Dartz Wrote:The reason is simple enough. The Space Patrol aren't that big an organisation, compared to the size and complexity of Fenspace, and weren't generally able to pursue fleeing felons as thoroughly as they'd like. At the 2014 Convention, [[Some Fen] proposed that the Convention legalise and regulate Bounty Hunting as a solution, inspired by Cowboy Bebop.Commissioner Russel is not stupid - he'd likely propose this himself.
(Since the Space Patrol is the group proposing the setup, the Space Patrol gets some say over how it works. )
Dartz Wrote:The system established was somewhat inspired by the source, but is much more heavily regulated. Bounty Hunters must apply for a license from a local Space Patrol officer, demonstrating that they are 'of good character' and have had no prior run-ins with the law in Fenspace. In general, they would also be called for an interview, be required to demonstrate some competency beyond the ability to fill in a form, and not be of obviously impaired judgement.I'd recommend adding "no criminal record" to the list of prerequisites. (And, in-universe, so would Noah.) The last thing anybody wants is a "hired muscle" criminal with a valid reason to go armed...
Dartz Wrote:A few Bounty Hunters will work alongside a troubleshooter. The troubleshooter gets access to the bounty hunters contacts, while the bounty hunter gets access to the troubleshooter's target... sometimes they can have big bounties on them.Some elements of the Space Patrol frown on this, but that's more because of the strained relationship between the Patrol and Troubleshooters than anything inherently wrong with the arrangement.
Bounty Hunters must also register with local law enforcement where such exists. This cuts down on the number of times the locals have to respond to "there's a man/woman/'droid/thing with a gun!" calls.
--
Rob Kelk
"Governments have no right to question the loyalty of those who oppose
them. Adversaries remain citizens of the same state, common subjects of
the same sovereign, servants of the same law."
- Michael Ignatieff, addressing Stanford University in 2012