What weapons do police carry?

[ACK!!]

Originally posted by Masconi:
On a high-tech, high law level world, most police units would be bots.
It is much cheaper to field bots in such an environment.
Most duty on these worlds would consist of guiding people and routine law enforcement.
These bots(grav) would be armed with tranq and medium arms/tentacles.
Response units would carry lasers and/or gauss weaponry.
At least in my setting

Masconi

Would not work for what I want in my adventure but police bots will work later on for another idea I have.

To Richard P:

Thanks I have been thinking about the Snub pistol the wrong way I guess.

 

[ACK!!]

Originally posted by Masconi:
On a high-tech, high law level world, most police units would be bots.
It is much cheaper to field bots in such an environment.
Most duty on these worlds would consist of guiding people and routine law enforcement.
These bots(grav) would be armed with tranq and medium arms/tentacles.
Response units would carry lasers and/or gauss weaponry.
At least in my setting

Masconi

Would not work for what I want in my adventure but police bots will work later on for another idea I have.

To Richard P:

Thanks I have been thinking about the Snub pistol the wrong way I guess.

 

[Whipsnade]

ACK wrote:

"I was thinking about arming them with tasers or autopistols with only tranq rounds. It is a tolitarian oligarchy though."


Mr. ACK,

Take a bit of advice from a world traveller, Duale will have a LOT of cops and a LOT of laws but that doesn't necessarily mean there will be a LOT of law enforcement or that the law will be any way EVENLY enforced. As off-worlders, your PCs may get a 'free pass' or they may be targeted for harassment. It should all depend on the current political climate; i.e. your needs as the GM.

"What kind of weapons do Chinese cops carry for example?"

It depends on the type of location and the type of cop. Fong, a beat cop in a tourist-foreign business investment enclave, will have a nifty uniform, a shiny radio, and a ready smile. His brother Wong, a beat cop in a part of China that rarely sees outsiders, will have a whistle, a withe or a long thin baton, a radio, maybe a pistol or billyclub, and he may or may not be in a uniform. Both Fong and Wong will be just a radio call away from their cousin Dong who carries the Chinese version of an AK-47 and has no compunctions whatsoever about using it.

Get the picture? Lots of cops in uniform and out, plenty of laws randomly enforced, plenty of pay-offs and street level corruption ( the mordita of Latin America), and the sudden, common, and sometimes illogical use of deadly force whenever the enforcer 'feels' it is warranted.

"Do they not expect much resistance and therefore only carry non-lethal weapons or do they load up heavy?"

The regular, beat walking schmucks are used to a cowed populace providing them with rake-offs. They also know they can call in the heavies anytime they need to.

Your PCs' best bet is to smile, readily pay whatever 'fines' may be assessed, follow any 'suggestions', and remember that Cousin Dong and the rest of his regiment are only a radio call away.


Sincerely,
Larsen

 

[Whipsnade]

ACK wrote:

"I was thinking about arming them with tasers or autopistols with only tranq rounds. It is a tolitarian oligarchy though."


Mr. ACK,

Take a bit of advice from a world traveller, Duale will have a LOT of cops and a LOT of laws but that doesn't necessarily mean there will be a LOT of law enforcement or that the law will be any way EVENLY enforced. As off-worlders, your PCs may get a 'free pass' or they may be targeted for harassment. It should all depend on the current political climate; i.e. your needs as the GM.

"What kind of weapons do Chinese cops carry for example?"

It depends on the type of location and the type of cop. Fong, a beat cop in a tourist-foreign business investment enclave, will have a nifty uniform, a shiny radio, and a ready smile. His brother Wong, a beat cop in a part of China that rarely sees outsiders, will have a whistle, a withe or a long thin baton, a radio, maybe a pistol or billyclub, and he may or may not be in a uniform. Both Fong and Wong will be just a radio call away from their cousin Dong who carries the Chinese version of an AK-47 and has no compunctions whatsoever about using it.

Get the picture? Lots of cops in uniform and out, plenty of laws randomly enforced, plenty of pay-offs and street level corruption ( the mordita of Latin America), and the sudden, common, and sometimes illogical use of deadly force whenever the enforcer 'feels' it is warranted.

"Do they not expect much resistance and therefore only carry non-lethal weapons or do they load up heavy?"

The regular, beat walking schmucks are used to a cowed populace providing them with rake-offs. They also know they can call in the heavies anytime they need to.

Your PCs' best bet is to smile, readily pay whatever 'fines' may be assessed, follow any 'suggestions', and remember that Cousin Dong and the rest of his regiment are only a radio call away.


Sincerely,
Larsen

 

[ACK!!]

Originally posted by Larsen E. Whipsnade:

The regular, beat walking schmucks are used to a cowed populace providing them with rake-offs. They also know they can call in the heavies anytime they need to.

Your PCs' best bet is to smile, readily pay whatever 'fines' may be assessed, follow any 'suggestions', and remember that Cousin Dong and the rest of his regiment are only a radio call away.


Sincerely,
Larsen

Good advice.

The cops are unknowing tools of a bad NPC with legit credentials but nasty plans.

I think I will keep in mind your advice and backup will be very, very close ... with big, big guns.

 

[ACK!!]

Originally posted by Larsen E. Whipsnade:

The regular, beat walking schmucks are used to a cowed populace providing them with rake-offs. They also know they can call in the heavies anytime they need to.

Your PCs' best bet is to smile, readily pay whatever 'fines' may be assessed, follow any 'suggestions', and remember that Cousin Dong and the rest of his regiment are only a radio call away.


Sincerely,
Larsen

Good advice.

The cops are unknowing tools of a bad NPC with legit credentials but nasty plans.

I think I will keep in mind your advice and backup will be very, very close ... with big, big guns.

 

[flykiller]

I think I will keep in mind your advice and backup will be very, very close ... with big, big guns.

there's more to "law enforcement" than blowing up the neighborhood. try locking up credit or ID cards, refusing permission to undock, remote deactivation of vehicles, robot sniffer-trackers, dispensing of incapacitating diseases easily curable by only the authorities, and so on.

 

[flykiller]

I think I will keep in mind your advice and backup will be very, very close ... with big, big guns.

there's more to "law enforcement" than blowing up the neighborhood. try locking up credit or ID cards, refusing permission to undock, remote deactivation of vehicles, robot sniffer-trackers, dispensing of incapacitating diseases easily curable by only the authorities, and so on.

 

[ACK!!]

Originally posted by flykiller:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />I think I will keep in mind your advice and backup will be very, very close ... with big, big guns.

there's more to "law enforcement" than blowing up the neighborhood. try locking up credit or ID cards, refusing permission to undock, remote deactivation of vehicles, robot sniffer-trackers, dispensing of incapacitating diseases easily curable by only the authorities, and so on. </font>[/QUOTE]Indeed in fact the two police the players will encounter are just following their routine duties quite unaware of the fact they are being manipulated by the nemesis NPC.

In fact, I imagine the players will keep cool and play ball with the police.

But I have to think about the worst case ...

In fact, the police in the second adventure are allies and one of the chief's motivating factor for asking the PC's help is the fact that the police have to maintain their regular duties.

Someone has to stop the corner store from getting robbed and prevent the couple two doors down from wasting each other in a domestic dispute.

 

[ACK!!]

Originally posted by flykiller:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />I think I will keep in mind your advice and backup will be very, very close ... with big, big guns.

there's more to "law enforcement" than blowing up the neighborhood. try locking up credit or ID cards, refusing permission to undock, remote deactivation of vehicles, robot sniffer-trackers, dispensing of incapacitating diseases easily curable by only the authorities, and so on. </font>[/QUOTE]Indeed in fact the two police the players will encounter are just following their routine duties quite unaware of the fact they are being manipulated by the nemesis NPC.

In fact, I imagine the players will keep cool and play ball with the police.

But I have to think about the worst case ...

In fact, the police in the second adventure are allies and one of the chief's motivating factor for asking the PC's help is the fact that the police have to maintain their regular duties.

Someone has to stop the corner store from getting robbed and prevent the couple two doors down from wasting each other in a domestic dispute.

 

[Bill Coffin]

A lot of great ideas in this thread, indeed. IMTU, I'd probably have high-tech cops carry snub pistols, as has been mentions, simply because they are so darned versatile. Maybe carry the suggested load of five tranq rounds and a gas round, and if things get hot, pop in a speedloader of HE or HEAP rounds. And if that doesn't work, call in the SWAT guys with the SMGs or maybe those nasty automatic combat shotguns featured way back somewhere in the JTAS.

As for robots, I can see them being a great form of surveillance (think flying camera midges) and depending on how hardball the government was, the occasional ED-209 gunbot as a show of force. But if the gov't wants to keep a more happy face on things, human officers would have a psychological quality to them that robots don't. You can talk to a human cop and reason with it; not always so with a robot. Nobody wants ED-209 to splatter then over a mistaken jaywalking offense, after all.

 

[Bill Coffin]

A lot of great ideas in this thread, indeed. IMTU, I'd probably have high-tech cops carry snub pistols, as has been mentions, simply because they are so darned versatile. Maybe carry the suggested load of five tranq rounds and a gas round, and if things get hot, pop in a speedloader of HE or HEAP rounds. And if that doesn't work, call in the SWAT guys with the SMGs or maybe those nasty automatic combat shotguns featured way back somewhere in the JTAS.

As for robots, I can see them being a great form of surveillance (think flying camera midges) and depending on how hardball the government was, the occasional ED-209 gunbot as a show of force. But if the gov't wants to keep a more happy face on things, human officers would have a psychological quality to them that robots don't. You can talk to a human cop and reason with it; not always so with a robot. Nobody wants ED-209 to splatter then over a mistaken jaywalking offense, after all.

 

[aramis]

For reference, according to russian police training information (Univ. of AK has an INTERESTING collection!), Soviet period police were issued light autopistols, machine pistols, and AK's (47's and 74's, depeding upon location, availability, and ammo supplies). Officers generally are shown with machine pistols or autopistols, line police with rifles or autopistols.

The Taliban typically carried AK's or equivalent, according to news photos & footage. (remember, they were a religious police militia, roughly TL 5-6.) An excellent model for the outlying areas of Psaydi.

Alaska State Troopers carry autopistols holstered. In their cars are usually a shotgun (usually in the cab) and an AR15 (in the trunk).

Also important: Most police forces in will have body armor available, if not required uniform wear. And heavy response units WILL have armor if it is available.

 

[aramis]

For reference, according to russian police training information (Univ. of AK has an INTERESTING collection!), Soviet period police were issued light autopistols, machine pistols, and AK's (47's and 74's, depeding upon location, availability, and ammo supplies). Officers generally are shown with machine pistols or autopistols, line police with rifles or autopistols.

The Taliban typically carried AK's or equivalent, according to news photos & footage. (remember, they were a religious police militia, roughly TL 5-6.) An excellent model for the outlying areas of Psaydi.

Alaska State Troopers carry autopistols holstered. In their cars are usually a shotgun (usually in the cab) and an AR15 (in the trunk).

Also important: Most police forces in will have body armor available, if not required uniform wear. And heavy response units WILL have armor if it is available.

 

[kaladorn]

The OPP carry I think a Sig Sauer in 10mm or .40 or something. The RCMP carry a 9mm Smith and Wesson. Both wear one or two layers (low profile and bulkier external) body armour. They're ERT teams have heavier Body Armour and things like sniper rifles, ARs, and shotguns. Most urban PDs in Canada have dispensed with the shotgun (not all) - RCMP found they just knocked around in the trunk and got beat up. The ERT team did most of the serious responses and normal Canadian policing isn't guns-drawn stuff (you have to fill out a form, I think, if you pull out your gun...). So that's the kind of thing you might find on mid-tech peaceful worlds.

Now, high tech cops might have MetalStorm technology handguns, allowing them to have up to three barrels of 5-8 shots, each loaded differently - tranq, flechette, and slug, for instance.

Also, there are high tech optical light tasers that will knock you down and dizzy if you get a look at them (think camera flash, only high frequency enough to cause a sort of fit). They work against dogs and people. Range is limited as you have to get the guy in the eyes...

I'd think high tech police would use neural weapons to try to subdue without killing. Also things like solidifoam grenades (rapid expanding and solidifying foam that won't suffocate the target), stun nets, microwave barriers (very effective fencing...), etc.

 

[kaladorn]

The OPP carry I think a Sig Sauer in 10mm or .40 or something. The RCMP carry a 9mm Smith and Wesson. Both wear one or two layers (low profile and bulkier external) body armour. They're ERT teams have heavier Body Armour and things like sniper rifles, ARs, and shotguns. Most urban PDs in Canada have dispensed with the shotgun (not all) - RCMP found they just knocked around in the trunk and got beat up. The ERT team did most of the serious responses and normal Canadian policing isn't guns-drawn stuff (you have to fill out a form, I think, if you pull out your gun...). So that's the kind of thing you might find on mid-tech peaceful worlds.

Now, high tech cops might have MetalStorm technology handguns, allowing them to have up to three barrels of 5-8 shots, each loaded differently - tranq, flechette, and slug, for instance.

Also, there are high tech optical light tasers that will knock you down and dizzy if you get a look at them (think camera flash, only high frequency enough to cause a sort of fit). They work against dogs and people. Range is limited as you have to get the guy in the eyes...

I'd think high tech police would use neural weapons to try to subdue without killing. Also things like solidifoam grenades (rapid expanding and solidifying foam that won't suffocate the target), stun nets, microwave barriers (very effective fencing...), etc.

 

[aramis]

Interesting to note: Alaska State Law limits "Sworn Law Enforcement Officers" to carrying FMJ ball, shot (00 to 5, plus tear gas. NOTHING ELSE. Not that it stops them from carrying it. In fact, there is a question whether they are allowed to use Mace on people... due to Anchorage PD macing some East HS students who were engaged in gang violence at school.

(Sworn LEO, in alaska, includes professional city fire department personell, Police, State Troopers, and security guards with license. Arms qualification is required to carry weapons for security and fire service personell. And I didn't forget Sherriff's Deputies; they are illeagal under the state constitution.)

So some High tech forces will still be using lethal force even when less-lethal forms may be available, and even legal for civilians! For a variety of reasons.

APD officers range the gamut opinion-wise ( I know a number), but many of the older officers don't want "Less Lethal" since it ups the chances that people not flipped out on drugs will resist arrest. Keep that in mind, too!

 

[aramis]

Interesting to note: Alaska State Law limits "Sworn Law Enforcement Officers" to carrying FMJ ball, shot (00 to 5, plus tear gas. NOTHING ELSE. Not that it stops them from carrying it. In fact, there is a question whether they are allowed to use Mace on people... due to Anchorage PD macing some East HS students who were engaged in gang violence at school.

(Sworn LEO, in alaska, includes professional city fire department personell, Police, State Troopers, and security guards with license. Arms qualification is required to carry weapons for security and fire service personell. And I didn't forget Sherriff's Deputies; they are illeagal under the state constitution.)

So some High tech forces will still be using lethal force even when less-lethal forms may be available, and even legal for civilians! For a variety of reasons.

APD officers range the gamut opinion-wise ( I know a number), but many of the older officers don't want "Less Lethal" since it ups the chances that people not flipped out on drugs will resist arrest. Keep that in mind, too!

 

[sturn386]

I can't tell you what equipment will be used by police in the future, but I can give a (partial) list of modern items that may be relevant to play

(Quick list below from current experience as SRT member, less lethal instructor for local PD, training officer for patrol; military, corrections, and law enforcement experience)

On Patrolman: Handgun, club, body armor, communication device, pepper/oc spray, flashlight, cuffs. Varies greatly depending on if you encounter a conservative cop or a "Rambo". Other misc items possible: backup handgun, knife, utility tool.

In Patrol vehicle: shotgun, possibly auto. rifle, vehicle radio, possibly a computer, something to stop a vehicle (stop sticks), GPS device, cage for prisoners, maybe a dog, possibly less lethal weapons (see below)

Riot Equipment: Heavier armor, helmet w/shield, always less lethal weapons, longer club, riot shield, grenade launcher (for chemicals not explosives), chemical sprayer, chemical grenades (smoke or less lethal).

SRT Equipment (SWAT): Heaviest armor, helmet, SMG, auto rifle, sniper rifle, handgun, fire ext., battering ram, night vision, less lethal weapons including various grenades, first aid kit, grenade launcher, all depending on duty position in the team.

Detective/Investigator: Handgun, body armor, communication device, cuffs. See patrol vehicle for items in a vehicle. On-person items may vary considerably with some being equipped as well as a patrolman, others only a handgun and radio.

Less Lethal List(not less then lethal some of these can still kill): Pepper/OC spray, rubber or wood batons shot from various weapons, bean bags shot from various weapons, pepper spray shot from weapons, taser and other electronic stunners, extreme light devices which blind, various grenades including chemicals such as pepper spray and area of effect rubber batons which can be hand thrown or shot from a grenade launcher or shotgun with attached launching cup (kind of like a ram grenade).

I think the best bet for a future police weapon is one that can instantly switch between various levels of force, from less lethal stunning for the irrate customer at the mall to a kill shot for when the local mercenary in combat armor has drank too much.

 

[sturn386]

I can't tell you what equipment will be used by police in the future, but I can give a (partial) list of modern items that may be relevant to play

(Quick list below from current experience as SRT member, less lethal instructor for local PD, training officer for patrol; military, corrections, and law enforcement experience)

On Patrolman: Handgun, club, body armor, communication device, pepper/oc spray, flashlight, cuffs. Varies greatly depending on if you encounter a conservative cop or a "Rambo". Other misc items possible: backup handgun, knife, utility tool.

In Patrol vehicle: shotgun, possibly auto. rifle, vehicle radio, possibly a computer, something to stop a vehicle (stop sticks), GPS device, cage for prisoners, maybe a dog, possibly less lethal weapons (see below)

Riot Equipment: Heavier armor, helmet w/shield, always less lethal weapons, longer club, riot shield, grenade launcher (for chemicals not explosives), chemical sprayer, chemical grenades (smoke or less lethal).

SRT Equipment (SWAT): Heaviest armor, helmet, SMG, auto rifle, sniper rifle, handgun, fire ext., battering ram, night vision, less lethal weapons including various grenades, first aid kit, grenade launcher, all depending on duty position in the team.

Detective/Investigator: Handgun, body armor, communication device, cuffs. See patrol vehicle for items in a vehicle. On-person items may vary considerably with some being equipped as well as a patrolman, others only a handgun and radio.

Less Lethal List(not less then lethal some of these can still kill): Pepper/OC spray, rubber or wood batons shot from various weapons, bean bags shot from various weapons, pepper spray shot from weapons, taser and other electronic stunners, extreme light devices which blind, various grenades including chemicals such as pepper spray and area of effect rubber batons which can be hand thrown or shot from a grenade launcher or shotgun with attached launching cup (kind of like a ram grenade).

I think the best bet for a future police weapon is one that can instantly switch between various levels of force, from less lethal stunning for the irrate customer at the mall to a kill shot for when the local mercenary in combat armor has drank too much.