A suggestion: dis-solve the FBI and some changes within SWAT

[Huntsman]

Good afternoon dear fellas,

I've come here with a suggestion. Don't judge this topic by it's title yet, the content will be far more constructive and suggestive than the title is.
So, in my opinion, having an FBI division in VC:MP server is pretty useless and the said division should be dis-solved. The fact is that the VC:MP community is not that large to be in the need of a federal law enforcement in our state, not to mention that atleast what I've witnessed is that FBI duty is mostly used to engage armed suspects rather than focusing on federal crimes. In my opinion, the FBI could be replaced with a much more useful division. Keep reading for what I have to suggest:
The respective FBI Rancher should be given away to the SWAT division, which could be used when a situation requires faster response time than the SWAT Enforcer (which is slow) can provide. However, SWAT Enforcer usage should be encouraged by adding the ability for SWAT Commanders to equip officers with armor, and perhaps, M4, MP5 or Stubby from the Enforcer at the situation istelf, when a situation requires, instead of the ability to grant temporary SWAT.
The FBI it self could be replaced by a new division: Vice Squad, which would mainly be a high speed pursuit unit, since that's mostly what FBI does anyways. Instead of regular equipment, vice squad would be equipped with Stubby, Israel military UZI and Python, but would not be able to equip body armor and would not be visible on the minimap, however, they would not be allowed to use this advantage to sniper or spy on suspects, only to engage in a chase by surprise. The Vice Squad would be allowed to be deployed when a suspect has reached three-four star wanted level or when a suspect has killed atleast two LEO's and has been evading in a vehicle. The Vice Squad would be only allowed to use the VCPD Cheetah, whose usage to VCPD officers would be restricted. Once the situation is over and/or the suspect no longer matches the criteria for Vice Squad to be deployed, Vice Squad officers would be insisted to return to their normal uniform, patrol cruiser and gear. However, Vice Squad could also focus on evidence gathering, undercover operations and so on when it would be needed. The current staff of FBI could be re-assigned to Vice Squad instead.

What do you guys say?

[Verz]

FBI had great potential, which was sadly not used properly due to lack of interest and activity within the department and the actual server as well. I personally had a lot of fun roleplaying a FBI agent in the past. Shortly after JDC resigned no one was appointed the director rank (I assume no one was qualified enough) which lead to this. Nevertheless I don't think this idea is good, especially at this point of time. Remember there was a similar suggestion before - to add a new sub-division, SRU, which was a disaster in my opinion.

The fact is that the VC:MP community is not that large to be in the need of a federal law enforcement in our state, not to mention that atleast what I've witnessed is that FBI duty is mostly used to engage armed suspects rather than focusing on federal crimes.

As I said, before JDC resigned, FBI was primarily focused on federal crimes actually, and you were not able to witness it due to the fact that you had to access private boards to see those, be the actual FBI staff if you will. I am not allowed to leak any crucial information though, so I'll just stop here.

Also, not to mention various undercover operations we've had a few years back while the activity was on a pretty high level for VC-MP standards. I've enjoyed roleplaying drug busts, hostage situations etc. which was pretty much what motivated me to join VCPD in the first place.

[Huntsman]

FBI had great potential, which was sadly not used properly due to lack of interest and activity within the department and the actual server as well. I personally had a lot of fun roleplaying a FBI agent in the past. Shortly after JDC resigned no one was appointed the director rank (I assume no one was qualified enough) which lead to this. Nevertheless I don't think this idea is good, especially at this point of time. Remember there was a similar suggestion before - to add a new sub-division, SRU, which was a disaster in my opinion.

The fact is that the VC:MP community is not that large to be in the need of a federal law enforcement in our state, not to mention that atleast what I've witnessed is that FBI duty is mostly used to engage armed suspects rather than focusing on federal crimes.

As I said, before JDC resigned, FBI was primarily focused on federal crimes actually, and you were not able to witness it due to the fact that you had to access private boards to see those, be the actual FBI staff if you will. I am not allowed to leak any crucial information though, so I'll just stop here.

Also, not to mention various undercover operations we've had a few years back while the activity was on a pretty high level for VC-MP standards. I've enjoyed roleplaying drug busts, hostage situations etc. which was pretty much what motivated me to join VCPD in the first place.

I see, well, but I'll try to show you the reasoning behind my suggestion:

SRU was pointless and I didn't support it ever since it even got added. SRU was misused as an overpowered DM squad against IT and EAF, while what i'm suggesting is basically the return of improved VCID, because IMO, that worked much better than the current FBI. Ofcourse, I can't speak of what FBI has achieved so far, as I don't have any knowledge of that, but as an outsider, that is what I see.

[Brian]

while what i'm suggesting is basically the return of improved VCID, because IMO, that worked much better than the current FBI. Ofcourse, I can't speak of what FBI has achieved so far, as I don't have any knowledge of that, but as an outsider, that is what I see.

This, i also would like to see the return of VCID since it worked better.
Some of the other ideas sounds like it's script related and probably should be posted on the main forum.

[Marco]

Back when I was Director, this is the sort of result our work would bring out: http://www.argonathrpg.eu/index.php?topic=39953.0 (Keep in mind this was done by a 11 year old with a 3-4 man staff in the Bureau, and most of the evidence was lost already due to the image host's time quota).


There is always room for a trained investigation/negotiation among Vice City law enforcement, but if the VCPD would prefer to change it to a investigation department inside the Police Department itself instead of a Federal Bureau, then it's the opinion of you guys that comes into play. It's still possible to re-structure the FBI once again, so let's not throw that option away just yet.

[Brian]

It's still possible to re-structure the FBI once again, so let's not throw that option away just yet.

There are like only 3 people in the bureau.

[Marco]

It's still possible to re-structure the FBI once again, so let's not throw that option away just yet.

There are like only 3 people in the bureau.

Which is exactly why I meant a restructure, set up a recruitment process up and going once the department is solved up. The key is to wait until VCPD is fully staffed again and then worry about the specialized divisions, not the other way around. The question pointed by the topic is the role of the FBI, not the number of staff involved in it.

[Huntsman]

The FBI could change into the VCBI: Vice City Bureau of Investigation and become focused on high-speed pursuits, as well as investigation. In my opinion, it doesn't make sense for a federal agency (FBI) to be a division of a police department (VCPD).

I also support the whole law enforcement vehicle system being changed, with the addition of the FBI Washington somewhere.

FBI already IS part of VCPD
Well, my opinion is that it should be reformed back into something like VCID (Vice City Investigations Department), like it used to be. I think that concept worked far better. But as I see here, some people from the bureau come with very nice suggestions.

[~Legend~]

Originally I wasn't planning to reply right now, and was going to leave you to your discussion. But I think it would be entirely wrong of me if I didn't pledge my full support for the VCPD's FBI.

The FBI, the VCID or any other such division, by any other name, has produced some of the greatest ever RP that I have been lucky enough to witness.
At the conception of the PD's investigations division the server had no shortage of awesome roleplay, with the likes of the Montanas, Ancelottis, White Shadows and Team MTA doing their part to really create Argonath in VC:MP.
I am glad niche groups like the FBI still nurture that timeless style of RP.

The FBI offers something different to SWAT and divisions like the SRU, which are predominantly focused around weapons and physically taking down targets.
FBI hones in on the roleplay essence and is much more subtle, serving as a group which can truly widen your RP boarders if that is what you are primarily looking for. The main core of the VCPD and SWAT in their own right offer similar possibilities and are both unique and diverse, but different and perhaps less intensive on the investigative and intel gathering side, while more proactive in 'on the beat' duties.
When they come together they create options for players, you are enabled to choose different roles, take your RP where you want it, make your career as you so wish. It would be a mistake to scrap one of these opportunities.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but would renaming the division make a difference as its contents would remain the same?
A really good compromise was created through the creation of the FBI division. The division is one that is concise and 'close' enough to remain a vital and well-resourced part of the main police force, whilst it is still able to maintain the level of autonomy that is beneficial.




Here's a snapshot of what they have achieved. This was put together by just 2 agents, and of course there's much more to it.





They have done some incredible things, but it undeniably takes a lot of effort and time.
I was honestly blown away when I saw what they managed to create.

[Stormeus]

atleast what I've witnessed is that FBI duty is mostly used to engage armed suspects rather than focusing on federal crimes

Might I suggest that perhaps the main reason you've only witnessed FBI as a pursuit unit is because the bulk of other investigative efforts occurs without public knowledge?

The FBI and VCPD have performed joint investigative and response efforts and produced court cases against and compiled intelligence regarding a number of high-profile criminals in Vice City. The reassignment of roles of the FBI and the suggestion of an improved VCID would essentially be a simple renaming of the FBI as Legend said, and would not be significant.

SWAT reform, however, is something that should be looked into in my opinion, as SWAT has even more potential to assist emergency responders and citizens than is currently being realized, and the ideas brought up in the original post sound like a good start.

-Stormeus
FBI Station Commander

[Bass]

SWAT reform, however, is something that should be looked into in my opinion

We're currently working on one.