Work in Progress

The Empire uses a Security Level system, commonly called SECLEV or just SEC. Every system has an overall SECLEV, and each satellite's local region has its own.

The SECLEV tells you how well-secured the system is, and subsequently how safe or dangerous it is for an average ship. Of course, your mileage may vary, depending on your who your friends and enemies are. SECLEV is used as guideline for planning military and diplomatic expeditions.

SECLEV 5

(i.e. Imperial Center, Kuat, Fondor, Carida) Completely secure. Not a ship comes or goes without the watchful eye of the Empire noticing it. Citizens in good security standing can be assured of total safety, as well as near-instant response time if aid is needed from the Empire. All Core World systems are SECLEV 5.

SECLEV 4

(i.e. Alderaan, Corellia, Lianna, Brentaal) Mostly secure. In a SEC 4 system, it is quite possible to move about without much scrutiny. Of course, high-security installations, such as hyperspace lanes and space stations, will have higher local security. Most Core World colonies and Inner Rim systems are SECLEV 4, as well as some of the more civilzed vassal states of the Mid and Outer Rim.

SECLEV 3

(i.e. Ansion, Cathar, Ord Mantell, Ithor) Partially secure. In a SEC 3 system, security (Empire or otherwise) is spread thinly, covering only the essential areas. In remote regions, aid may be a long way off. Pirates, smugglers, and other undesirables find it relatively easy to move about. Most systems of the Mid Rim or Expansion Region are SECLEV 3. Imperial systems rated SEC 3 or lower have relaxed restrictions on shipboard defense systems.

SECLEV 2

(i.e. Kessel, Teth, Ryloth, Bespin) Mostly insecure. In a SEC 2 system, even critical security zones, such as hyperspace lanes and spaceports, may go unprotected. There are almost no Imperial systems with this SECLEV; this is restricted to Outer Rim systems and beyond, as the local authorities are incapable of securing the system. Most non-Imperial systems are considered SECLEV 2 or lower, as the local authorities, even if they run tight security, are considered illegitimate.

SECLEV 1

(i.e. Tatooine, Nar Shadda, Nal Hutta, Geonosis) Virtually zero security. In a SEC 1 system, if there is any Imperial presence at all, it faces overwhelming odds from unsympathetic forces either organized or unorganized. In many Outer Rim holdings, pirates run rampant, and there is no possibility of aid from a legitimate security organization.

SECLEV 0

(i.e. Yavin, Hoth, Dagobah, Illum) No Imperial or Imperial-friendly presence. There are actually many uncolonized systems within civilized space that hold this designation; with billions of suns in the galaxy, it is impossible to police every system, nor is it necessary; an uncolonized system is little different from deadspace. Naturally, this designation applies to unknown or lost worlds, such as Tython or Ilum.

SECLEV -1 and beyond

These designations are used for areas actively hostile to the Empire, such as warzones, or areas held by insurgents. The further the number from zero, the more extreme the danger.

Things to Add

• Each security ageny's take on the various levels. For instance, ISB tends to dominate the higher-SEC zones, while II is more effective in the lower ones. The Diplomatic Service tends to operate only in secure space.
• Specific agency protocols for each level. For instance, in SEC 3+ space, it is required that all system egress and ingress must pass through an Imperial Customs Checkpoint. BoSS prohibits military-grade weapons in SEC 3+, and civilian-grade in SEC 5, except of course for citizens of appropriate standing.
• Example systems for each level.

Every individual has a security standing. This is an overall rating of the loyalty and importance that particular individual has to the Empire and society at large. A person's Security Standing figures into a number of government regulations, such as weapon ownership, spacecraft licensing, and even whether or not the individual is to be arrested on sight.

Courts of law determine an individual's permanent Security Standing. Being suspected of a crime will affect one's temporary Security Standing until conviction or acquittal.

Ordinary Citizens

The Security Standing of an ordinary citizen ranges from 0.1 to 1.0. A "full citizen" is rated at 1.0 if he or she has a clean background, all documents in order, and is considered no danger to the Empire or to the populace.

Civil infractions, felonies, questionable allegiances, and incomplete backgrounds can lower this rating. For instance, many individuals from Mid or Outer Rim worlds are unable to furnish documentation meeting the standards of the Imperial Security Bureau; by law, these individuals are capped at standing 0.5, limiting their access to public areas, and prohibiting access to secure areas such as government facilities. They have limited rights to bear arms or move freely throughout the Empire, and are subject to enhanced security measures, especially in times of heightened danger and alertness.

Below 0.0, a citizen has lost all rights to freedom, and is subject to incarceration.

Non-Citizens

A rating of 0.0 is reserved for those individuals who are of uncertain standing. Those who cannot prove their identity must be presumed to be a potential threat, regardless of evidence of misdeeds. Sadly, many alien worlds with inefficient or corrupt bureaucracies have kept such poor records that their native populations are unable to supply adequate documentation. For their own protection, these individuals will be housed in Imperial Safety Districts until such time as their local government can be suitably upgraded, after which they will certainly be reinstated to the proper standing that they deserve.

Criminals

Any individual with a sub-zero Security Standing is considered a criminal. Accumulating enough Civil Demerits, or committing single violations sufficient to lower one's standing this far, will result in detention. Over time, an individual may earn back lost rights through honest contrition and re-education. In these times, many former citizens find themselves at this particular status because they are unable to prove their identity, and thus cannot be trusted.

-0.1 to -0.9

Citizens in this range have a number of minor infractions on their record, such as speeding tickets, disorderly conduct, or disturbing the peace. This does not indicate a pattern of violent behavior. Such citizens have a good chance of release upon demonstration of contrition.

-1.0 to -1.9

Citizens in this range have one or more minor violent incidents on their record, ranging from brawls to assault. Weapon ownership is restricted for citizens who have ever had this standing. Even upon release, such citizens will have restricted freedom in certain high-security zones, such as schools and public installations.

-2.0 to -2.9

Citizens in this range have shown a consistent pattern of violent or abusive behavior, including rape, child abuse, aggravated assault, or manslaughter. A citizen who has ever had this standing is forever prohibited from owning or operating a weapon of any kind, even civilian-grade shipboard weapons. Such citizens have restricted freedom in many high-security zones.

-3.0 to -3.9

Citizens in this range are considered a clear and present danger in normal society. Murder in cold blood will instantly land a citizen a -3.0 security rating. Very few such individuals are likely to be freed, for the danger they pose to society is too great. Those who are eventually freed are prohibited from entering high-security zones without police escort. All peace officers are authorized to arrest any individual found outside a detention center with a -3 rating without warrant or probable cause.

-4.0 to -4.9

Citizens in this range are considered an enemy of society. This includes citizens who have committed multiple egregious offenses after being previously rehabilitated, as well as known pirates or enemies of the Foundation, usually residing in Outer Rim or Unknown space. A -4.0 rating is sufficient to authorize lethal force on sight without warning.

-5.0 or lower

This rating is used for only the most violent and dangerous individuals, who pose such great danger that it considered the duty of all citizens to do him harm on sight. Bounties are usually offered for the apprehension of such criminals outside of Imperial space. Destroying an Imperial vessel or installation typically lands an instant downgrade to -5.0 status.

Enemy combatants in wartime are to be rated -6.0 or lower.

Exceptional Citizens

While service guarantees citizenship, exceptional service brings its own rewards. Those who choose to serve their fellow man in public service have the opportunity to earn additional privileges and standing.

1.1 - 1.9

Through hard and continuous work in the public sector or as an enlisted man, a lawful Citizen may earn this higher standing. Such standing entitles him to preferential treatment by public officials, additional consideration in matters of minor governance, and recognition in the public eye.

2.0 - 2.9

Those who are called upon to higher office, such as judges, civic administrators, or officers of the police or military, will enjoy the rewards of a grateful society. Such important persons are not subject to normal restrictions on movement in secure areas, or to enhanced security regulations at key checkpoints. They have the right to petition the Empire to help resolve issues beyond their power. They enjoy additional protections in non-secure areas, and enhanced "understanding" in minor legal matters.

3.0 - 3.9

Senior officers and administrative officials, such as regional or planetary commanders, deserve great accolade for their selfless service to the Empire and her people. Their business is too important to society to be hindered by routine security or financial scrutiny. They have "right of way" in physical and legal matters; lesser citizens are not permitted to interfere with their goings-on. Those who do may be subject to "special" penalties under the law.

4.0 - 4.9

The highest-ranking officials of the Empire, including Senators and Sector Governors, are beyond all mundane law. They are not required to explain or justify their actions to anyone but the Emperor and his council.

5.0

There are only two individuals in the Empire with this security standing.

Things to Add

• The opposing point of view. The above is written in a largely propagandist tone. A smuggler or separatist might have a more realistic appraisal of the meaning of the terms. For instance, the upshot of being 1.1+ means you are above the law...men do shitty things when they are beyond legal reproach. By contrast, anyone below 1.0 is "below the law", and can often be detained or arrested with little to no evidence of wrongdoing. Even at 1.0, citizens do not have all the same freedoms they used to; those are to be "earned".