Why we call Security, Shitcurity

[Lady_of_Ravens]

I've been known to say that avoiding getting harassed by security is one of the reasons I play AI almost exclusively. But as I've been reading this thread, and thinking a bit, security isn't any more annoying than balds or asshole co-workers. And not really any more prevelant as a threat, at least when not being an antag or miscreant.

Plus, playing AI gives me a fairly good perspective on what security does, and how people confronted by security respond. And how it ends. Here's a hint: unless you're an antag, running from security is a bad idea. It's not that big of a station, and if there's an alert AI you're pretty much screwed. And you have every right to expect security to be less than gentle when they catch up with you.

But people who go along with security, even if it's kinda annoying, generally get let go with a bit of RP and a warning. Particularly if there's no sign of malice, like making a lube-bomb (for testing, not crime) without permission, self-testing with genetics, or researching illegal tech in R&D.

[the_furry]

wow, it's actually interesting to get the perspective from security officers, sadly I can easily see what you guys are talking about. I hope I never treat security that badly without reason (I'll always treat the one off shit officers badly). I do like to think I do well with being arrested (been arrested several times and almost always go willingly, makes for fun rp). it's late now but I will consider this and see if I can come up with an adequate solution. thought i do have one suggestion that i think will greatly improve the way players treat officers and the way officers treat players.

One suggestion is a change to the law to encourage cooperation while being arrested. I remember one time when I was arrested and I went quietly I had my sentence reduced because of it. That is nice however it was very unsatisfying because the reduction was only by like 2.5 mins (25% of the sentence). In fact it had such a little impact I think it took more time to rp the situation of being booked willingly then it would have taken if I resisted. I think if we make a tweak to this law we can greatly encourage players to be cooperative and treat sec better. My suggestion is reducing the time by 75% if you go cooperatively for first time nonviolent/minor assault crimes (simple fist fights/drugs/contraband/what have you). Second time offenders can have it reduced by 50% or 25% and third time and thereafter should suffer the full time. I understand it is being more lenient (which is a common complaint by officers that it will not work) but I think it will work despite it being leniency. I think this because the officers are not being lenient on making the arrest. It’s being lenient during the sentencing. This is an important distinction. As many of you have said letting people “off the hook” does encourage them to simply go back and continue committing crimes if they experience no punishment. Not making an arrest also encourages the players to see how much they can get away with. At the same time, making an arrest and only having 25% of the sentence reduced for good behavior is hardly satisfying and thus not a good motivator for being cooperative. If you only reduce a few minutes why not attempt to fight and cause trouble, the worse that will happen is you have a few more mins added to your sentence. However by making an arrest it places a punishment factor on the player to cease taking whatever actions they are taking. But by informing the player that 75% of the sentence can be removed (a huge amount) if they come quietly actually encourages cooperation and even thankfulness (players will be grateful to sec for offering to reduce most of the time)and it will be worth it not to resist for the fun of it. Furthermore with an understanding that if the crime is committed again the reduction cannot be used again that will encourage most players to cease criminal activities (you will always have that one that blows up the station anyway). This is actually a criminal model that many police forces currently use to reduce crime and is back by psychological evidence (my psych degree speaking). It uses motivational and punishment/reward models that we know work effectively. Making this simple change would have an impact on the way sec is treated.

[Lady_of_Ravens]

I'm inclined to agree that dramatically reduced sentancing for cooperative prisoners makes sense. Cooperative prisoners are usually better roleplayers, anyway, which usually means less hasstle and less of a chance to go back to doing it again.

The people who piss me off (and likely security too) are the balds and the chucklefucks who really ought to be sealed in a locker, labeled 'return to sender', and shipped back to odin because mentally defective people who sabatage the station aren't good employees. But since we can't do that, and since getting nabbed by security isn't much of a deterrent to these people, brig times serve as a way to keep them from causing problems for as long as possible. So I'm all for maximum brig time for people who resist and repeat offenders.

[Hackie]

I'm inclined to agree that dramatically reduced sentancing for cooperative prisoners makes sense. Cooperative prisoners are usually better roleplayers, anyway, which usually means less hasstle and less of a chance to go back to doing it again.

The people who piss me off (and likely security too) are the balds and the chucklefucks who really ought to be sealed in a locker, labeled 'return to sender', and shipped back to odin because mentally defective people who sabatage the station aren't good employees. But since we can't do that, and since getting nabbed by security isn't much of a deterrent to these people, brig times serve as a way to keep them from causing problems for as long as possible. So I'm all for maximum brig time for people who resist and repeat offenders.

 

After reading it, this actually points out a flaw. Security itself is in need for some changing (such as the layout, which was pointed out by Nik) and really making first offences low makes sense.

[Guest]

Wow. I'm breaking the law, and I'm getting punished for it. How awful must those redshirts who dispense justice be, going around doing their job like that. Like, what the hell? I bet they kick puppies. What awful security officers they are. I'm going to go scream about this in common comms, OOC, on the forums, anywhere, until I get my way in which I can break the law and get away with it like the little entitled shit I want to be.

Projecting pretty much every single reaction I get by doing my job? Probably.

Exaggerating the nature in which people react to this? Probably.

[Guest Marlon Phoenix]

Wow. I'm breaking the law, and I'm getting punished for it. How awful must those redshirts who dispense justice be, going around doing their job like that. Like, what the hell? I bet they kick puppies. What awful security officers they are. I'm going to go scream about this in common comms, OOC, on the forums, anywhere, until I get my way in which I can break the law and get away with it like the little entitled shit I want to be.

Projecting pretty much every single reaction I get by doing my job? Probably.

Exaggerating the nature in which people react to this? Probably.

 

You've done exactly this, before.

[Guest]

Yeah and I realized that I was wrong.

Security is a 100% necessity. Often, though, when people get into positions they're not even qualified for, even OOCly, it becomes a matter of debate.

But the issue is, bad sec doesn't get yelled at nearly as enough as good sec does.

[canon35]

But the issue is, bad sec doesn't get yelled at nearly as enough as good sec does.

 

This.THIS. Bad sec officers do one thing that gets them arrested, and dealt with by sec. But a good sec officer messes up, snaps at someone, or shows emotion? "HURR DURR SHITCURITY OMFG I DON'T CARE IF SHE MADE GRENADES SHE'S MY ERP PARTNER LEAVE US TO OUR SKYPE.". I honestly want to play a future round that ends with Imraj finally snapping and going on a shooting spree, just to relieve all that tension which has built up.

[Tenenza]

But the issue is, bad sec doesn't get yelled at nearly as enough as good sec does.

 

This.THIS. Bad sec officers do one thing that gets them arrested, and dealt with by sec. But a good sec officer messes up, snaps at someone, or shows emotion? "HURR DURR SHITCURITY OMFG I DON'T CARE IF SHE MADE GRENADES SHE'S MY ERP PARTNER LEAVE US TO OUR SKYPE.". I honestly want to play a future round that ends with Imraj finally snapping and going on a shooting spree, just to relieve all that tension which has built up.

 

The mental image of Imraj with a flamethrower, a laser rifle and a bag full of carbines going in a shooting spree is eerily easy to conjure up.

[Xenonia]

I think another reason is that some people don't really have the ability to diffuse character motive from player motive, so RPrev rounds 'n' shit like that result in people remembering "Wow that guy was a fascist jerk who I hate now" despite it only being for the one round where that was the point.

[NebulaFlare]

Security is also probably the most 'stressful' department. Sure it can be a lot of fun, and loads of time to play hero legitimately, but it's the department that has to deal with rookies who don't know the RP style, (no paperwork to borg someone that asked) and griefers (which waste time for everyone). And we got so many cases floating around, security sometimes is too under-staffed to handle everything. As an HoS, you gotta coordinate everyone.

Officers can get spat on, talked behind the back, insulted, and ridiculed - and there's very little they can do about it ICly. Officers are crew, but they can't retaliate like everyone else.

What does a good officer do? Remember the security codes and patrol the station. You're at an automatic risk when only allowed a flash and cuffs. And always targeted first because you can be the most dangerous. Try to defend yourself more, and you'll be exceeding regulations. It's not easy to walk the delicate line.

[Guest]

It's a bit easier now with the new SoP (which are more guidelines than actual rules, as it isn't finished), but one thing is clear. The Rules for Engagement allow for an officer to quickly escalate force if they inform a suspect they will use that force if the suspect fails to adhere to Corporate Regulation or just simply fuck around like the dummies they are.

You're never above throwbatonning someone if you warned them before it got out of control.

Maintaining a balance of control is the number one strength and weakness of security. The inability to do so makes you pretty unrobust. Keeping that balance is key to safeguarding not only your life, but many lives.