Law Enforcement Organizations in T2K

[Raellus]

Something Web posted in another thread got me thinking again about what civilian law enforcement would look like in the Twilight World, especially here in the States.

I wonder what the average quality of civilian law enforcement organizations would be like in the later years of the war (after the TDM, in particular). In the U.S., I wonder what proportion of law enforcement officers are reservists or National Guard. In the event of WWIII, most of those men and women who are would be called up to active duty. In addition to recalled reservists and activated guardsmen, a lot of younger, patriotic officers, deputies, patrolmen, etc. would likely voluntarily enlist (I don't know if/how the draft would apply to folks in law enforcement). In other words, the creme-de-la-creme would be skimmed off by the armed forces. Who would be left behind?

Furthermore, attrition in large cities, especially ones hit by nukes, would be high for law enforcement and other first responders. As MilGov and CivGov snipe at each other, and organized militia groups like New America step up their violent activities, this attrition would only increase. Just dealing with looters and street gangs would take its toll. Add all of these factors up, and what are you left with? Worst case scenario is that law enforcement in the U.S. c.2000 would be the dregs of its pre-war self. In some spots, orgnanized local government law enforcement might be altogether absent. In others, what serves as law enforcement might be just as bad as the local criminal elements (if not worse).

Currently, here in S. Arizona, a couple of county sheriffs are only a few steps removed from fledgling marauder bosses. Sherriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County (made famous by making county inmates wear pink undies and jumpsuits) is being investigated by the Justice Department for various Civil Rights Law infringements/violations. In some ways, he's only a few short steps removed from a feudal lord. I can only imagine what he'd do if the Feds were distracted by a world war. Just recently, conservative Republlican Sherriff Paul Babeau of Pinal County gave up his run for senate when a illegal immigrant male lover reported that Babeau threatened to have him deported if he left him or told anyone about the affair.

This is a pretty pesimistic projection, I know, but it doesn't seem too far fetched to imagine some parts of the country starting to look like one of the sets from Mad Max.

What do you think?

[weswood]

I seem to remember from my reservists days that certain proffessions, law enforcement & firemen specifically, can turn down or maybe not be called up at all.

[Targan]

I think that during the Twilight War and particularly after the TDM, many retired police officers would return to the force (too old to enlist in the military or be drafted but still well able to perform law enforcement duties).

[TrailerParkJawa]

I think pre-war police forces would be rare. Perhaps little towns in Jericho might stay intact. But for a big city like San Jose not very likely any pre-war organziation and structure would survive.

Justice will be local and probably brutal. Even if its dealt out my the equivelant of the town Sheriff or local neigborhood watch

[Webstral]

There are a lot of variables. We have the example of Manhattan, where municipal government has collapsed completely. But we know that the actual Mayor of New York continues to hold office in the Bronx (I think). The surviving cops probably are much rougher and readier than they ever used to be in every part of the country. However, in communities where order remains there needs to be a means of enforcing the law that is more sophisticated than having Joe Militiaman butt stroke folks to the ground.

[Tombot]

Originally Posted by Targan

I think that during the Twilight War and particularly after the TDM, many retired police officers would return to the force (too old to enlist in the military or be drafted but still well able to perform law enforcement duties).

Yep, i guess thats right. The return of the older cops as a cadre for building up the militias. Which do both; policework and defense of the local grainstore from marauders.
And public hangings, since the TV-entertainment must be substituted somehow.

[Medic]

I believe, the law enforcement would pretty much turn back to the Wild West style. It might be, there are no pros left, so the communities elect the best/most popular candidate or someone just takes up the job without consulting his fellow residents. And since there is not going to be judges around too much either, the result is most probably going to be the "sheriff" acting as judge, jury and executioner. If he has no actual training as a peace officer, innocent casualties are more than expected.

Quoting an old Beetle Bailey strip where Chaplain Staneglass tells Brigadier General Amos T. Halftrack "If power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely." Having seen this happen even outside huge (inter)national emergencies, I tend to think, those people who most covet the positions of power are those who should be the last to have them...

[Webstral]

Almost every variation imaginable is likely to be found in post-Exchange America and across the globe.