Latest revision as of 20:35, 30 March 2010

Department 7 (PPD HEAVIES)

Department 7 (colloquially known as the "HEAVIES" by the Paragon Police Department) is a secret paramilitary group within Paragon City's police department tasked with containing or eliminating meta-human threats that are beyond the ability of the regular PPD to handle. The group is almost entirely composed of criminals who are either ex-military or from other paramilitary organizations and have had experience and training in dealing with meta-humans. Officially the HEAVIES don't exist as their recruitment methods and the heavy handed tactics they often employ would be politically inconvenient for the PPD and Paragon City at large.

Recruitment Policy

As part of the incarceration process at the Zig, an extensive dossier is compiled on each prisoner and entered into a city wide database accessible by the Paragon Police Department, medical facilities, various hero groups, et al. These dossiers are routinely screened by Department 7 for potential recruits. The recruits themselves need to be non-meta-humans, but need to have had extensively dealings with meta-humans as part of their prior experience. Not surprisingly a large number of recruits are drawn from former members of Malta, Nemesis, the 5th Column, and the Council. Others tend to be ex-military professionals who as part of their career had to deal with meta-human threats. Recruits are further screened by the length of their incarceration. Typically the department looks for extremely long or life sentences.

Once selected, recruits are transferred to another facility while all traces of their personal records are destroyed. They are then given a choice, either join Department 7 or disappear permanently (the department actually keeps a high security facility in the Shadow Shard where possible candidates who turn down the offer are sent for permanent incarceration). If they accept, the recruits are given a new identity and begin training for duty within the HEAVIES.

Training

Training for Department 7 is intense and brutal by necessity with a high causality rate. Department 7 operatives are trained in a variety of techniques and with a variety of weapons and devices for dealing with a wide range of meta-human types in addition to any training or experience they already possess. The regimen also hones the operative's body and mind for dealing with extreme situations where meta-humans may possess psionic or reality altering powers that would render even a well trained individual incapacitated. Those that complete the intense training are then conditioned by the department for a high degree of loyalty.

Equipment

Once training and indoctrination are complete, the new operative is outfitted with their uniform and equipment. Typical equipment includes high quality body armor and a standard array of weapons and devices in addition to weapons and devices the operative may specialize in. Each operative is also given a set of goggles that incorporates a tactical computer, electro-optical vision enhancement (includes thermal), heads-up-display, communication system, and video telemetry device. Operatives are also issued a large cloth mask fitted to further obscure their appearance and act as a protective breathing apparatus.

Policies

Aside from general orders and broad rules of operation, Department 7 allows its members a high degree of at autonomy, the caveat being they are hired for life and cannot operate (unless unusual circumstances dictate) outside of Paragon City. As a consequence of trading a small prison cell for a bigger "prison cell", the members of Department 7 are given a generous stipend and living accommodations. Members who go rogue are quickly dealt with.

Controversy

Department 7's greatest controversies are its existence, above-the-law status and that it does not constrain its efforts to just villains. Department 7 has in the past come into confrontation with registered heroes and numerous vigilantes who have not registered with Paragon City. Also the department's operating policies with regards to meta-human threats has drawn criticism by individuals who are aware of its existence (both, average citizen, hero and villain).

Department 7 has also gained some degree of cult status in Paragon City as well, from citizens who fancy themselves self-styled vigilantes, to actual heroes who agree with the department's operating procedures.

Retirement

Retirement from Department 7 generally only occurs through attrition or in some highly unusual and rare circumstance. Members who are rendered incapable but stil functional are generally giving training and desk jobs. To date no member of Department 7 has retired due to old age.