549th Precinct
The NAPD’s 549th Precinct, based in the Esmeraldas District, is in many ways typical of an NAPD station. Taking up fourteen floors of a primarily government-leased starscraper, the precinct is small for an NAPD office, and many of its officers see it as understaffed and underfunded, considering the area’s crime rate.
This precinct is situated among some of the “rougher” neighborhoods of the district, and its officers also tend toward the rough side. Many are quick to assume the worst when responding to a call. The 549th has something of a reputation among the locals, and the NAPD, for corruption. Accusations of bribery, evidence tampering, and other abuses of power are not uncommon, although few ever become formal complaints and even fewer lead to disciplinary action. Various legal challenges might stretch on for years, although criminal charges for NAPD personnel are rare. Of course, this corruption is a boon for some citizens. For those who know the right people—or drop the right cash—certain officers are willing to make a charge disappear, or even create a problem for someone else.
As they do throughout the NAPD, patrol officers of the 549th commonly work a full shift, even days, without ever stepping foot in the station. The precinct’s AI, Manuel, serves as secretary for every officer, coordinating and interpreting data, dispatching officers, managing schedules, and otherwise ensuring that the precinct’s work goes smoothly. Officers commonly receive their shift briefing by virt, allowing them to participate whether at their desk or in their hopper. Forms and reports are managed digitally, and Manuel can accept most reports verbally. Often, an officer only needs to visit the station in person after making an arrest. Even then, nonviolent suspects may be transported by automated hopper.
Things are different for officers in other bureaus and divisions. They often make use of specialized equipment and facilities, and the station has an administrative staff who work from the office. These officers and staff are in the precinct station daily, or close to it. The bullpen is a bustle of virts and vidscreens, while soundproofed holding cells—also shielded against wireless signals—isolate apprehended suspects. Walking the halls, it’s not unusual to see uniformed officers, plainclothes detectives, and armored SWAT members.
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