Enforcement Inc.
From Reach
With it's novel approach, Enforcement Inc. is one of the few truly effective law enforcement operations on Reach
Contents |
Purpose and Methods
Originally a small mercenary force, Enforcement Inc. (EI) has grown into a giant police force, with a presence in nearly every colony in the southern hemisphere. Colonial governments sign enforcement contracts with EI, paying the company to enter the colonies and enforce the law.
EI brings capitalist principles to law enforcement. Colonies protected by EI pay for results, granting the company a fairly meager monthly fee of Carbon 122, but paying heavy bounties on crimes stopped and criminals brought to justice. EI employees are paid on a similar scale, with a monthly salary paid in Tins, and bounties paid in EI Scrip.
Several protection packages are available to colonies, depending on the amount of enforcement required. At one end of the scale is the "Bounty Hunter" contract, which has only a token retainer, but places five EI agents in the town to pursue hefty bounties on known criminals. At the opposite end is the "Police State" which explicitly specifies one armed employee at every street corner.
EI's law enforcement is of a particularly brutal variety. As part of the contract with the colony, resisting arrest becomes a capital offense, and punishment may be dealt out on the scene. Live captures bring in greater bounties, but employees are more than willing to shoot to kill if they don't think the perpetrator will come peacefully.
As they generally work in urban settings, they make extensive use of Aerochem Grenades, usually preferring gases that cause discomfort or unconsciousness. However, they do not shy away from lethal force, and are one of the few organizations that publicly admits to using Creeper Gas when deemed necessary.
The power of capitalism fights corruption, as EI has set up a series of bylaws making it extremely beneficial to expose conspirators. If an employee exposes a corrupt coworker or superior, the snitch receives all of that employees Scrip. Falsely accusing anyone, employee or civilian, results in a hefty fine, the proceeds of which are distributed among witnesses to the improper behavior. Serious abuses of power, including discharging a firearm without due cause, are grounds for immediate execution by any coworker who witnesses the abuse. Abuses still occur, and EI admits the system is not perfect, but, within the organization few crimes go unpunished.
Membership
It's remarkably easy to get a job at EI. If you live at a colony with a protection contract, all you have to do is fill out a one page application, and take a four hour course in conduct and firearm use. Unproductive employees don't last long, as a bottom-level enforcer gets a meager 1 Tin a month stipend. Fortunately, opportunities for promotion abound for employees who earn enough scrip.
EI also has a significant mercenary tradition. When an employee is on a case that may be out of his league, he may temporarily deputize mercenaries to assist him. This is usually cheaper than splitting the Scrip with greedy colleagues, and gives the employee access to skills that may not be easy to find among EI employees. Deputies get temporary access to EI facilities, and are paid out of their hirer's pocket, (often in Scrip). This is often beneficial to the mercenaries, who get access to weapons and gear they may not be able to find elsewhere.
Reputation
Everyone on Reach has some opinion about EI. Some see them as the new sheriffs in a lawless land, while others see them as little better than the hoodlums they hunt. Few can argue with their results, shortly after signing a protection contract, most colonies see a tremendous drop in crime.
EI employees wear a fairly ornate uniform of All Weather Gear in red and white, and all carry a silver star badge. Higher ranked employees are identified by a number of metal badges. Anyone wearing red and white All Weather Gear is generally given a wide berth, as no one wants to be accused of obstructing an EI officer (also a capital offense)
Perks
EI members don't get paid much in the way of Tins, but the company does provide for it's good employees. Each criminal brought in, and each crime prevented, has a set value in EI Scrip. Employees participating in a capture or prevention get equal portions of the Scrip for their efforts. EI manages several shops for their employees, including an armory, grocery, and real estate agent, all of which accept only Scrip. EI keeps these facilities well stocked, and they are often the best places to shop in the colony.
EI's has another store, unique to their organization: a promotion shop. EI sells promotions to employees for Scrip. Promotions bring increased prestige, authority, and monthly salary, but are extremely expensive. Effective employees make more scrip, and thus promote themselves quickly, while ineffective employees can not afford promotions.
