The WDSA
Ranks and Badges
All entry-level/low-priority positions are given the rank of Bronze. This includes things like medical interns, new police cadets in training, clerk and filing positions, and basic laboratory functions just to name a few examples. While Bronze is the entry-level position in the WDSA, individuals who stay in lower responsibility positions or who are not sufficiently senior to be trusted to act on their own initiative may remain in Bronze rank. Silver
Silver rank covers a wider range of intermediary positions and some supervisory or team-lead roles. Many agents in the field, civil liaisons, or senior nurses and doctors bear Silver badges. Silver rank can be accrued by seniority, after a fashion, and usually carries more advanced duties and a more complex workload. A Silver rank carries a level of responsibility not seen in bronze, and while not all Silver ranks are supervisors, all supervisors are at minimum silver ranking. If you are a leader of a single team or group, or an individual of some seniority within the WDSA, you are likely a silver rank. Gold
Those who bear a Gold rank occupy the top ladder positions. These are heads of departments, Heads of Districts, or Branch Management positions. Gold rankings carry the workload, responsibility, and importantly the decision-making power of a department head of a university, or a board member of a company. While rarely these might be the equivalent of a 'minister without portfolio' and work on their own, a gold rank is more typically going to head a larger branch of the WDSA institute. If you are in a position of greater responsibility and have multiple teams under your direction, you are likely of gold rank.
Departments
Medical
Many supernatural species have unique physiology and health requirements that render standard human medicines and procedures ineffective. Special medical facilities are spread throughout the city and the Underground to cater to the needs of non-human and magical creatures. Except for those in the Underground, these facilities are disguised from the general human public, either labeled as niche specialist offices or cloaked by magic to appear as something mundane. Some human hospitals even have secret floors and hidden wings, accessible only by those with WDSA-approved clearance.Science and Research
In order to provide the best medical care possible, as well as fair legislation, representation, and to maintain appropriate habitats, an in-depth understanding of supernaturals and their abilities is necessary. This branch is dedicated to the ongoing research and understanding of supernatural biology, abilities, weaknesses, and magic in all of its forms. As a result, it often overlaps with the medical department in direct research settings. They often work closely with the investigative division of Law Enforcement, assisting in the identification of magics and/or species involved in a criminal incident. Similarly, they also work hand-in-hand with Civil Services to help ensure the best possible fit for supers in the ever-changing landscape of modern society living.Civil Services
This department handles the less glorious jobs of maintaining the civil matters of the citizenry. They handle the licensing and registration of new supernatural residents, assist with job placement and housing, conduct census, manage banks and financing, educational and childcare services, etc. They manage blood donation services for the local vampires, cadaver processing and delivery for man-eaters, protect "historical sites" for local spirits, and other such necessary services. This department also handles postal services, public transit and city maintenance for the Underground. Civil Liaisons are individuals that serve as a point of contact between the WDSA and the residents on a person-to-person level. They will often visit residents in their homes, or at designated meeting areas to conduct surveys and ensure that the super in question feels safe and content with the city and the services overall. It is common for "high-risk" or particularly sensitive supers to have a specific liaison officer to check in with them at regular intervals.Law Enforcement
This department manages the investigation and prosecution of crimes related to supernatural beings and their effects. They function a bit like a combination of a standard police force and the FBI. There are beat cops that work patrol routes, as well as emergency responders, detectives and forensic investigators. Special undercover contacts within the city's police and emergency services keep their eyes open for unusual reports, and when a supernatural element is discovered, pass cases to the WDSA. To the public, WDSA officers are indistinguishable from regular police and FBI agents; they are the most publicly discreet branch after Medical. Below is a flowchart of its divisions.
Directors are the heads of the four Primary Departments of the WDSA and responsible only to the WDSA's leader. Together they make up the Board of Directors, the primary governing body that controls the WDSA's movements. Directors are appointed by candidacy, often selected and sponsored by other members of the Board, but not always. Promotion to this office requires a vote of the Board and approval from the WDSA's leader. Deputy Director
Deputy directors oversee all of the WDSA Departments' domestic and intelligence activities, as well as a number of other functions, and serve as acting director in the director's absence. Assistant Director
Assistant Directors are the heads of the different Branches making up the Supernatural Law Enforcement Department. It is above the rank of Agent, but an Assistant Director may occasionally be referred to as an agent as they still qualify as active field agents despite being a part of the administrative staff. Assistant Directors can be promoted to the position of Deputy Director. Silver Initiative Intake Program (SII)
The Silver Initiative is the intake program for those agents of WSPA interested in obtaining the Gold Badge. The intake program runs for a course of 5 months and combines elite learning and combat classes with on the job field training. The Training Division and Human Resources pre-assign candidates for the Silver Initiative to corresponding volunteering Gold Badge agents who will act as their senior officer and tutor. Silver Badge candidates then become understudies to their assigned officer. The majority of this program takes place in live field environments and ends with an exam. Office of Public Affairs (OPA)
The Office of Public Affairs supports WSPA's operational priorities by facilitating publicity that encourages helpful public reputation. It also coordinates and develops relationships with the media and with the publishing, motion picture, television, radio and entertainment industries to promote WDSA cover stories and ensure mundane depictions of WDSA's law enforcement activities. Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)
The Office of Professional Responsibility, reporting directly to the Charms and Public Relations, is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct involving agents that relate to the exercise of authority by law enforcement personnel. Records Management(RM)
RM is responsible for the release and classification of records. It also maintains, secures and ensures all data in the WDSA is regulated to only those with the authorized clearance levels. Records Management reports directly to the Deputy Director. Resource Office (RO)
RO is responsible for supplying WDSA agents with the necessary tools to complete their tasks. Equipment of both a mundane and magical nature is maintained, authorized and released through the Resource Office. Inspection Division
The WDSA has implemented self-imposed policy for conducting investigations and operations with the intention of protecting civil rights. The internal policies and guidelines often hold us to a stricter standard than what the Department of Justice mandates by law. The Inspection Division makes sure WSPA personnel work within all of the set parameters in a transparent and impartial process. INTELLIGENCE BRANCH Directorate of Intelligence (DOI)
The Directorate is the strategic leader of the WDSA's Intelligence Program and ensures collaboration to achieve seamless integration of intelligence sectors and enforcement operations. It proactively engages with the Bureau’s partners across the intelligence and law enforcement communities. By overseeing intelligence policy and guidance, the Intelligence Branch ensures WSPA's intelligence production remains objective and strikes the correct balance between strategic and tactical work. Office of Partner Engagement (OPE)
The OPE maintains active relationships and meets regularly with executive boards of law enforcement associations, key members of federal agencies, and operational divisions within the WSPA. The OPE maintains these relationships to ensure the cooperation of other federal, state, and local law enforcement when working alongside WSPA's investigative and operational work. CRIMINAL, CYBER AND RESPONSE BRANCH Criminal Investigative Division (CID)
The CID is the primary component within the WSPA, responsible for overseeing WDSA investigations of both traditional crimes like narcotics trafficking and violent crime, as well as acting as the response team for supernatural outbursts. The CID is the WSPA's largest operational division and contains the WDSA Dispatch Offices. Occult Investigative Division (OID)
The Occult Investigative Division deals primarily with a magical or occult crime. It is responsible for overseeing investigations into ritual murder, suicide, hauntings and other such non-physical perils such as curses. The OID does not primarily see field combat and works collaboratively with the CID to handle the apprehension of occult-related criminals. Cyber Division (CD)
CD heads the effort to investigate and prosecute internet crimes, including "cyber-based terrorism, espionage, computer intrusions, and major cyber fraud." This division of the WSPA uses the information it gathers during an investigation to inform operations divisions and track known or suspected criminal movement. It focuses around three main priorities: computer intrusion, identity theft, and cyber fraud. The Cyber Division also simultaneously supports WSPA priorities across program lines, assisting with counter-intelligence and other criminal investigations when aggressive technological investigative assistance is required. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BRANCH Operational Technology Division (OTD)
The Operational Technology Division develops and deploys technology-based solutions to enable and enhance the WDSA's intelligence, security, and law enforcement operations. OTD is staffed with a wide array of highly-skilled and multi-disciplined agents, engineers, electronic technicians, forensic examiners, and analysts who support operations personnel with advanced electronic surveillance, digital forensics, technical surveillance, tactical operations, and communications capabilities. Laboratory Division (LD)
The Laboratory Division consists of 300 experts and special agents working in a state-of-the-art facility to provide forensic exams, technical support, and advanced training to operations personnel and partners. They are responsible for both on the field forensic collection and laboratory examinations, such as examining DNA, analyzing fingerprints and linking bomb fragments to suspects, as well as researching genetic abnormalities and supernatural viruses as they appear in the populace. HUMAN RESOURCES BRANCH Training Division (TD)
The Training Division is dedicated to being a premier law enforcement learning and research center focused on Supernatural crime. Beyond learning how to avoid or negate a dragon's breath attacks, the Training Division also supplies recruits and even tenured agents with additional instruction. Some examples of the courses that are mandatory for all WDSA law enforcement agents include: Firearms, Tactical and Emergency Vehicle Operations, Survival Skills, Basic Field Training (Intermediate and Advanced are optional), Driving, Antimagic Tactics. The Training Division takes up three floors of the WDSA building and are heavily reinforced to prevent accidental damage. Security Division (SD)
The Security Division has developed its programs and specialized training to protect and keep WSPA personnel, information, operations, and facilities secure. The Security Division is responsible for maintaining HQ, WDSA safe houses and perimeters. Though SD is not field-operational they are equally trained for combat. Human Resources(HR)
HR is responsible for all internal human/supernatural resources needs and for overseeing the Training Division in training new agents at acceptable standards.
Law Enforcement Field Agent Team Breakdown
Fireteams Fireteams are a 4-man tactical unit made up of agents with specific roles. Fireteams are responsible for responding to threats that require strategic intervention beyond basic agent responses, similar to SWAT teams. They are often made up of two sets of partners working together, but this may not always be the case. Fireteams are created and organized by the Assistant Director for Criminal, Cyber and Response Branch. Roles are assigned by skill set and not by request.- Fireteam Leader (often a frontliner, but not always)
- Support (responsible for surveillance and tactical/combat support)
- Frontliner (combat specialist, melee)
- The Jack (often just called 'Jacks', this role can be filled by another frontliner, support, or someone who has more well-rounded abilities overall. Jacks are considered the most flexible, responsible for supporting fighters, acting as point or helping civilians evacuate, as needed. Although in the past it was considered derogatory to be assigned a role as a Jack, recent opinion in the last five years has shifted significantly. Many fireteams consider the Jack the most useful position on the team, with the most battle freedom. The WDSA's Award of Excellence has been given to a Jack twice in the last three years, once in 2016 and again in 2018.
- Team Firestar, year 1996
- Team Valkyrie, year 1999
- Fitness Assessment (Examination, not a course. Must pass to graduate.)
- Basic Firearms I
- Advanced Firearms II
- Advanced Instruction for Marksmanship*
- Advanced Pistol Training Program
- Advanced Concealed Carry Training Program*
- Backcountry Tactical Tracking Training Program*
- Basic Tactical Medical Training Program*
- Advanced Tactical Medical Training Program
- Basic Tactical Training Program
- Advanced Tactical Training Program*
- In-Service Driver Training (contains skid-control, vehicle pursuit driving, introduction to vehicle dynamics, law enforcement combined driving skills, emergency vehicle operation, and vehicle dynamics)
- Introduction to Criminal Investigation Training Program
- Crime Scene Investigation Training Program I (crime scene management, crime scene documentation, wound analysis, courtroom testimony, the human body as a crime scene)
- Law Enforcement Rifle Training Program
- Law Enforcement Supervisor and Leadership Training Program
- Leadership in Crisis Training Program*
- Low Light and Visibility Training Program*
- Officer Safety and Survival Training Program
- Physical Security Training Program
- Recovery of Evidence from CCTV Video Recording and Digital Equipment*
- On-Site Witness Interviewing
- Advanced Interviewing for Law Enforcement*
- Overview of Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Risk Management-Consequences, Vulnerability, and Assessment of Civilian Loss Training program
- Digital Photography for Law Enforcement
- Supernatural Equipment Training
- Power/Cursed Item Safe Handling Training Program
- The Esoteric History of Magic
- Learning to Perceive Devas and Spirits*
- Ancient Sites and Archeological Etiquette*
- The Basics of Ritual and Summoning Theory*
- Advanced Ritual Crisis Response Training Program
- Accurate Assessment Supernatural Entities 101*
- Advanced Magical Theory*
- Defusing Aggressive Entities Training Program
Law Enforcement Field Agent Equipment
The following is a list of standard-issue gear every agent would have access to. This should be considered a starter kit; you can add or remove things to your agent's bag of tricks as needed. Standard Issue Tactical Uniform.The WDSA's new standard issue uniform rolled out in January 2019 comes with a winter and summer version. It is expected that all agents regardless of rank wear the uniform on official business and when interacting with the public, where possible. Gold rank agents with much tenure sometimes forego pieces of the uniform, but it is the WDSA's official policy that it is worn. The uniform has the following properties:
- Tear Resistant Enchant. Protects against basic stab attempts and generalized bites.
- Stainproof Enchant. Prevents clothing from carrying liquid or dirt and becoming stained. Mundane Standard Issue Gear
- Standard speedcuffs
- Standard leg restraint straps
- TETRA mobile radio
- Taser
- Collapsible baton
- Tactical Knife
- Crime Scene soft gloves
- Flashlight
- Small Multitool
- Government issue badge that resembles FBI special forces.
Magical Standard Issue Gear- Token of Force Defense (A small, round coin-sized token on a bracelet very similar to a Translation Charm. When used, the token glows blue and a semi-translucent forcefield is created along the agent's arm. Lasts ten minutes and is very difficult to break. Protects against magical, spiritual and physical attacks. Does nothing against illusions or other mind-effecting spells. Three charges before it must be recharged by the WDSA's armory team. A mage that can cast the spell used to create the tokens can also recharge it on site.)
- Translation Charm (A bracelet with a leather cord and a small, square stone face. Runes are etched onto the underside of the stone against skin. Passive effect, but can be turned on or off by the wearer at will.)
SidearmsDuring academy an agent receives sidearms training with the three standard issue firearms provided by the WDSA. Agents are encouraged to pick a favorite that feels right and are then allowed to request that particular sidearm as their standard issue. All of the sidearms are 9mm pistols with semi-automatic fire and a trigger pull of twice the normal requirement for legal firearms to prevent accidental discharge.- Glock 19
- Smith & Wesson 5946
- Sig Sauer P226 DAO
Law Enforcement Agent Ranks- Director
Directors are the heads of the four Primary Departments of the WDSA and responsible only to the WDSA's leader. Together they make up the Board of Directors, the primary governing body that controls the WDSA's movements. Directors are the top authority and they oversee operations for their given Department, develop procedures and programs to increase effectiveness and safety, and assign special investigations. They implement law enforcement programs to their entire jurisdiction, review criminal cases for trends and patterns, and handle grievances. They are responsible for all public addresses, especially in crisis incidents, and as the high-profile leader the Director is ultimately responsible for any issues or incidents that befall the Department while they are in command. Because of this they face constant criticism from public leaders, federal agencies, activists and sometimes politicians if the Department is not performing well.Directors must be well educated, well experienced, politically minded and articulate. A head for efficiency is mandatory. This position is appointed only by elected officials, and most often win their candidacy by unanimous vote by the Board of Directors, but this is not always the case.- Deputy Director
Deputy directors oversee all of the WDSA Departments' domestic and intelligence activities, as well as a number of other functions, up to and including active roles in crime prevention programs implemented to local agencies. They also stand prepared to step up as acting director should the need arise. They keep a close eye on current laws and regulations to ensure compliance and issue policy changes approved by the Director to the Assistant Directors, creating broad-scope action plans to address them.A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice is required, on top of previously accumulated experience, to be promoted to this rank.- Assistant Director
Assistant Directors are the heads of the different Branches making up the Supernatural Law Enforcement Department. They are responsible for the effective administration of one of the many divisions of the Department, managing both agents and technical staff. They do everything a captain might do, but also are responsible for budget decisions and division resource management.A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice is required, on top of previously accumulated experience, to be promoted to this rank.- Captain
Captains in the Law Enforcement Department answer directly to their Assistant Director. They manage and direct activities of their division, train personnel, prepare and monitor budget reports and enforce department policies. They are relied upon to represent the department to local officials where applicable, conduct research and prepare reports relating to crime and policing in their area, and step up to critical situations when required.This position requires extensive experience in the supervisory roles and a college degree. It also requires the agent has graduated the optional "Law Enforcement Supervisor and Leadership Training Program" available in the Training Academy. Strong public speaking skills are an asset for those in this position.Agent must possess a Gold badge for this rank and all others above it.- Sergeant
A sergeant is expected to interpret and apply ordinances to a wide variety of situations, supervise and train personnel, weigh in on disciplinary situations, help develop new policies and act as a liaison between upper management and subordinates. This is the first real supervisory position and Sergeants are directly responsible for entire squads of agents, often as large as four fireteams. They investigate internal complaints and are directly responsible for their squad's performance.This position requires a minimum of five years law enforcement experience before agents become eligible for this position.Agent must have passed the Silver exam and received a Silver badge.- Fireteam Lead
Although this position is in many ways superficial, Fireteam Leads are the common next step in an agent's career. They act as on-site supervisors where higher authorities may not be present or cannot make accurate judgement. This position is typically a prep-supervisory role, placing agents in some measure of authority over other agents in a limited capacity. Most agents obtain this by recommendation or as a way to acknowledge previously exhibited leadership qualities.- Field Agent
This is the most well-known and common rank among the WDSA. While the three divisions Criminal, Occult and Cyber have differing job descriptions these law enforcement agents respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, patrol assigned areas and arrest suspects. They are expected to testify in court where required, may submit for search or arrest warrants, and sometimes deal with pesky but otherwise non-dangerous supernatural situations. These come in three distinct levels, with three distinct clearance levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.All Field Agents are required to have graduated from the WDSA Training Academy and have a valid high school diploma, see course lists above.- Intern
This entry level position involves assisting WDSA personnel in follow-up investigations, enforcing non-violent violations and citations, and a myriad of other tasks that support field agents. No prior experience is typically required beyond a high school degree.Law Enforcement FloorplanFAQQ: Does my WDSA character have to start at Bronze rank?
A: This is up to you, the player. If you want to start your character at the bottom and have them work their way to the top through story and roleplay, you certainly can. But this is not required. It could just as well be that your character's training days are long behind them, and as of the present they are Silver or Gold.Q: Can WDSA characters be demoted?
A: Actions have consequences. Just as in the real world, if your WDSA character makes too many big mistakes in their job, disciplinary action may be taken, up to and including loss of rank - or even losing their job!Q: Are there humans in the WDSA?
A: Most definitely. The organization is all about coexistence and has a very diverse work base.