Crime and Punishment
In a city of 30 million, one can expect a certain amount of crime. The police departments of Metropolis are overwhelmed with the amount of crime they have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. At any one time there is at least one serial killer running amok in the city and there are an average of 7500 murders in the city each year. There is one assault committed every 2 seconds. Robbery and property damage are also a big headache to the police department. The majority of these crimes happen in the lower to middle parts of the city, away from the financial and “Club of the Sons” districts. The crime found in those districts will be mostly white collar or vise related. With only 20% of the population owning a vehicle larger than a scooter, the least common offense in the city is traffic related.
Police in the city are reasonably equipped, with each given a firearm, light armor in the form of an armored vest & helmet, cuffs, a nightstick, and access to other material as the need arises. Most police patrol either on motorbikes, or two to a police vehicle. Special units of up to six officers have been formed to help combat the rash of violence that has swept the city.
Police security points are setup throughout the city, more so as you get closer to the heart of Metropolis and the financial districts. These security points are designed to regulate the flow of people in and out for an area, and to help keep eye out for any wanted criminals. Two officers and a massive amount of surveillance equipment monitor each security point 24 hours a day.
Black Market: all transactions done on the black market are considered illegal, this is both on the buyers and sellers side, all punishment concerning the Black market is based upon the value of the illegal good traded. Punishment: Those found guilty of dealing in the Black Market are subject to a fine of 3 times the value of the items traded and possible jail time.
Cyberweapons: Illegal in all areas of METROPOLIS, though infringement seems to take place in the lower city on a common basis. Punishment: Those found guilty of having Cyberweapons implanted are subject to having the offending cyberware removed, a fine (25,000 M) and possible jail time.
Firearms: Licenses are required for all firearms possessed within the city limits. Licenses are granted to those who the licensing department deems acceptable. The granting of a license is determined by a few factors; who the applicant is, where the applicant lives, and where they work. If the applicant is from the Upper city, the chances of having a license issued is quite high. If, however, the applicant is from the Lower city, their chances diminish greatly, thus explaining why the black market of firearms in the lower city is rampant. Punishment: Those found guilty of owning a firearm without a license can be subject to jail time, and or fines (15-50,000 M).
Illicit Drugs: Illegal in all areas, but not readily enforced, the elite have parties and at Yoshiwara's and in the Club of the Sons, while the common junky dopes up down in the alleys of the Lower city. Punishment: When enforced, usually against only the most blatant offender, those found guilty will be subject to a fine (1000-5000 M), repeat offenders may be subjected to the Worker city.
Murder: As in most societies, the willful taking of a human life has dire consequences. METROPOLIS is no exception, all variables in the crime are taken into account before a verdict is reached. Punishment: those found guilty of murder will see Jail time, or will be executed. lesser variations of homicide (manslaughter, self-defense) will be met with lesser penalties, depending on circumstances.
Prostitution: Illegal in all areas, but not readily enforced, the elite have their girls in the Eternal Gardens and at Yoshiwara's, while the common hooker works down in the alleys of the Lower city. Punishment: When enforced, usually against only the most blatant offender, those found guilty will be subject to a fine (1000-5000 M), repeat offenders may be subjected to the Worker city.
Public Drunkenness: In an effort to keep up a clean front to the city, all revelers must stay confined to specific zones created by the city Masters, some zones are entire districts, while others are confined to a specific building. Punishment: first offence fine (100 M) and jail time to sober up, repeat offenders are subject to stiffer fines
A Note Concerning Fines: a person who is unable (or unwilling) to pay the fines levied by the courts will immediately become an indentured servant, their possessions will be sold to cover as much of the fine as possible, they and their family will be moved to the worker city to pay off the remainder of their dept.
