Crime, Policing, and the Job Fairs in New Juentual
Overview
Crime and justice on Juentual Three are deeply tied to the planet’s corporate-controlled society. Without a centralized or public policing system, enforcement of laws is fragmented, often corrupt, and heavily influenced by the 20 major corporations operating on the planet. The "job fairs," where captured individuals are auctioned off as labor, exemplify the exploitation and inhumanity of this dystopian world.
Crime in New Juentual
- Common Crimes:
- Theft and property crimes, often driven by poverty and desperation.
- Illegal mining or smuggling of mysterious energy crystals.
- Contract violations, including unauthorized labor strikes or fleeing corporate employment.
- Organized Crime:
Criminal syndicates thrive in the derelict areas of the city, engaging in:
- Human trafficking, often selling individuals to the job fairs.
- Black market trading of contraband, including weapons and energy crystals.
- Extortion and protection rackets targeting struggling workers and small businesses.
- Street Gangs:
Smaller gangs operate in abandoned districts, preying on isolated workers and scavengers. They often serve as intermediaries for larger criminal organizations.
Policing on Juentual Three
- Corporate Security Forces:
Each major corporation maintains its own security force, responsible for enforcing corporate policies and protecting company assets. These forces:
- Operate independently, often ignoring crimes that don’t impact corporate interests.
- Use advanced surveillance technology, drones, and combat mechs to deter and suppress threats.
- Rarely intervene in disputes outside their jurisdiction, leaving much of the population unprotected.
- Municipal Policing:
A nominal public police force exists, but it is:
- Severely underfunded and understaffed, unable to address widespread crime.
- Heavily reliant on fines, asset seizures, and "job fairs" to fund operations.
- Known for corruption, with officers often working in collusion with corporations or criminal syndicates.
The Job Fairs
- What Are the Job Fairs?
Job fairs are auctions where individuals are sold as labor to corporations. These individuals may include:
- Captured criminals, whose remaining contract terms are sold off to the highest bidder.
- Victims of human trafficking, rounded up by criminal syndicates and sold into corporate servitude.
- Desperate individuals who voluntarily submit themselves to job fairs in exchange for basic necessities.
- How Do They Work?
- Auctions are held in hidden locations or within corporate-controlled zones.
- Corporations bid on individuals, with prices determined by their skills, physical condition, and remaining contract value (if applicable).
- The job fairs are not officially acknowledged by the government but are widely known to exist.
- Role of the Police:
The municipal police force participates in the job fairs, auctioning off captured individuals as "criminal labor." This practice generates revenue for the department, making it an essential part of their funding model.
- Conditions for Workers:
Once purchased, individuals are bound by strict corporate contracts that often include:
- Dangerous work environments, such as mines or industrial plants.
- Compliance devices, such as explosive collars or shock implants, to enforce obedience.
- Minimal wages and little to no legal recourse for abuse or injury.
Impact on Society
- Normalization of Exploitation:
The job fairs have created a culture where human life is commodified, with little regard for individual rights or dignity.
- Fear and Distrust:
Many residents live in constant fear of being falsely accused of crimes or abducted by criminal syndicates, knowing they could end up on the auction block.
- Corporate Dominance:
The job fairs solidify the power of corporations, allowing them to replenish their workforce cheaply while avoiding investment in fair labor practices.
