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== Introduction ==
{{JobSecurity}}
Riots are much less common than the burglaries, homicides and alien attacks that Security deals with on a regular basis. However, with enough time spent playing [[Security Officer]] or [[Warden]], chances are you will encounter a situation where a riot has broken out or there is a chance of crowd-control measures failing. Knowledge of [[Legal Standard Operating Procedure]], [[Space Law]], and the [[Guide to Security]] are essential to handling this. Because Security can be easily overwhelmed by large groups, especially if officers are spread thin addressing other crimes, it's important to act with extreme caution. For the love of Space Jebus, don't run in with your baton, or start throwing flashbangs till half the crew is blind/deaf.
Life on the NSS Cyberiad is far from perfect and sometimes downright awful. Occasionally [[assistant|citizens]] cannot find work or a crew member is viciously beaten by security and the crew's anger level begins to rise. This is to be expected, NanoTrasen has blessed the crew with the right to peacefully protest. However, from time-to-time, these protestors will turn violent once they realize their outcries falls on deaf ears or they are not satisfied with the outcome of their protests. It is up to you to remind them that civil liberties are not a right but actually a privilege that can easily be taken away.


=== You Will Need ===
=== Descalating Conflict ===
The bare minimum gear required will be your HUD glasses, flash and pepper spray, armor and helmet, and extra bolas and zip-ties. Riot helmets and shields are useful when the situation is escalating or there are assailants targeting Officers or station property. The taser plays less of a role than in normal arrests, but may come in handy for self-defense or firing disabler beams through windows. Riot Suits will offer extra protection from fists, knives, and tools, but will impede your movement significantly and will be seen by the crowd as getting ready for a fight. Your Stun baton is best saved in these situations for stunning suspects downed by pepper spray for cuffing.
Often, the most effective way to contain a riot is to stop it from happening in the first place. Communicating with the protestors and listening to them prevents bloodshed. If their complaint is reasonable then do what you can to ameliorate the issue. It often helps to call in a mediator such as the [[Nanotrasen Representative|NTR]], [[Magistrate]], or [[Captain]] to facilitate diplomatic conversation. Keep [[Security Officer]]s away from the protest until they're needed. An officer's presence is an opportunity for a brawl to break out. Don't do anything to make the protestors feel threatened and do not arrest anyone unless they are directly committing a crime.


===Relevant Charges and Punishments===
===Preparing For The Worst===
The crime of rioting itself carries a sentence of up to ten minutes and inciting a riot up to fifteen, with consideration to whether the actions constitute mutiny . Under Space Law, Rioting is merely participating in an unauthorized, disruptive assembly that has already been ordered to dispersed. Pay close attention to that, Rioting cannot be charged if no order to disperse was not made verbally, over the radio, or via an announcement by the proper authority. However, that also means actions committed in addition to simply being there are separate crimes. Clauses such as Aiding and Abetting and Resisting arrest will likely come into play. The prohibition on crime-stacking still applies
Once it is apparent that the diplomatic option isn't working, you should take preemptive action. Order officers to equip pepper spray, flashes, stun batons, zip ties, and [[Security Items#Security Projector|Security Holobarrier Projectors]]. Hold a mini-briefing session within the security department in order to share intel, assess the threat, and assemble a plan in case things turn ugly. If the protestors start throwing firebombs, disrupting traffic, or destroying assets the station should be raised to blue alert. At this point, you should be ready to move in. Use the [[Warden|Warden's]] megaphone to tell the protestors that they are now participating in an "illegal gathering" and that they need to disperse. Keep in mind that only the [[Head of Security|HoS]], Magistrate, or Captain should declare illegal gatherings. After a minute, anyone who continues to protest is now considered a rioter.


'''Example:'''A rioter breaks a window and punches a doctor attempting to render aid to an injured bystander. When the individual whom started the riot and robbed the bartender in the course thereof is apprehended by security forces, said rioter attempts to free him from custody. He vigorously resists arrest. He will be arrested and charged with Inciting a riot(for aiding the original instigator), Battery, Vandalism, Robbery, and Resisting Arrest, for a maximum sentence of forty minutes in the [[Brig]].
==Putting Down a Riot==
=== Crowd Control ===
Too often, security will focus on what's in front of them rather than the big picture. Set the department up for success. Begin by cordoning off areas around the protestors, make sure this cordon covers the entrance to departments as well as expensive assets. Holobarriers and the warden's security barriers are great for making this cordon. Always leave the main hallway leading to the center of the station open as a means of escape for rioters. The idea is that when the fight or flight response kicks in they always have an option to choose the latter and avoid a fight.


=== Relation to Enemy Activity ===
===Going on the Offensive===
Brainwashed [[Cult]] members,[[Shadowling]] thralls and forcibly-recruited participants in a [[Revolution]] all may serve as instigators and participants in riots. They are technically EOCs, but should be handled with the minimal amount of force needed nonetheless. If, however, it become a matter of you or them, drop their asses. Protect the crew and maintain the rule of law. See "Mutinies" below.
[[File:SL_Inciting a Riot.png|right]]
Before performing any arrests, listen to public comms and identify the ringleaders of the riot. Once this is done make sure their arrest statuses are set and their names announced to security comms. Formulate a plan for going in and make sure all officers are aware of their roles. Utilize tear gas grenades and non-lethals to quickly subdue and capture the ringleaders and bring them to processing. Make sure to remove their radios so they cannot continue to direct riots. Once this is done make sure to set the arrest status of every other rioter. These rioters can be dealt with later after the ring leaders are caught and processed as their status should already be set.


== Types and Causes ==
'''Tips for not getting robusted'''
===Employment Riots===
* Keep all equipment holstered until you absolutely need it.
A more common provocation for disorder is the inability of unemployed civilians to obtain positions or access due to the absence, incapacitation, or refusal of the [[Head of Personnel]] or relevant HR authority. The nature of this bureaucratic backlog inherently gives rise to pissed-off crowds of people with nothing to do but cause trouble. Strong security presence and working to placate the crowd by having someone assign them low-level jobs should prevent violence breaking out. Be prepared to arrest anyone attempting to escalate it or provoke security into retaliating against the crowd as a whole.
* If a protestor has a weapon, disabler them from a distance or utilize your flash to disarm them.
* You can walk through Security Holobarriers but you cannot drag people through them.
* Try and breakup a mob before going in for an arrest (tear gas is great for this).
* Keep your perimeter secured and do not let people through.
* When performing an arrest, stun and drag them into a security controlled area and then cuff them.
* Pay attention to slippery floors (ex: lube, mopped floors, soap, banana peels, etc)
* Utilize riot shields to block projectiles and attacks and you cannot be pushed on harm attempt(you can still be shoved over)
* If the mob charges, use multiple flashbangs and retreat if you have to
* While it would be fun to sick beepsky on them, you're just handing them a free stun baton


===Prison Riots===
===Laying Down the Law===
Once you have captured a few rioters you need to begin brigging them. The ringleaders should be charged with inciting a riot and their compatriots with rioting. In addition to these crimes make sure to include any crimes they committed during rioting. If someone smashes a window, add a damage to station asset charge, etc. Confiscate ear muffs, sunglasses, welding helmets, bowman headsets, and any contraband from them. When there is a large number of brigged rioters, it helps to set the cell times to the minimum for the charges. If space runs short, utilize the two solitary cells and/or keep prisoners restrained in processing under watch. If this is needed, make sure to keep a running timer. If this isn't a viable solution, then release the prisoners with the lightest charges.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; background-color: #ffee99;"
|- style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color: #EAD672; color: black;"
| style="width: 2em;"  | Code
| style="width: 9em;"  | Crime
| style="width: 30em;" | Description
|                      | Notes
|-
! 205
|'''Rioting'''
| To partake in an unauthorized and disruptive assembly of crewmen.
| It is required to order the crowd to disperse; failure to disperse is the crime, not the assembly itself. Crimes committed during the riot are considered separate offenses. For the ringleader of a riot, see [[#Inciting a Riot|Inciting a Riot]].
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; background-color: #ffcc99;"
|- style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color: #ffaa55; color: black;"
| style="width: 2em;"  | Code
| style="width: 9em;"  | Crime
| style="width: 30em;" | Description
|                      | Notes
|-
! 305
|'''Inciting a Riot'''
| To attempt to stir the crew into a riot.
| The offender should also have restrictions placed on their radio traffic and be given a tracking implant. For second offenses or violent uprisings, see [[Space Law#Mutiny|Mutiny]].
|}<br><br>
==More than a Riot==


===Riots motivated by complaints===
Once the rioters completely detach themselves from the chain of command and have resorted to violence, they are no longer an unruly mob but a direct threat to the station. Declare a code red alert and consider calling an amber ERT if security is not well equipped to handle this. While non-lethal weapons are preferable, officers are permitted to use lethals on armed and dangerous rioters. Considering deputizing personnel like the detective to assist you. Diplomacy is no longer an option and you should not attempt to meet the demands of the rioters.
===War of Attrition===
[[File:SL_Mutiny.png|right]]
Security in these situations isn't in a great position to stand toe-to-toe with a large-scale mutiny. Before you do anything else make sure there is a station-wide announcement that makes it clear that any rioters who refuse to surrender to security will be captured dead or alive and possibly charged with mutiny. Security needs to develop a game plan beforehand so they are not slaughtered when they inevitably charge into the occupied area. Have medical on stand by.


===Riots as a weapon/diversion===
'''It's time to play dirty:'''.
* Cut off exits by welding airlocks and constructing metal walls
* Have the AI disable APCs in the occupied areas (a must-have for a Cargonian uprising)
* Consider flooding the area with N20
* Use flashbangs religiously
* Stay at a distance and peek out to take cheap shots at rioters with ballistics to cause Internal Bleeding
* If they barricade themselves heavily in a room, consider siphoning it or using HE scichem grenades
* Use Mechs to tank damage and dish out some serious pain
* Focus on keeping your officers alive and healthy
* Keep the crew away from the battle to avoid friendly fire and disruption


===Mutinies===
===After the Battle===
Get officers revived and healed as quickly as possible and secure the previously occupied area. Work with the magistrate to determine what crimes to apply to the captured rioters. Apply murder and mutiny charges as necessary. Otherwise, charge them with inciting a riot and include any additional Space Crimes committed on their list of charges. Once you've successfully quelled an uprising feel free to gloat over comms and continuously monitor those who weren't perma'd.


== Keeping the Peace ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center; width: 100%; background-color: #cccccc;"
=== Crowd Control ===
|- style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center; background-color: #000000; color: white;"
There are many situations where numerous individuals will be concentrated in confined areas due to legal orders, physical safety, or otherwise out of necessity. Most often this will be while in the department lounge awaiting the arrival of the NTV Charon, evacuating on the [[Emergency Shuttle]], or during an emergency evacuation to one of the outpost stations. Maintain 100% alertness, uphold all the relevant laws and orders. If there are multiple people attacking crewmen and causing chaos, it is acceptable use flash bangs to subdue them, but to minimum extent necessary, and only as a last resort to save lives.
| style="width: 2em;"  | Code
=== Preventing Escalation ===
| style="width: 9em;"  | Crime
Don't flash-bang everyone into deafness, you dolt.
| style="width: 30em;" | Description
 
|                      | Notes
=== Establishing a Perimeter ===
|-
Areas where windows allow for disabler fire to incapacitate the crowd without closing are ideal. If high security areas are in the vicinity of the riot, have them bolted down. The AI's ability to bolt doors will allow you to block off crowds where needed. Defending areas with Barriers and Portable Flashers can be most easily done in the brig or near the [[Bridge]]
! 505
 
|'''Mutiny'''
=== Protect Assets; Arrest Later ===
| To act individually, or as a group, to overthrow or subvert the established Chain of Command without lawful and legitimate cause.
You are issued HUDs for a reason; breaking formation or opening airlocks to make arrest on-scene is unnecessary. Mark The involved persons "Arrest" with a note that they were rioting, adding additional crime as they commit them, Beepsky will get them later. Remember your there to disperse the riot with as little force as needed; arresting individual suspects AFTER the riot is broken up is safer for everyone involved.
| Mutiny is not as clear cut as it may seem, there may be a legitimate reason for their actions, such as their head of staff being utterly incompetent. The application of this crime should always be reviewed by a third party. If the perpetrator's actions are for the betterment of Nanotrasen, consider a lesser sentence, pardon, or promotion.
|}
==Special Circumstances==
===Prison Riots===
It is no surprise that people dislike being locked up. Occasionally, prisoners in permanent containment will attempt to escape or take control of the prison wing. This is usually done by turning the prison wing machinery into spears or slipping a bald officer. It is suggested to use the N2O riot suppression system unless they are species that do not breathe. Do not run into perma, Instead, throw flashbangs, and utilize your disablers. In the case, a large perma prison break is about to occur and there is not enough reinforcements, hit the prison wing lockdown button in the warden's office to provide more time to prepare before they get out


=== The Lethal Option ===
===Subdued Personnel===
If loss of control appears eminent and valuable crew and assets are in danger, lethal force may be the only remaining tool to curtail the violence short of a shuttle call. This should be applied to the minimum degree necessary to save life and limb and break up the riot, and only then with the permission of the [[Captain]] or [[Central Command]]. This does '''not''' mean field-execute everyone present. That said, if there are armed, organized instigators actively targeting Security or Command, kill their asses dead.
Occasionally, the crew is not rioting out of their own free will. Revolutionaries, abductors, vampires, and traitors may brainwash crew members and force them under their control. It is imperative that when this happens, once a riot is quelled they are checked for those implants/subversion and deconverted/dethralled. In this case, they are not the wrongdoer and should be pardoned of all crimes and possibly mindshielded to protect from further brainwashing.
[[Category:Guides]]

Latest revision as of 10:42, 19 July 2023

Security Department


Life on the NSS Cyberiad is far from perfect and sometimes downright awful. Occasionally citizens cannot find work or a crew member is viciously beaten by security and the crew's anger level begins to rise. This is to be expected, NanoTrasen has blessed the crew with the right to peacefully protest. However, from time-to-time, these protestors will turn violent once they realize their outcries falls on deaf ears or they are not satisfied with the outcome of their protests. It is up to you to remind them that civil liberties are not a right but actually a privilege that can easily be taken away.

Descalating Conflict

Often, the most effective way to contain a riot is to stop it from happening in the first place. Communicating with the protestors and listening to them prevents bloodshed. If their complaint is reasonable then do what you can to ameliorate the issue. It often helps to call in a mediator such as the NTR, Magistrate, or Captain to facilitate diplomatic conversation. Keep Security Officers away from the protest until they're needed. An officer's presence is an opportunity for a brawl to break out. Don't do anything to make the protestors feel threatened and do not arrest anyone unless they are directly committing a crime.

Preparing For The Worst

Once it is apparent that the diplomatic option isn't working, you should take preemptive action. Order officers to equip pepper spray, flashes, stun batons, zip ties, and Security Holobarrier Projectors. Hold a mini-briefing session within the security department in order to share intel, assess the threat, and assemble a plan in case things turn ugly. If the protestors start throwing firebombs, disrupting traffic, or destroying assets the station should be raised to blue alert. At this point, you should be ready to move in. Use the Warden's megaphone to tell the protestors that they are now participating in an "illegal gathering" and that they need to disperse. Keep in mind that only the HoS, Magistrate, or Captain should declare illegal gatherings. After a minute, anyone who continues to protest is now considered a rioter.

Putting Down a Riot

Crowd Control

Too often, security will focus on what's in front of them rather than the big picture. Set the department up for success. Begin by cordoning off areas around the protestors, make sure this cordon covers the entrance to departments as well as expensive assets. Holobarriers and the warden's security barriers are great for making this cordon. Always leave the main hallway leading to the center of the station open as a means of escape for rioters. The idea is that when the fight or flight response kicks in they always have an option to choose the latter and avoid a fight.

Going on the Offensive

SL Inciting a Riot.png

Before performing any arrests, listen to public comms and identify the ringleaders of the riot. Once this is done make sure their arrest statuses are set and their names announced to security comms. Formulate a plan for going in and make sure all officers are aware of their roles. Utilize tear gas grenades and non-lethals to quickly subdue and capture the ringleaders and bring them to processing. Make sure to remove their radios so they cannot continue to direct riots. Once this is done make sure to set the arrest status of every other rioter. These rioters can be dealt with later after the ring leaders are caught and processed as their status should already be set.

Tips for not getting robusted

  • Keep all equipment holstered until you absolutely need it.
  • If a protestor has a weapon, disabler them from a distance or utilize your flash to disarm them.
  • You can walk through Security Holobarriers but you cannot drag people through them.
  • Try and breakup a mob before going in for an arrest (tear gas is great for this).
  • Keep your perimeter secured and do not let people through.
  • When performing an arrest, stun and drag them into a security controlled area and then cuff them.
  • Pay attention to slippery floors (ex: lube, mopped floors, soap, banana peels, etc)
  • Utilize riot shields to block projectiles and attacks and you cannot be pushed on harm attempt(you can still be shoved over)
  • If the mob charges, use multiple flashbangs and retreat if you have to
  • While it would be fun to sick beepsky on them, you're just handing them a free stun baton

Laying Down the Law

Once you have captured a few rioters you need to begin brigging them. The ringleaders should be charged with inciting a riot and their compatriots with rioting. In addition to these crimes make sure to include any crimes they committed during rioting. If someone smashes a window, add a damage to station asset charge, etc. Confiscate ear muffs, sunglasses, welding helmets, bowman headsets, and any contraband from them. When there is a large number of brigged rioters, it helps to set the cell times to the minimum for the charges. If space runs short, utilize the two solitary cells and/or keep prisoners restrained in processing under watch. If this is needed, make sure to keep a running timer. If this isn't a viable solution, then release the prisoners with the lightest charges.

Code Crime Description Notes
205 Rioting To partake in an unauthorized and disruptive assembly of crewmen. It is required to order the crowd to disperse; failure to disperse is the crime, not the assembly itself. Crimes committed during the riot are considered separate offenses. For the ringleader of a riot, see Inciting a Riot.
Code Crime Description Notes
305 Inciting a Riot To attempt to stir the crew into a riot. The offender should also have restrictions placed on their radio traffic and be given a tracking implant. For second offenses or violent uprisings, see Mutiny.



More than a Riot

Once the rioters completely detach themselves from the chain of command and have resorted to violence, they are no longer an unruly mob but a direct threat to the station. Declare a code red alert and consider calling an amber ERT if security is not well equipped to handle this. While non-lethal weapons are preferable, officers are permitted to use lethals on armed and dangerous rioters. Considering deputizing personnel like the detective to assist you. Diplomacy is no longer an option and you should not attempt to meet the demands of the rioters.

War of Attrition

SL Mutiny.png

Security in these situations isn't in a great position to stand toe-to-toe with a large-scale mutiny. Before you do anything else make sure there is a station-wide announcement that makes it clear that any rioters who refuse to surrender to security will be captured dead or alive and possibly charged with mutiny. Security needs to develop a game plan beforehand so they are not slaughtered when they inevitably charge into the occupied area. Have medical on stand by.

It's time to play dirty:.

  • Cut off exits by welding airlocks and constructing metal walls
  • Have the AI disable APCs in the occupied areas (a must-have for a Cargonian uprising)
  • Consider flooding the area with N20
  • Use flashbangs religiously
  • Stay at a distance and peek out to take cheap shots at rioters with ballistics to cause Internal Bleeding
  • If they barricade themselves heavily in a room, consider siphoning it or using HE scichem grenades
  • Use Mechs to tank damage and dish out some serious pain
  • Focus on keeping your officers alive and healthy
  • Keep the crew away from the battle to avoid friendly fire and disruption

After the Battle

Get officers revived and healed as quickly as possible and secure the previously occupied area. Work with the magistrate to determine what crimes to apply to the captured rioters. Apply murder and mutiny charges as necessary. Otherwise, charge them with inciting a riot and include any additional Space Crimes committed on their list of charges. Once you've successfully quelled an uprising feel free to gloat over comms and continuously monitor those who weren't perma'd.

Code Crime Description Notes
505 Mutiny To act individually, or as a group, to overthrow or subvert the established Chain of Command without lawful and legitimate cause. Mutiny is not as clear cut as it may seem, there may be a legitimate reason for their actions, such as their head of staff being utterly incompetent. The application of this crime should always be reviewed by a third party. If the perpetrator's actions are for the betterment of Nanotrasen, consider a lesser sentence, pardon, or promotion.

Special Circumstances

Prison Riots

It is no surprise that people dislike being locked up. Occasionally, prisoners in permanent containment will attempt to escape or take control of the prison wing. This is usually done by turning the prison wing machinery into spears or slipping a bald officer. It is suggested to use the N2O riot suppression system unless they are species that do not breathe. Do not run into perma, Instead, throw flashbangs, and utilize your disablers. In the case, a large perma prison break is about to occur and there is not enough reinforcements, hit the prison wing lockdown button in the warden's office to provide more time to prepare before they get out

Subdued Personnel

Occasionally, the crew is not rioting out of their own free will. Revolutionaries, abductors, vampires, and traitors may brainwash crew members and force them under their control. It is imperative that when this happens, once a riot is quelled they are checked for those implants/subversion and deconverted/dethralled. In this case, they are not the wrongdoer and should be pardoned of all crimes and possibly mindshielded to protect from further brainwashing.