Security SOP

Authorized by NanoTrasen Security Directorate; all officers must comply unless superseded by Command orders or Corporate Law.

These protocols apply to all personnel under the Security Department (Cadets, Officers, Brigmedics, Warden, Head of Security). Deviation from protocol is permitted only under documented emergency conditions. All actions that affect civil rights (search, arrest, detention, use of force) carry an obligation to document via official Security Forms for review by Command and Internal Affairs.

Roles & Responsibilities

The Security Department is charged with protecting NanoTrasen assets, enforcing Corporate Law, and safeguarding crew aboard the station. Each role carries specific responsibilities, but all Security personnel are expected to uphold professionalism, restraint, and accountability.

Head of Security (HoS)

• Holds ultimate authority over Security operations and personnel.
• Ensures all arrests, searches, and uses of force are lawful and proportional.
• Approves or denies high-level actions such as lethal deployment.
• Oversees prisoner treatment and authorizes parole, early release, or sentence extensions.
• Responsible for reviewing and maintaining Security records and Reports.

Warden

• Directly manages the brig, including prisoner intake, custody, and release.
• Ensures prisoners’ basic needs are met and that brig conditions remain safe.
• Manages brig timers, shock-bag authorization, straightjackets, and restraint decisions.
• Keeps and maintains documentation regarding contraband, firearm and other permissions.
• Documents all prisoner activity and keeps the record system up to date.

Security Officers

• Patrol and respond to incidents across the station.
• Conduct lawful searches and arrests in accordance with SOP and Corporate Law.
• Confiscate contraband and secure evidence.
• Escort prisoners safely to the brig and maintain order during custody.
• Expected to use non-lethal methods wherever possible; lethal force is restricted by alert level and authorization.

Brigmedic

• The Brigmedic is a medical specialist assigned to Security, responsible for the health and safety of prisoners and Security staff within the brig.
• Provides immediate medical care to prisoners, ensuring basic needs are met and preventing deaths in custody.
• Coordinates with the Chief Medical Officer on medical procedures, supplies, and ethical considerations.
• May not conduct arrests, interrogations, or searches, but is permitted to assist Security officers when medically relevant.
• Must maintain confidentiality of patient information, but may disclose medical status to Security if it affects prisoner safety or station security.
• May be issued basic defensive equipment for self-protection (e.g. flash, handcuffs), but is not to be deployed in frontline Security actions.

Detective

• Investigates crimes and suspicious activity, working with Security and Command.
• Collects, analyzes, and secures forensic evidence.
• Files detailed investigation reports and provides testimony in interrogations or trials.
• Coordinates with the Warden for evidence storage and with the HoS for warrants.
• May question suspects or witnesses.

Security Cadet

• Cadets are trainees under the supervision of full Security Officers.
• They are not to be deployed alone; a cadet must always operate alongside a supervising officer or Warden.
• Cadets may observe, assist with patrols, and help manage minor duties (paperwork, prisoner escort) but may not conduct arrests, interrogations, or searches without direct supervision.
• Cadets must not be issued firearms or lethal weaponry, exceptions may apply.
• They may carry basic defensive equipment (baton, flash, handcuffs) but must defer to their supervisor in all uses of force.
• The purpose of the cadet role is to gain practical experience and training; misconduct or unsupervised action may result in immediate dismissal.

General Expectations for All Security Personnel

• Protect the lives of prisoners and crew; negligent deaths in custody are unacceptable.
• Uphold the Rules of Engagement: escalate force gradually and prioritize non-lethals.
• Maintain professional conduct during interrogations; torture or cruel treatment is prohibited.
• Cooperate with Command staff and defer to departmental heads in their areas of responsibility (e.g., CMO for medical issues, RD for anomalous materials).
• File paperwork and records when feasible; in emergencies, summaries may be filed after the situation stabilizes.
• Treat prisoners fairly, allowing opportunities for cooperation and parole where justified, while enforcing discipline against disruptive behavior.

Core Security Protocols

Weapons & Armament

Security personnel may only carry or deploy equipment appropriate to the station’s current alert level. Standard issue gear (uniform, headset, ID, baton/disabler, cuffs) is not regulated here, as they are considered standard-issue. This section defines when escalation equipment (lethal, non-lethal, and tactical) is permitted, what approvals are required, and under which conditions its use is justified.

Use of force must always be proportional to the threat. Non-lethal options are preferred wherever feasible. Documentation (via Weapon/Equipment Permit Form) is required whenever gear is issued beyond standard Code Green equipment.

Discouraged	Equipment	Code Green	Code Blue	Code Red / Delta	Code Violet
Core Non-Lethals	Non-lethal tools (baton, disabler, taser, cuffs)	Permitted	Permitted (actively encouraged)	Permitted	Permitted
	Bolas / Tasers	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted	Permitted (preferred over firearms to avoid contagion spread)
	Flashers / Area denial	Permitted (placement requires Warden/HoS approval)	Permitted (deployment at officer discretion)	Permitted	Permitted with caution (avoid obstructing containment or evacuation)
Grenades & Chemical Agents	Flashbangs / Stun grenades	Permitted with HoS/Warden approval	Authorized	Authorized	Permitted with HoS/Warden approval
	Non-Lethal grenades (Stingers)	Prohibited	Permitted with HoS/Warden approval	Authorized	Discouraged – risk of aerosol spread; only in open spaces
	Tear Gas / Chemical Irritants	Permitted with HoS/Warden approval	Authorized for riot control	Authorized	Prohibited – may propagate contagion.
Firearms & Ammunition	Non-Lethal ammo (Rubber / Beanbag)	Prohibited	Permitted (preferred escalation step before lethals)	Recommended	Discouraged
	Long guns (shotgun/SMG/rifle)	Prohibited	Permitted with HoS/Warden approval	Authorized department-wide	Restricted – authorized only for suppression of violent infectees or biohazard breaches
	Lethal explosives / grenades	Prohibited	Prohibited	Permitted with Captain + HoS authorization	Prohibited
Defensive Gear	Riot Shields / Ballistic Shields	Permitted for brig escorts or drills	Permitted (as needed)	Authorized for all staff	Authorized
	Riot / Ballistic Armor	Permitted for escorts/brig ops	Permitted (at officer discretion)	Authorized for all staff	Permitted (at officer discretion)
	Hardsuits (EVA/Combat)	Prohibited (unless environmental hazard)	Permitted for EVA/space ops with HoS approval	Authorized	Permitted for EVA/space ops with HoS approval
Containment & Specialized Tools	Biosuit / Gear	Permitted	Permitted	Required for detainees	Mandatory for bio-containment

• Note – Category-7 Screening: Code Blue+ permits compulsory biological testing for suspected infiltrators per Corporate Law#Category-7 Biohazards.

Searches & Arrests

Searches and arrests must follow proper authorization, depending on the station’s alert level. Rules for warrants, random searches, refusals, and detention limits are summarized here:

Action	Code Green	Code Blue	Code Red / Delta	Code Violet
Searches – General	Permitted only with warrant (Warden/HoS) or urgent probable cause	Permitted if suspicion exists; random searches in affected areas allowed	Permitted station-wide without warrant	Permitted station-wide; all crew subject to bio-screening and isolation if exposure suspected.
Refusal of Search	Refusal of casual search not arrestable; refusal of warrant-based search = arrest	Refusal = grounds for detention until resolved by HoS/Command	Refusal = immediate detainment	Immediate detainment; refusal constitutes containment breach and may justify forced restraint.
Arrest Authority	Officers may arrest for witnessed crimes or with warrant	Officers may arrest based on reasonable suspicion and evidence (contraband, witness reports)	Officers may arrest on suspicion alone if consistent with threat level	Officers may detain or relocate any crew under quarantine order. CMO/HoS may jointly authorize compulsory medical testing.
Detention Duration	Up to 15 minutes; longer requires Warden/HoS approval	Up to 30 minutes; longer requires HoS/Command approval	Indefinite detention permitted for duration of crisis	Indefinite isolation permitted until Medical/Command clearance; medical custody supersedes legal sentence length.

Bio-Containment Enforcement (Code Violet only)

• The HoS, in coordination with the CMO, may order the lockdown or bolting of compartments to prevent movement.
• Security may restrict or revoke general access to hallways, departmental lobbies, and airlocks to enforce quarantine zones.
• Any personnel leaving a restricted area without clearance may be detained under containment breach grounds.
• Non-Security staff are not to perform quarantine enforcement unless explicitly deputized.
• Use of open flames, explosives, or pressure-altering weapons inside infected zones is prohibited to avoid pathogen aerosolization.
• Security is responsible for establishing safe corridors for Medical and Engineering response teams.
• Command staff must ensure a clear chain of command between Security, Medical, and Engineering during the emergency.

Prisoner Treatment

The lawful confinement of crew is a matter of order and safety, not cruelty. Security staff are expected to uphold NanoTrasen standards of humane treatment at all times.

Basic Needs & Safety

• Prisoners must always be provided for in terms of air, food, water, and medical attention.
• Confinement must not expose prisoners to environmental hazards. In the event of fire, depressurization, or atmospheric disturbance, prisoners must be evacuated or relocated in the same manner as free crew.
• A prisoner’s life remains under Security’s protection; negligent deaths in custody will be investigated as misconduct.

Restraints & Control

• Prisoners should not be restrained unless they are a harm to themselves or other crew.
• Standard restraints (handcuffs) are sufficient for most cases.
• Straightjackets or more restrictive measures may be applied only if a prisoner attempts to damage brig infrastructure, attacks other inmates, or poses a credible danger.
• Prisoners with a heightened escape risk may have a shock-bag attached, or a subdermal tracker implanted into them. This device allows Security to remotely deploy non-lethal electric shocks in the event of escape attempts or violent behavior. Use of shock-bags must be authorized by the Head of Security or Captain and documented.
• Prisoners must not be left in restraints indefinitely once the immediate threat has passed.

Gear Confiscation

• Upon sentencing, prisoners must have all personal gear confiscated and secured in a designated prisoner locker.
• Confiscated gear will be returned once the sentence is served, unless it constitutes contraband.
• For particularly short sentences (five minutes or less), Security may use discretion in confiscation, but harmful or suspicious items must still be removed.
• Any contraband discovered is to be confiscated. Prisoners may appeal for its return after their release; appeals must be directed to the Head of Security or Captain.

Cooperation & Leniency

• Prisoners may be offered reduced sentences if they cooperate constructively with Security or Command. Examples include:
  • Providing information on criminal activities, codewords, or contraband sources.
  • Testifying as a witness against other offenders.
  • Assisting with ongoing investigations in ways consistent with their custody.
• Cooperation agreements must be documented in the prisoner’s file and confirmed by the Head of Security or Captain.

Behavior & Early Release

• Prisoners who demonstrate good behavior during their sentence — showing compliance, non-violence, and respect for regulations — may be considered for early release.
• Prisoners who continue hostile, destructive, or dangerous behavior may be denied parole or subject to sentence extensions.
• Decisions on early release or parole denial must be logged and justified in the prisoner’s file.

Prohibitions

• Torture, arbitrary execution, starvation, or reckless endangerment of prisoners is prohibited.
• Prisoners may not be used as test subjects, experimental material, or otherwise placed at risk outside of their lawful sentence.

Search Warrants & Access

Searches are an intrusive measure and must be carried out with care, professionalism, and proper authorization. Unauthorized or frivolous searches erode trust and may constitute misconduct.

Authority to Search

• Security Officers may search crew only under the following conditions:
  • The subject is under arrest or there is clear evidence of wrongdoing.
  • Alert status of Blue and higher.
  • A lawful search order has been issued by the Warden, Head of Security, Captain, Magistrate, or Internal Affairs Agent.
• Searches of departmental offices, Command areas, or secure facilities require authorization from the relevant Head of Staff and HoS. In exceptional cases, the Captain may sign in lieu of the relevant Head of Staff.
• Private quarters (crew dormitories or personal offices) may not be searched without a warrant signed by the Captain, Magistrate, or Head of Security.

Scope of Searches

• Searches must be proportional to the suspected offense. A minor infraction does not justify a full strip search unless there is reason to suspect hidden contraband.
• Areas not relevant to the investigation must not be disrupted. Once a search is complete, the area is to be restored to its prior state as much as practicable.
• Confiscated items must be logged and secured in accordance with evidence handling procedures.

Search Warrants

• A Search Warrant Form must be completed whenever Security enters a private area (quarters, offices, or research labs) without the consent of the owner.
• Warrants must state:
  • The area to be searched.
  • The justification for the search.
  • The authorizing officer (Captain, HoS, Magistrate, or IAA).
  • The date, time, and officers executing the search.
• A copy of the warrant must be filed in Security records, and another provided to the subject once practical.

Special Considerations

• Searches of the Captain’s Quarters, AI Core, or Research Director’s secure labs require explicit approval from both the HoS and Captain, unless exigent circumstances demand immediate action.
• Medical areas should be searched with discretion; patient privacy must be balanced against security needs. The CMO should be informed whenever practicable.
• During evacuation procedures, search protocols may be suspended if time does not permit.

Prohibitions

• Security staff may not conduct random or arbitrary searches without cause.
• Searches carried out without proper authorization or without a filed warrant (where required) are considered abuse of power and may result in disciplinary action.

Rules of Engagement & Use of Force

Security personnel are entrusted with the defense of the station and its crew. The use of force must be consistent, proportional, and documented. Force is never to be used for punishment, intimidation, or convenience.

General Principles

• Officers are expected to use the minimum necessary force to achieve lawful objectives.
• Non-lethal methods must always be prioritized before resorting to lethal methods, unless there is an immediate lethal threat.
• Escalation of force must be gradual and justified by the threat level.

Escalation of Force

1. Verbal Command – Clear instruction to stop unlawful activity or surrender.
2. Physical Restraint / Non-Lethal – Use of batons, flashes, pepper spray, or tasers.
3. Specialized Non-Lethals – Flashbangs, tear gas, bolas, shotguns with beanbag rounds.
4. Lethal Weaponry – Firearms, live ammunition, and other deadly means.

Rules by Alert Level

• Code Green (Normal Operations)
  • Lethal force is prohibited except in cases of self-defense against an immediate lethal threat.
  • All standard arrests must be carried out with verbal commands and non-lethal tools.

• Code Blue (Elevated Threat to Part of the Station)
  • Non-lethal force remains the standard.
  • Lethal force may only be used if suspects present an active lethal threat, are heavily armed, or are confirmed to be hostile operatives.
  • The Head of Security or Captain may authorize pre-emptive lethal readiness for officers when the threat is credible and imminent.

• Code Red (Station-Wide Threat)
  • Security may prepare and carry lethal weapons openly.
  • Lethal force is authorized against confirmed armed hostiles, existential threats, or operatives.
  • Officers should still use non-lethals where practical, especially for crew who may be coerced, misled, or under anomalous influence.

• Code Violet (Virulent / Biological Threat)
  • Primary objective is quarantine and controlled movement. Security is empowered to enforce isolation orders and shaped traffic (clean → warm → hot zones).
  • Security may openly carry lethal weapons for perimeter defense and breach response, but non-lethals remain preferred for infected crew to enable capture and treatment.
  • Medbay is to be secured as the treatment hub. If this is infeasible, the evacuation shuttle arrival area is to be secured and used as a triage/distribution point.
  • Command may order widespread screening and sealing of Secure Areas (see Code Violet – Security Execution). Bolting and access control at Command direction are unrestricted.
  • Use of chemical agents that risk aerosolizing pathogens requires HoS and CMO approval.

• Code Delta (Nuclear Threat)
  • Equivalent to Code Red. Lethal force is fully authorized station threats.
  • All Security staff are expected to deploy at maximum readiness.

Special Cases

• Evading Prisoners – Non-lethal methods should be used to recapture, unless the prisoner poses an imminent lethal threat.
• Hostage Situations – Lethal force must be used with extreme caution. Priority is the preservation of hostages.
• Anomalous Entities – Force level should be determined by Research or Command guidance, but Security may escalate immediately if the entity is violent or uncontrollable.

Prohibitions

• Lethal force is never to be used as punishment.
• “Shoot on sight” orders against crew are unlawful unless issued by the Captain or HoS in Code Red/Delta situations with explicit justification.
• Indiscriminate use of explosives or area-effect weaponry is forbidden unless no other options remain to protect the station.

Contraband & Permits

Contraband items vary in severity, from disruptive tools to black-market weaponry. While Security must safeguard the station from their misuse, NanoTrasen policy allows contraband to be authorized for legitimate purposes when properly permitted.

Contraband Category	Examples	Who Can Authorize	Notes
Minor Contraband	Advanced tools, stimulants, hacking devices, illegal clothing	Warden / Head of Security	May be permitted with conditions; permit must specify duration and purpose
Major Contraband	Firearms, explosives, restricted armor, high-capacity weapons	Captain	Permits must be stamped by the Captain; restrictions (ammo limits, area use) may apply
Syndicate Contraband	Uplinks, advanced infiltration gear, hostile-origin weapons	Central Command	Cannot be permitted on-station without CC approval; possession without permit is treason
Encryption Keys / Hostile Comms Headsets	Keys or headsets allowing monitoring of enemy communications	Not Required	Explicitly permitted; considered a valid counterintelligence measure

Weapons & Ammunition Permits

• Crew may receive weapons at the discretion of the Warden or HoS, provided a permit is issued.
• Ammunition and supplies from the armory may also be provided under the same permit system.
• Permits must specify the weapon, contraband, or supply type, the recipient, and duration of authorization.
• Permits are mandatory for accountability; without a permit, possession of contraband remains unlawful.

Salvage Cooperation

• Salvage operations frequently recover items that classify as contraband under Corporate Law. To reduce friction and maintain efficiency, an understanding exists between Security and Salvage Command.
• By default, contraband may be retained aboard the salvage shuttle without interference, provided it does not leave the vessel.
• Bringing contraband onto the station requires a formal permit issued by the Warden, HoS, or Captain (depending on category). Without such a permit, possession aboard station grounds is unlawful.
• Syndicate contraband remains prohibited under all circumstances without Central Command authorization.
• Security will not actively pursue contraband stored and kept on the salvage shuttle, provided Salvage does not display, misuse, or smuggle it into the station.
• Salvage crews are reminded that this agreement is not blanket immunity: if contraband is used against the station or shown publicly, Security is obligated to confiscate and act.

Documentation

• Permits are the primary required record for contraband authorization. They must identify the item, recipient, authorizing officer, and any conditions imposed.
• Routine confiscations or incidental discoveries of contraband do not require formal paperwork unless tied to an active case or trial.
• Neglecting to issue permits when contraband or weapons are deliberately released to crew is considered negligence.

Legal Cross-References & Special Cases

The following topics are governed by Corporate Law. SOP provides only the procedural interface (approvals, verification, documentation). All definitions, thresholds, and exemptions are authoritative in Corporate Law.

• Religious Freedom: Corporate Law#Religious Freedom
• Silicon Clause: Corporate Law#Silicon Clause
• Changelings: Corporate Law#Changelings
• Carnival Treaties (Clowns & Mimes): Corporate Law#Clowns

If SOP text is silent or conflicts with Corporate Law on these topics, Corporate Law controls. Command or Internal Affairs may resolve ambiguities.

Religious Ceremony Exemption Warrants (Reference)

Substantive rule

See Corporate Law#Religious Freedom.

Authority

The Captain or Head of Personnel (HoP) may issue Religious Ceremony Exemption Warrants strictly for minor crimes and only within the explicitly named gathering space and time window.

Security procedure

1. Verify the warrant scope (crime(s), time window, location) and post/record it at the venue; record in station security records.
2. Enforce boundaries: the warrant does not extend beyond the named space/time or beyond minor crimes.
3. Willing sacrifice requires Security verification of voluntariness out of earshot of clergy/peers; confirm identity and free consent.
4. Required records: Voluntary Act Acknowledgement (subject’s signature). If coercion suspected, deny the ceremony and notify HoS and IAA.

Silicons & Enforcement (Reference)

Substantive rule

See Corporate Law#Silicon Clause.

Security procedure

1. Custody & ownership: Seizure or “liberation” of a Silicon constitutes Grand Theft per law; arrests target the human actor issuing unlawful orders.
2. Attribution: If a Silicon acted under orders, open/extend the case on the order-giver. If a Silicon is unbound/rogue, charge it as responsible.
3. Use of force: Escalate against violence to or by Silicons as with sentient crew for force thresholds; RD advises on charge selection per law.
4. Law modifications: RD leads; HoS secures perimeter; Captain signs if policy demands. Record rationale and final law set.
5. Hostile non-NT Silicons: Treat as non-crew hostile entities under Code Red/Delta engagement rules.

Category-7 Biohazard Procedures (Reference)

Substantive rule

See Corporate Law#Category-7 Biohazards.

Security procedure

1. Compulsory biological screening may be ordered on Code Blue or higher when there is credible suspicion that an individual is an unauthorized biological entity, parasitic infection, or otherwise non-human organism disguised as crew.
2. Screening authority: HoS, Captain, or CMO may jointly authorize biological testing; Security is responsible for safe custody.
3. Proof standard: Positive bio-test confirmation is required before any irreversible action. Testimony, hearsay, or subjective claims are insufficient.
4. Containment or neutralization of confirmed Category-7 entities is authorized immediately under Code Blue+ protocols, using lethal measures only when non-lethal containment or quarantine is infeasible.
5. Suspects remain under Security protection until confirmed; non-lethal force is preferred unless they present a lethal threat or attempt to breach containment.

Carnival Treaties – Limited Exemptions (Reference)

Substantive rule

See Corporate Law#Clowns.

Security procedure

1. First-offense minor exemptions (Trespass, Disturbance, Impersonation, Fraud) apply to Clowns only and do not stack back-to-back. Issue a warning/release and add a note in the station security records to prevent immediate repeats.
2. Vow of Silence enforcement: Clowns may legally harass Mimes who break the Vow within non-violent bounds (e.g., non-violent pranks, excessive honking, public shaming). If conduct escalates to assault, vandalism, or theft, enforce standard law.
3. Crew other than Clowns have no exemptions; treat per standard Corporate Law.
4. Addendum 2525 (implementation): On Cult Incursion or confirmed involvement with "Giggles-at-Crimes", and with Captain or Central Command authorization:
   • Implant tracking in all Clowns.
   • Arrange mind-shielding for all Mimes.
   • Optionally issue elevated security authorization to mind-shielded Mimes as directed by Command.
   • File a Command Order and notify Central Command.

Documentation & Records

Proper documentation protects both Security staff and the station from liability. While operational tempo may not always allow for full paperwork, officers are expected to keep records whenever feasible and to complete missing documentation once the situation stabilizes.

General Principles

• Paperwork is encouraged, not to obstruct, but to ensure clarity and accountability.
• When time is short, officers may proceed with immediate action first, but should file or complete records afterward.
• Failure to record major actions (e.g., arrests or weapon/contraband permits) is considered negligence.

Required Records

• Search Warrant Form – required for private area searches (dorms, offices, Captain’s Quarters, RD Lab, AI Core). Must include authorization and justification.
• Execution Order / Execution & DNR Order – Final directive authorizing capital execution and permanent prohibition of resuscitation or cloning, pursuant to NanoTrasen Corporate Law
• Parole Order – Official directive releasing an individual from confinement under specified conditions and supervision
• Contraband Permit – Authorizes conditional possession of restricted items
• Equipment Permit – Conditional use of restricted or hazardous equipment
• Firearm Permit – For routine issue of sidearms, longarms and standard energy weapons. Quick armory handover form.
• Special Armarment – Permit Required for grenades/throwables, explosives, high-risk melee, chemical agents, prototypes and other non-standard devices.
• Arrest Report – Filed by Security personnel to document the detention, charges, and disposition of an arrested individual
• Case File – Filed by the Detective or Investigating Officer to document the findings, evidence, and outcome of a criminal investigation
• Malfunction / Incident Report – required if silicons or anomalies are involved in Security operations.

Filing & Access

• Completed forms must be stored safely and brought to Central Command after the end of the shift.
• Copies of high-level reports (Malfunction, Execution & DNR Order) must be forwarded to the Head of Security and made available to Command.
• Internal Affairs or the Magistrate, if present, may request review of any record at any time.

Practical Leeway

• In cases of overwhelming emergencies (mass casualty events, Code Delta), minimal records may be kept during the crisis. Officers must file summaries afterward as soon as feasible.
• Short-term detentions (under five minutes, such as brief searches or sobriety checks) do not require paperwork beyond brig timer use, unless evidence is confiscated.
• Officers are trusted to use judgment, but repeated neglect of records will be considered misconduct.

Prohibitions

• Fabrication, alteration, or destruction of official records is evidence tampering and a serious crime.
• Officers may not withhold or conceal records from Command or Internal Affairs review.

Exceptional Circumstances

No SOP can anticipate every threat or situation that may arise aboard a NanoTrasen station. Security is expected to uphold these procedures whenever possible, but in extraordinary emergencies flexibility is required.

• In situations where strict adherence to SOP would endanger the crew or the station, the Head of Security may authorize deviations.
• The HoS is expected to document and justify such decisions after the fact; accountability is not removed, but the priority is survival of the station and crew.
• Officers acting under the HoS’s lawful orders during emergencies are shielded from liability, provided they acted in good faith.
• The Captain may also authorize deviations from SOP if the HoS is unavailable or incapacitated.
• In all cases, deviations should be minimized, and normal SOP should be resumed as soon as conditions allow.

Security personnel are reminded that SOP is a framework, not a straitjacket. Officers are entrusted with judgment; at times, decisive action outside of procedure will be the only option. At worst, the HoS must be prepared to defend their decision before Command or Central, but protection of the station and crew always takes precedence.

Closing Note

The Security Department exists to safeguard both NanoTrasen’s interests and the lives of the crew. Officers are not enforcers for their own sake, but guardians of order and protectors of those under their custody. Professionalism, restraint, and accountability are expected in every action, whether making an arrest, storing evidence, or caring for a prisoner.

Security must remember that the crew are not the enemy: negligence, cruelty, or misuse of authority erodes trust and weakens the station. At the same time, decisive action against true threats is essential to station survival.

By following this SOP, officers ensure that justice is applied consistently, that the station remains secure, and that every action taken by Security can withstand scrutiny from Command and Central. The balance of discipline and fairness is the hallmark of NanoTrasen Security.