Internal Policies

Classification: Public Summary
Last Updated: October 30, 2048
Authority: Internal Operations Directive 2042

1. Document Processing Standards

The Authority maintains strict standards for all document processing operations to ensure security and consistency across all 47 checkpoints.

1.1 Processing Timeframes

Document Type	Standard Processing	Expedited Processing	Emergency Processing
Identification Card	6-8 weeks	3-4 weeks (+$200)	72 hours (+$500, approval required)
Travel Permit	2-4 weeks	3-5 days (+$200)	24 hours (+$400, approval required)
Work Visa	8-12 weeks	4-6 weeks (+$300)	7 days (+$750, approval required)
Medical Clearance	Same day - 1 week	Same day (+$50)	N/A

Note: Processing times are targets, not guarantees. Delays may occur due to security reviews, database issues, or staffing constraints. The Authority is not liable for delays.

1.2 Denial Rates and Appeals

Document application denial statistics (2048 fiscal year):

• Identification Cards: 12% denial rate
• Travel Permits: 18% denial rate
• Work Visas: 31% denial rate
• Medical Clearances: 8% denial rate

Appeal Success Rate: 3.2% across all document types. Appeals must be filed within 30 days with $500 processing fee (non-refundable).

2. Checkpoint Operations

2.1 Operating Hours and Shifts

All Authority checkpoints operate on a three-shift system, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year:

• Dawn Shift: 06:00 - 14:00 (highest traffic volume)
• Day Shift: 14:00 - 22:00 (moderate traffic)
• Night Shift: 22:00 - 06:00 (low traffic, heightened security protocols)

2.2 Inspection Protocols

All travelers are subject to inspection procedures determined by checkpoint officers:

• Primary Inspection: All travelers (document verification, identity confirmation, basic questioning)
• Secondary Inspection: 15-20% of travelers (detailed questioning, vehicle search, cargo inspection)
• Tertiary Inspection: 2-3% of travelers (full vehicle disassembly, biometric verification, extended detention for questioning)

2.3 Use of Force Policy

Authority personnel are authorized to use escalating levels of force when necessary:

• Verbal Commands: Initial response to non-compliance
• Physical Restraint: If verbal commands are ignored
• Non-Lethal Force: If physical restraint is resisted (batons, restraints, incapacitating devices)
• Lethal Force: If officer or public safety is threatened, or for prevention of escape from detention

Legal Protection: All use of force decisions are protected under Authority Personnel Protection Act 2043. Officers are immune from liability for force decisions made in good faith.

3. Employment Policies

3.1 Hiring Standards

The Authority maintains rigorous standards for all personnel:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Clean criminal record (no exceptions)
• Physical fitness requirements (checkpoint officers only)
• Psychological evaluation (pass/fail, no details provided)
• Background investigation (6-12 months, covers family members)
• Loyalty oath required
• Financial disclosure required

3.2 Code of Conduct

All Authority personnel must adhere to strict behavioral standards:

• Absolute loyalty to The Authority and its mission
• No public criticism of Authority policies or leadership
• No unauthorized disclosure of internal information
• No fraternization with travelers or non-Authority personnel while on duty
• No acceptance of gifts or favors from travelers
• Mandatory reporting of violations by other personnel

Penalties for violations: Suspension, termination, criminal charges, loss of zone residence privileges, blacklisting from all Authority-controlled employment.

3.3 Training Requirements

All Authority personnel undergo extensive training:

• Initial Training: 12 weeks (residential, no contact with outside)
• Document Authentication: 40 hours annually
• Threat Detection: 24 hours annually
• Use of Force: 16 hours annually
• Legal Updates: 8 hours annually
• Loyalty Reinforcement: 8 hours quarterly

4. Data Management and Security

4.1 Database Operations

The Authority maintains comprehensive databases on all zone residents and travelers:

• Biometric Database: Fingerprints, facial recognition data, iris scans, DNA profiles
• Travel History Database: All checkpoint passages, travel patterns, anomaly flags
• Document Database: All issued documents, revocations, denials, applications
• Criminal Database: All arrests, detentions, investigations, convictions
• Employment Database: Employment history, income, financial transactions
• Medical Database: Complete medical records, clearances, health status
• Association Database: Social networks, family connections, known associates

Data Sharing: All databases are shared across Authority systems and partner agencies without restriction.

4.2 Information Security

While The Authority protects data from unauthorized external access, internal access is unrestricted for operational personnel:

• All checkpoint officers have full access to traveler records
• Regional command has unrestricted access to all data
• Central Administration has complete database access
• Partner agencies receive data upon request

5. Complaint and Appeal Procedures

5.1 Filing Complaints

Travelers may file complaints about checkpoint treatment or personnel conduct:

• Complete Form AR-801 (Complaint Form)
• Submit within 14 days of incident
• Include checkpoint number, date, time, officer name (if known)
• Provide detailed description
• No fee required for initial complaint

Processing Time: 60-90 days for initial review
Resolution Rate: 1.2% of complaints result in corrective action
Warning: Frivolous complaints may result in fines or travel restrictions

5.2 Document Denial Appeals

Denied applications may be appealed through formal process:

• Appeal must be filed within 30 days of denial
• Appeal fee: $500 (non-refundable)
• Submit new evidence or documentation supporting application
• Review by regional appeals board (3-6 months)
• Decision is final (no further appeals)

Success Rate: 3.2% of appeals result in reversed denials

5.3 Detention Appeals

Individuals detained for more than 72 hours may request review:

• Request must be submitted through detention facility
• Review conducted by regional security committee
• No timeline guaranteed
• Continued detention is at Authority discretion
• No right to legal representation

6. Zone Management

6.1 Capacity Management

Each protected zone has established capacity limits:

Zone	Current Population	Maximum Capacity	Status
New San Diego	142,000	150,000	Near Capacity
Sacramento Enclave	95,000	120,000	Accepting
Omaha Station	87,000	100,000	Near Capacity
Pittsburgh Works	78,000	90,000	Accepting
North Ribbon	68,000	80,000	Accepting

Capacity Enforcement: When zones approach maximum capacity, new work visas are restricted and existing residence permits may not be renewed. Residents may be relocated to other zones at Authority discretion.

6.2 Expulsion Policy

The Authority may expel individuals from protected zones for reasons including but not limited to:

• Criminal activity or security threat
• Document fraud or violation
• Repeated non-compliance with regulations
• Capacity management requirements
• Association with flagged individuals
• Unexplained income or financial irregularities
• Failure to maintain employment (for work visa holders)
• Administrative determination of security risk

Expulsion Process: Immediate removal to checkpoint exit, no compensation for property or assets, permanent ban from zone entry, potential ban from all Authority zones.

7. Emergency Procedures

7.1 Checkpoint Closures

Checkpoints may be closed without notice for reasons including:

• Security incidents or threats
• Severe weather conditions
• Equipment failures or maintenance
• Staffing shortages
• Central Administration directives

No Compensation: The Authority is not liable for delays, missed appointments, or economic losses due to checkpoint closures.

7.2 Lockdown Procedures

In emergency situations, The Authority may implement zone lockdowns:

• All checkpoint traffic suspended
• No entry or exit permitted
• Curfews enforced within zones
• Enhanced surveillance and monitoring
• Door-to-door inspections authorized
• Duration: indefinite until threat is neutralized

7.3 Emergency Powers

Under permanent emergency status (established 2041), The Authority maintains broad emergency powers including:

• Suspension of normal processing procedures
• Mandatory relocation of populations
• Property and resource requisition
• Forced labor assignments
• Summary detention and interrogation
• Restriction of movement and assembly

8. Public Information Policy

8.1 Information Requests

Public information requests are processed through formal channels:

• Submit Form AR-701 (Information Request)
• Processing fee: $75 per request
• Response time: 60-90 business days
• Many categories automatically denied (security, personnel, operations)
• Redactions applied at Authority discretion

See FOIA Requests page for complete procedures.

8.2 Media Relations

All media inquiries must be directed to Central Administration Public Affairs Office:

• Checkpoint personnel are prohibited from speaking to media
• Unauthorized disclosure of information is grounds for termination and prosecution
• All official statements issued only through Central Administration
• Recording or photographing checkpoint operations requires pre-authorization

9. Fee Schedule

9.1 Document Fees

Service	Standard Fee	Expedited Fee
Identification Card (New)	$850	$1,050
Identification Card (Renewal)	$850	$1,050
Identification Card (Replacement)	$425	$625
Travel Permit	$450	$650
Travel Permit (Replacement)	$225	$425
Work Visa (New)	$1,200	$1,500
Work Visa (Renewal)	$1,200	$1,500
Medical Clearance (Basic)	$85	$135
Medical Clearance (Specialized)	$250	$300

9.2 Administrative Fees

Service	Fee
Appeal Processing	$500
Data Access Request	$150
Information Request (FOIA)	$75
Document Verification	Free (online)
Official Document Copies	$25 per document
Background Check (Personal)	$200

Note: All fees are non-refundable even if applications are denied or services cannot be completed. Fees are subject to change without notice.

10. Modifications to Policy

The Authority reserves the right to modify any internal policy at any time without public notice. Policy changes take effect immediately upon implementation.

Public Notification: Major policy changes may be announced through news updates, but notification is not required. Travelers and residents are responsible for knowing current policies regardless of notification.

Legal Authority: Internal Operations Directive 2042 | Personnel Management Act 2043 | Emergency Powers Act 2041
Classification: Public Summary (Full documentation classified)
Document ID: AUTH-POL-PUB-2048-v2.1