ADVENT: Organizations

The Peacekeepers

"We exist to enforce the law. No more, no less."

- Amalda Stein, Chief of Peacekeeper Operations

I thought it was terrifying when the soldiers showed up, forced us out of our homes and slaughtered our husbands and sons for just being on the wrong side. Faceless men and women carrying terrifyingly powerful guns, destroying our home and city. I didn't think it could get much worse than losing my son, but the hell we've endured has shown me the error of that thought.

The military, ADVENT as they call them, left soon after sacking our city and a new force came. Peacekeepers they were called. Law enforcement; I knew right away. Of course, the moment the military left, there were those that started to plan a revolt. Revenge for the attack on our people. Fools, idiots who I tried to dissuade. These weren't police, these were soldiers.

No police force is clad in night-black armor, or is armed well enough to be an army in their own right. Keep talk to a minimum, keep your head down and try not to attract the attention of the faceless foreigners that inhabit our home. But they were not content to just let us live, they established curfews, rules, they raided local shops and forced the owners to supply them.

"Enforcing the law," that was what they said to justify it. Then I realized that these people were ruthless, and antagonizing them would only worsen it for everyone. But I could not tell that to the group of young men and women who were grieving their parents, brothers and sisters. How could I? What right could I have to tell them what to do with their lives?

But I wish I'd stopped them now.

I don't know how it happened, but they somehow rigged a bomb and threw it into their headquarters. I do not even know if any were killed, but what resulted was a swift crackdown of the city. I witnessed these "Peacekeepers" shooting bolts of electricity into fleeing kids, teens, and anyone else who looked remotely suspicious. I saw them shock their victims into unconsciousness with those batons, and then looked on as they dragged the bodies away.

No one was permitted to see the proclaimed "terrorists", and attempts by surviving parents were met with nothing. I do not know what ever happened to the ones first taken, but they were not the last. It was then the parents of those kids that came after, some would be called in for interviews or arrested on the spot. Then it moved to mere acquaintances.

It was quite clear what was happening; they wanted to create a culture of fear. They wanted information, and they wanted to remove any sort of resistance to themselves. And it worked. People began voluntarily giving up anything they thought would help them avoid being arrested. All in exchange for ensuring their friends or family weren't arrested or questioned.

It was then we all realized that ADVENT did not make "deals" with us. They know no compromise. If a crime has been committed, then they will arrest, voluntary divulgence or not. The best that could be hoped for is a more lenient sentence. It spoke volumes that ADVENT seemingly had no interest in collaboration. They wanted perfection, a flawless record for all, and if you didn't have that…you were a potential target.

We did not have rights under the Peacekeepers, at least none that were told to me. Maybe there were, but none of us had the courage to actually stand up to them. Because those who did were at best questioned, or at worst sent away. I do not know where they sent the hundreds they arrested, but we never saw them again.

And as one final measure, they have recently picking people at seemingly random and putting some kind of chips in them. I know that because I have one in me now. I know not what it does, or why I was forced to receive it in the first place. All I do know is that it is yet another means for the Peacekeepers to exercise control over a populace. They hold this city with an iron grip.

And I know it will never be free again.

- Journal of Ahmad Hamidi, resident of Zanjan, Iran

Battlemaster,

Per your request, I have instructed several of my operatives to report on this additional Division of ADVENT known as the Peacekeepers. It is and was clearly designed to be the law enforcement arm of ADVENT, but appears to be far more militant in nature, especially when compared to modern human civilizations.

Structure: The Peacekeepers are divided into several subdivisions, of which I will detail below. As you might expect, each subdivision appears to handle a different element of law enforcement than the others. Each subdivision has a respective chief, and all those chiefs answer to the Chief of Peacekeeping Operations, who is currently Amalda Stein (Dossier on her is attached).

The subdivisions are as follows, with a brief description (Full files are available upon request):

State Officers: These are what would be most expected of a law enforcement agency, and State Officers appear to simply follow the duties of a regular officer with the respective authority of one. They are likely to be used in special conjunction with the other subdivisions for making mass arrests or providing support.

Riot Control and Pacification: A self-explanatory title, as this subdivision largely deals with public unrest and rioting. They are naturally more likely to be encountered in areas recently captured by ADVENT where populations are hostile to occupation. They are extremely well-equipped to put down entire crowds with ease, and have no qualms about doing so. However, because of this, most of their weaponry is non-lethal and will not be as effective against Collective forces in the event of a firefight.

State Special Response: Of all the subdivisions, these pose the most direct threat to us. They appear to exist as both a counter-terrorism unit, and special forces of the Peacekeepers. They are primarily used for targeting organized criminal or terrorist elements and eliminating them swiftly. They will be problematic in the event that we want to make inroads in resistance movements or criminal enterprises. They appear to be drawing from the same talent utilized in the Lancer Division, which indicates that SSR Officers are just as dangerous as the best Lancer. Care must be taken when dealing with them.

Uniform: In what is either a tactical move, or act of intimidation, Peacekeeper Officers are clad in armor nearly identical to the known ADVENT soldiers. There are several additional variants beyond the standard officer uniform, with Riot Control Officers having the ability to deploy a semi-transparent riot shield from their bracers, and the SSR Officers wearing heavier armor altogether. In short, they could withstand more attacks from our own forces than we were anticipating.

Weaponry: It varies from subdivision to subdivision. State Officers have standard ADVENT rifles and pistols, but usually no explosive equipment. Riot Control officers will have stun rifles that appear to have been influenced by the XCOM ARC Thrower. There is a possibility that these rifles could be lethal, but we currently do not know for sure. In addition to that, they have an ADVENT pistol and a stun baton of sorts that does have a lethal setting to it. This could prove problematic for our unprotected close-range units. With correct tactics, they could be used as an effective counter to our chryssalid units. Development of counter-tactics is recommended. SSR Officers appear to have the same kind and variance of equipment as the Lancer Division, which is to say, the best ADVENT has to offer.

Tactics: We unfortunately have yet to see Peacekeepers engage in a dedicated firefight, but concerning their tactics for maintaining control, it is largely as follows. The Peacekeepers appear to have an obsession with enforcing order that goes far beyond the normal. They appear to regularly profile citizens and observe them without their knowledge if they consider them a possible threat (Completely legal under ADVENT law).

In addition, they have no issues using lethal force against people refusing to follow instructions, which again is legal, provided their life is in sufficient danger. Peacekeepers have little concern for the health of any in their custody, and feel no obligation to them whatsoever. There is a clear pattern of dehumanization of both criminals and lawbreakers, which, while it has made the Peacekeepers one of the most effective law enforcement units I have ever seen, has also has installed a fear of ADVENT, and the Peacekeepers in particular, especially in regions like the Middle East and South America. Much of this mindset can be traced back the current Chief Amalda Stein, as her philosophy is clearly on display throughout the Peacekeepers.

They are harsh, but effective, and we would be remiss not to take advantage of their more brutal methods when possible. In terms of military threat, only the SSR is legitimately a concern, as the other subdivisions pose minor threats at best. I will forward more information to you as it is gathered.

- Zar'Chon'ravarian'vitiary

Witness statement transcript 516

Witness: Bradly Norris

Officer: Mary Russo

Time: 18:27

[Mary Russo]: "State your name for the record."

[Bradly Norris]: "Bradly Norris."

[MR]: "Noted. We just need to ask you a few questions about what happened and you'll be free to go."

[BN]: "Shouldn't I get a lawyer?"

[MR]: "You are only permitted a lawyer if you are under criminal investigation. Currently you are not. Should that change, it will be permitted."

[BN]: "I'm not?"

[MR]: "Not currently. However, I would like to proceed. Give me an account of what happened leading up to your intervention."

[BN]: "Right, right. I live close enough to work that I normally just walk there. It's usually pretty deserted since I don't normally get off until much later. It's…not a great part of town, but nothing bad has ever happened that I've seen."

[MR]: "Until tonight."

[BN]: "Yeah. I saw that guy being pushed up against the wall and being robbed at knife-point. Decided to do something about it."

[MR]: "Alone? Why not call the Peacekeepers?"

[BN]: "Because it would have been too late, and the police generally avoided that area. Too dangerous, apparently. If I'd known one of your officers was there, I'd have let him deal with it."

[MR]: "I see. Were you not concerned with being hurt yourself?"

[BN]: "Not especially. I don't carry a gun for nothing, and I know how to use it."

[MR]: "Did you try and talk to the man first?"

[BN]: "No."

[MR]: "Why not?"

[BN]: "Because…I don't know. I was worried he would just stab the guy or try and take him hostage. I don't know how to deal with that."

[MR]: "Smart. You shot well. Once in the leg and twice in the chest. He's in critical care now. Do you feel anything hearing that? Do you regret taking the shot?"

[BN]: "I'm not sure I should answer that. I don't want any legal trouble…"

[MR]: "I can promise you that you are not going to be charged for shooting him."

[BN]: "If you're asking if I'm sad he's in critical condition, I'm really not."

[MR]: "Reasonable. Were you aware that the officer was in the area?"

[BN]: "No. Otherwise I would have let him handle it."

[MR]: "Everything lines up. I have no further questions. You are free to go."

[BN]: "That's it?"

[MR]: "Yes, that's all we need. Although in the future I would suggest you call the Peacekeepers. You got lucky this time, but these are the situations we're trained to handle, and being a hero is likely to get you killed."

[BN]: "I'll remember that. Tell that officer thanks for me."

[MR]: "I will do that. Good night, Mr. Norris."

End of transcript

Interview between BBC Anchor Cory Fillion and Chancellor Saudia Vyandar of ADVENT

Cory Fillion: "Chancellor, thank you for joining me tonight."

Saudia Vyandar: "Of course, the sentiment is mutual."

CF: "I will jump straight to the point then. You have outlined your plan for the "Peacekeeping Division" in your Directive, and have actually begun to implement it, correct?"

SV: "Correct. Already we are making incredible progress. I've done my best to work with law enforcement agencies across the world. This was an opportunity to take an objective look at the current systems of the world. Learn what works, what doesn't, and then build a law enforcement that is unchallenged by any of its peers."

CF: "An admirable goal, Chancellor. The scope of this division is certainly…extensive, to say the least. If you don't mind, there are some aspects of it that do seem to go against the norm. But first, why not tell us what you identified as the greatest weakness in public policing?"

SV: "With pleasure. In short, we determined that law enforcement has become too politicized. As a news anchor, you no doubt know of this."

CF: "Police brutality is certainly a topic many are interested in."

SV: "Except in the cases where, and I mean no disrespect here, you are wrong. It is not entirely the fault of the media. Footage can be edited to form narratives, and our research has shown that often times the so-called 'controversies' are unrepresentative of the actual facts. Unfortunately, these rarely come to light until several days later, by which time both the media and public have understandably moved on."

CF: "But there are certainly cases where the footage in question is accurate."

SV: "I did say 'most', not 'all', true. But the issue here isn't even necessarily the issue. The issue we identified is context. Often times it is down to the word of an officer and the video floating around the internet. Public lines are drawn and the incident only serves to separate an already polarized society, because the truth is, Mr. Fillion, that most of the people spreading these narratives do not care about the victim in question. To them, it is simply another tool to promote their own group or agenda."

CF: "A rather broad generalization, Chancellor."

SV: "One that cannot be proven one way or another, that is true. So the simplest solution was to simply remove the uncertainty surrounding any incidents. All Peacekeepers have video capability built into their armor. From this point on there will be no need for edited videos posted on Twitter. The raw sources will be made available in the event of any incidents."

CF: "An admirable step, Chancellor. Although what is to stop the Peacekeepers from editing the video itself to portray themselves in a positive light?"

SV: "We have contingencies in that case. If you have read the guidelines, then you also know the severe penalties for the altering of armor cam footage. We follow the law, Mr. Fillion, and we hold all those accountable, including ourselves. The Peacekeepers make no exceptions, which was purposeful to fix another issue we had identified within law enforcement."

CF: "Which was?"

SV: "Accountability, Mr. Fillion. Accountability within the police. Too often I saw evidence where they refused to deal with their own. Entire departments were compromised by bribes, corruption and a lack of oversight. I presume we are both in agreement that an independent party should ensure they follow the laws they enforce, correct?"

CF: "Certainly."

SV: "Which is why one is established, and punishments for criminal Peacekeepers are more severe than ordinary civilians."

CF: "It is another admirable step, Chancellor. However, the head of this independent party is chosen by you, correct? Can it then be called truly independent?"

SV: "Yes, the head is chosen by me, and it is independent of the Peacekeepers. You can rest assured that I only put forth people who are qualified and can do the job. There are strict requirements they must pass before even being considered by me. Following that, they must be approved by the Congress of Nations. I feel confident saying that they are a sufficiently independent body from the Peacekeepers."

CF: "I see. Now I would specifically draw attention to a portion of your directive where it authorizes officers to use lethal force to defend themselves without fear of legal repercussions. Could you elaborate on it?"

SV: "Of course. We prioritize the lives of our Peacekeepers over those of potential criminals. If they feel their life is in danger, I will not restrict them from utilizing force. If it ends in a fatality, the local department will review the footage from the armor, debrief the officer, and determine if it was malicious or not. If not, then the case is closed."

CF: "That's all well and good if the person is truly a criminal. But what happens if an officer is spooked and accidentally shoots an innocent person instinctively. It isn't malicious, as you clarified, but the officer was nonetheless responsible for an innocent death. Would they receive no punishment?"

SV: "It would vary on the circumstances, of course, but unlikely. I would rather trust the judgement of an officer and live with the knowledge that a policy I approved led to the death of an innocent, than for him to hesitate and die because he was afraid not of the criminal, but of being crucified in the court of public opinion."

CF: "So are you saying the officers are immune to lawsuits brought against them by families of those accidentally killed by them?"

SV: "Essentially, at least those relating to his or her duties. If an officer has committed a crime, the Peacekeepers will deal with it internally. Lawsuits can still be brought against them outside their work as an officer."

CF: "This seems to require a lot of trust in the Peacekeepers."

SV: "The trust will be well-placed, I assure you. Chief Stein is committed to not only keeping order in ADVENT, but stamping out crime altogether."

CF: "An audacious task."

SV: "Quite. But one I know she'll work hard to fulfill."

CF: "One last topic, Chancellor. Over the past few days we've witnessed several protests, particularly in America that were overseen by your…Riot Control. While the officers in question did seem to be legally safe, there is the question as to if they are too…overzealous when dealing with agitators. Some have called it disproportionate."

SV: "Did the agitators physically attempt to attack the officers?"

CF: "Yes."

SV: "Then the response was reasonable. I have little tolerance for agitators, Mr. Fillion, and those who attack law enforcement even less."

CF: "And those who were arrested. Will they get a trial?"

SV: "They will get a sentencing. We have video footage of them committing a crime. With that, a trial can be waived as there is undisputed evidence of criminal activity."

CF: "Is that not stripping them of the ability to legally defend themselves?"

SV: "Of course it is. Except that there is literally video evidence against them. A trial would be superficial and serve to waste time, money and resources, all of which are in short supply these days."

CF: "This has certainly been an illuminating discussion, Chancellor, and I thank you for coming and taking the time to explain this major organization of ADVENT."

SV: "It was my pleasure. Good day, Mr. Fillion."