The role of the police also varies from world to world. In an urban jungle, the cops are often satisfied to keep the criminals isolated in certain sections of town. Actual arrests, at least in this "Zone," are rare. In a police state, though, a police officer may have absolute power as on-site judge, jury and (if need be) executioner.
Some police departments will discriminate against would-be officers with obvious cyber enhancements — others encourage this kind of modification, and may offer to pay a percentage of the cost for their officers. All cops need skills such as Area Knowledge (of their beat or precinct), Beam Weapons, Brawling, Criminology, Detect Lies, Driving, Fast-Draw, First Aid, Guns, Interrogation, Running, Shortsword (baton), Speed-Load, Shadowing and Streetwise.
Bad Cop: In a corrupt and capitalistic cyberpunk world, there will always be graft within the police department.Many cops will be owned lock,stock and barrel by a criminal organization,corporation or private party.In return for his services, the bad cop can expect regular payoffs.
Not all bad cops are on the make — some are merely badge-wearing thugs who take great pleasure in abusing their position. They will shake down street dealers, steal from merchants and beat up drifters. They will cheerfully commit perjury to protect themselves or their cronies.
Common bad cop advantages include Combat Reflexes, Danger Sense, Legal Enforcement Powers and Toughness. Disadvantages often found are Alcoholism, Bad Temper, Bloodlust, Bully, Duty, No Sense of Humor, Sadism and Bad Reputation.
Good Cop: Even in the grim world of cyberpunk, there will still be idealists who want to change the world for the better. The good cop operates "by the book" — anyone offering him a bribe will find himself behind bars. He is often unpopular among his fellow officers, as he can be ruthless in ferreting out corruption within the department.
Good cops (PCs or otherwise) will quickly accumulate an impressive list of Enemies. Other disadvantages include Code of Honor, Duty, Honesty, Sense of Duty,Truthfulness and Vow.Common advantages are Charisma,Empathy,Legal Enforcement Powers, Strong Will and Reputation.
Maverick: A maverick is a cop with a crusade. He has one or more issues that he feels strongly about (drug abuse, youth gangs, illegal cybernetics, net crime, etc.), and he is fanatical in his pursuit of them. He will often be considered the department "expert" on his particular peeve. Mavericks are notorious for breaking (or at least bending) the rules in their pursuit of justice; for this reason, a maverick may get demoted regularly — only to have his rank reinstated after the next spectacular bust!
Common advantages for a maverick cop include Combat Reflexes, Legal Enforcement Powers, Reputation, Strong Will and Toughness. Disadvantages might be Compulsive Behavior, Duty, Enemies, Fanaticism, Sense of Duty and Vow.