact CS staff or lead for assistance. At the station, youth characters are allowed in the lobby and in the visitation room.RaidsLarge scale police operations (like raids of gang hideouts, large street searches that include check points, riot control etc.) need approval by HPD Leads (Lieutenants or above) or sim admins. These big operations require coordination, planning and communication, not only within the HPD, but also between the HPD and other sim factions, groups and administration. Please be considerate and ask for approval in time. Special equipment - like riot gear, rifles, specialized vehicles, etc. - also require approval of HPD leads or admins.Going OOC or AFKIf you need to go away from the keyboard for a while, or if you are busy with writing reports and not available for RP, please put on your OOC tag and move your avatar into the locker room or hide in the restrooms. Please avoid idling in places where people may approach you. It can be very frustrating to feel ignored.The Bureaucracy…Reports - what to doReports are the core of the HPD system and should be done correctly to ensure everyone gets the credit they deserve. Every interaction with suspects, victims or witnesses can be filed as an incident report. If the incident results in one arrest, you check the according box on the form and choose the suspect’s account name from the drop down menu, and it becomes an arrest report. Important: If you are arresting more than one suspect, you will have to fill out multiple arrest reports, one for every single suspect (otherwise the system might glitch, it will not record the gun information or the individual charges correctly). Maybe you can share the workload with other cops involved in the scene - make sure to communicate with them so no double reports will be written.
Reports - what to avoid
Correcting reportsIf you forget to include a participating RPer in a report, you will have to rewrite and submit a new report while closing the old one. Please only do this within a reasonable time frame, not weeks or months after an incident. Correcting old cases would unnecessarily flood the system. If people insist that an old report has to be corrected, consult HPD leads first.Case AssignmentsIn addition to patrol duties, an important function of the department is for detectives and officers to team up and resolve cases. Incident reports will be reviewed by Sergeants and above. If a report requires follow up, active detectives and the reporting officer(s) will be signed up to begin the investigation - which might include and is not limited to tracking down witnesses, taking statements, collecting CCTV footage, and more. All officers involved are encouraged to investigate! Assigned detectives and involved officers will receive in-world notifications and can track their case assignments using the Case Assignment boxes at the station.WarrantsSearch or arrest warrants can be submitted from the computer terminals in the main lobby. Please be as detailed as possible and include case file numbers. Warrants require approval from sim staff, which might take some time (contact a brass member if it seems to take too long). Warrants remain open in the system until they are actively closed.All Point Bulletin (APB)All-Point Bulletins (APBs) allow officers to issue alerts for suspects at-large or missing persons. Officers on patrol can use the description of the character to apprehend them if found in public. APBs are posted via your HPD HUD. For missing persons, or individuals who are wanted for a simple interview, make the APB public so everyone on sim can see it. However, if you’re looking for a suspect or someone who might run away if they know they’re being sought, make sure to set the APB privacy to ‘Private’. Thus only HPD members have IC-access to the information. Make sure you set the “OOC ID Status” to ‘Known’ only if your character ICly knows the name of the person they’re looking for. APBs will automatically expire after two weeks - after that you might have to resubmit them, if necessary.Bench WarrantsWhen someone fails to pay their fine for a citation, the system will automatically issue a bench warrant. Not every bench warrant has to result in an arrest - actually the charge ‘failure to pay’ does not even exist in the system (if you still want to arrest them - be creative. For example charge them for ‘obstruction’ instead). This provides an opportunity for corruption and extended roleplay. You can simply demand the money they owe (or more) - or ask for personal favors or seek information in exchange.Citations / Parking TicketsFor minor breaches of the law or administrative offenses, you can issue fines/citations. They are a way to engage civilians without severe consequences and introduce new players to HPD RP. They also offer an excellent opportunity to line your own pockets - manipulate the fine, or insist on immediate payment, etc. If you cite someone for carrying a weapon openly, don’t forget to check the ‘firearm confiscated’ checkbox when you submit the ticket. When a citation is submitted, the automated Court Mailer will send an in-character notification to the person with instructions to pay the fine at the station. Parking tickets: please use common courtesy. People pay for their vehicle permits, it is unfair to harass them - make sure they can enjoy the RP. Don’t ticket one and the same car over and over again, and notify the owner of the car about the ticket. And note: against popular belief, filing dozens of citations will not necessarily help you get promoted. Trying to trick the system may have the opposite effect on your career progression.The HPD stationNPCsThe HPD is always staffed. It’s a police station. If there are only a few or no players around, you can be sure that there are enough NPCs to keep the station operational.
HPD doors
The Lobby
Camera locationsSurveillance cameras cover almost all areas of the HPD, leaving no blind spots. However, the CCTV does not record audio - like all official surveillance systems in CD. The ONLY camera free areas are:
The evidence room
Damage to HPD property / Car parking lot
CommunicationHPD GroupThe in-world HPD Group is an OOC group, meant for chatting and questions. We expect respectful and friendly behavior in this group. Toxic behavior and any kind of OOC hate speech will not be tolerated. Don’t bash other players, their characters or their RP. If you have an issue with a player or a scene, report it through the appropriate channels (talk to the HPD leads and/or make use of the abuse report portal). If these group rules are violated and no moderator can step in, please save a log and report the incident to the HPD leads or to sim admins. Please don’t share the group chat with people outside the HPD.Municipal groupThe Municipal group is the main radio channel for all emergency services and it’s strictly IC. HGH , HPD and FDH have access to this channel. Please don’t use the Municipal group for OOC chat, unless you have questions regarding an active scene. For jokes and banter, use CD OOC. If you RP a dispatcher, please be considerate. Of course your character can be funny, but keep in mind: calling 911 often is part of a potentially dramatic scene and/or the wrap up of a long RP. Don’t make it all about yourself. Emergency services should be called as soon as you have the necessary information, usually in your second post.How to use the radio
HPD Blotter / Police reportsThe HPD blotter is OOC information for anyone who is not part of the HPD. ICly, only HPD can access open cases, defense lawyers won’t have access until after the case is closed and goes to court, or when the Civil Service lead gives them out. When in doubt, reach out to the assigned officer and ask if they are done with the report. The HPD won't disclose information to lawyers or press unless it’s directly from the media liaison (at least not officially).Uniforms and dress codeOnly approved uniforms are allowed at the HPD. Currently approved is the Wazzer uniform, you can purchase it at the station’s locker room. Detailed instructions: Shirt:
Equipment
Tactical gearTactical gear (heavy riot gear, shields, shotguns, rifles, teargas, flashbangs, door breaking rams etc.) require approval of HPD lieutenants and above. For all weapons, assault rifles included, the sim rules apply: Not more than two rounds can be shot per post. Tactical gear will only be approved for specific events. Keep in mind that you are already much better armed and protected than the average criminal, you don’t need more weapons.Dress code for detectivesDetectives dress to blend in, not to stand out. Business or business casual attire. Avoid bright colors, ostentatious, flashy clothing, statement jewelry or unusual hairstyles - you may need to meet with the victims of violent crime or their families at a moment’s notice. Acceptable outfits: suits, cargo pants and sweater, pants and blouse. No high heels or fetish wear. If you look like you should be on a pole, it will be arranged. If you are not sure if the outfit you fancy fits the dress code, reach out to brass to confirm before buying. HPD leads have final say.WeaponsTasersHPD tasers are one shot projectile guns. Means: if the taser is fired and missed, it needs to be reloaded. Officers can carry 3 or 4 extra charges, plus two on the taser - one loaded, the other one under the handle. The common CD rules for projectile weapons apply. Always follow the current combat rules; updates may override this guide. Please check if in doubt. Tasers are powerful weapons and should be used responsibly, especially when confronting unarmed suspects/citizens. Firing a taser requires two posts:
GunsAfter successful completion of your probationary period (“New Hire” on the roster), you are approved as an armed officer. Only handguns are allowed as standard equipment (calibers below .50s, see Firearms guide). Choose a realistic-looking model with low script usage.
CarsLike everyone on sim, cops need a vehicle permit to drive a car. To limit lag, only these cars are currently approved: For all officers:
K9 units and handlers.To become a K9 you have to apply to the HPD like any officer. Once accepted, seek approval from a brass member to play a K9. It is advisable that you play a human patrol officer first, to get a feel for police work and interactions with the community. In the HPD, a K9 is considered a tool and a weapon. Although bonding can occur between handler and dog, and although dogs have individual personalities, don’t expect HPD stories to revolve around animal RP. Human lives and health will always take precedence. In CD, animal characters can’t have a death limit - your character can be killed. Those attacked by a dog might fight back with force, and a dog is vulnerable. That being said - random killings of dogs are not to be expected. If you get killed on duty, you can of course come back as a new character. And your handler and the rest of the HPD will certainly seek justice/revenge. You might be a weapon - but a K9 is still part of the brother- and sisterhood, too.
HPD and CUPDThe Columtreal University Police Department is a full-service law enforcement agency with jurisdiction across the Columtreal University campus and CU-owned property. Additionally, CUPD officers may enforce law, and respond to calls for service within the community that is in the immediate area of the university (i.e. the Black Bottom sim). If a 911 call from Black Bottom is dispatched, and no CUPD is available, you can take over and answer the call. In case of major crimes, offer support. The CUPD only has a small holding cell. If longer holding time is required, they can coordinate with the HPD for transport to HPD jail. HPD leads have to approve the transport.HPD and Laveau/BlackwatersThe HPD has no jurisdiction in Laveau. You will not answer calls from there or cross the border in uniform or with HPD vehicles - at least not without approval of the Backwater Sheriff Department and HPD leads. Cooperation between HPD and Backwater Sheriff Department is possible, but always needs approval from HPD leads. The rules regarding Backwater are still a work in process, updates will be announced inworld and on the webpage/Discord. if you have questions, please reach out to the HPD leads or admins.Corruption and the HPDThere are many roads to corruption… corruption comes in all flavors and degrees. From bribery and extortion, planting evidence, to using excessive force and abuse or torture of inmates. Note - you don’t have to become a brutal sadist cop to be part of it (but … you can). To be accepted at the HPD and to gain a higher rank, it is important that you don’t rat out your colleagues. When they cross lines you wouldn’t cross yourself, it is expected that you look the other way. Regarding the visibility of corruption, the department’s policies might vary. Often, instilling fear and demonstrating power might be appropriate. While at other times, it’s wiser to avoid too much public attention or media coverage. Pay attention to your leads, they will lead by example, and take them seriously when they give directions. If your corruption negatively affects the department - higher ranked brass will have to correct you. Only an Inspector or Captain can authorize internal investigations on another officer. Police reports on fellow officers need to be given to Lieutenants and above - do not post them in the system if the suspect is an officer. Especially new cops should take their time to learn the ropes when it comes to corruption. For many it’s a process of character development - from wanting to do good, over being disillusioned and frustrated - to sliding deeper and deeper into a world of police brutality and extreme corruption. As an experienced officer, make it your task to mentor and guide the new ones. Aside from paperwork and investigations, they need to learn how to survive the streets and how to contribute to the HPD’s notorious reputation. Take them on patrol, teach by example, explain the dos and don’ts. Keep in mind that one day, they will have your back. Don’t boss them around just for the fun of it. Of course there will also always be those Officers who fight for law and order; who want to follow procedures and make lawful arrests. These might not receive much official acknowledgement - and they most likely will never reach brass status. However, they can go to bed with the feeling they have done the right thing. As long as they don’t step on toes within the HPD - these cops are tolerated as useful. They play a crucial role in keeping the public and the media calm, and their hard work contributes to the endless war against the criminal factions.Forms of corruptions - examplesThese are just examples, don’t limit your own creativity! Remember, breaking the rules of loyalty might have severe IC consequences, up to suspension/removal from the force. So - better don’t get caught if you act against another (higher-ranking) cop’s interest.Deals with gangsOfficers are allowed to collaborate with gangs, e.g. they can take bribes, buy or sell drugs or other illegal items, hire informants etc. But always keep in mind: Loyalty to the HPD comes first! You can’t join a gang or put their wellbeing over the safety of a fellow officer - or there will be severe consequences.Covering other OfficersThe HPD is a brother- and sisterhood. Support your fellow officers, no matter if they follow protocol or not. Cover their back when out on patrol and assist where you can. Unity is crucial. If you have an issue with what they were doing - bring it to your superiors’ attention, but don’t sell them out to criminals or the public.Sexual violence and tortureCD is a forced fantasy sim - extreme (sexual) violence is to be expected. Of course you will always respect people’s OOC limits. While being a sexual predator will not lead to any disciplinary actions, you might want to avoid direct confrontation with officers who don’t support such behavior. Lock doors, take your victim to isolation, remove evidence, intimidate witnesses. Vital medical attention should be facilitated, one way or the other. Dead inmates draw too much attention. If EMTs are called and the patient can be moved, they should be transported into the lobby for treatment.HPD Cookie JarThe HPD’s budget is shockingly small. You are expected to help keep the department running. Trump up citations, take bribes when processing bail etc. - the HPD will gladly accept your donation to finance ammunition, replace body armor or vehicles, repair damages or even throw a party from time to time. Being generous might even help your career.Confiscated weapons, drugs and stolen goodsContraband is stored in the evidence room. Stealing from there is not easy - your access will be registered and there is CCTV. Any manipulation or theft should be RPed out if possible. The best way to get contraband is to steal it right away before it's registered. You can keep, sell, or use it as you wish. |
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