MaxTac

MaxTac (Maximum Force Tactical Division), sometimes referred to as Max-Tac, MAX-TAC, or the NCPD Psycho Squad, was a specialized sub-group of the Night City Police Department. As a cybersquad, MaxTac specialized in dealing with cyberpsychos.

In the 2020s it was headquartered in the Medical Center sector of Night City. During the Time of the Red, MAX-TAC was independent of the NCPD.

Overview
Cybersquads are found in most major police forces around the world. Originally called C-SWAT, its Night City group came to be known as Max-Tac, though its official name in the city was Cyborg Suppression Unit.

MaxTac was established in Night City in 2010 to deal with violently rampaging individuals suffering from advanced cyberpsychosis.

A number of its members were former cyberpsychos themselves, forcefully recruited after being apprehended - as was the case with Melissa Rory.

2010s - 2020s
Cyberpsychosis had become a big problem in the 2000's. While state-sponsored therapy was an option, the hardest part had been getting the patient into the psychologist's office. What do you do when a metal armored, cyberboosted maniac starts randomly killing people? If you're the government, you organize a special squad of professional police with one job: To hunt down and capture or kill murderous cyberpsychos.

Cybersquads are common to most urban police departments, going under names like C-SWAT, PSYCHE-DIV, or CYB-Enforcement. They are armed with the best in armor, commo-equipment and vehicles. Most carry weapons that start at the light cannon range and up. They are, by nature, not very nice people.

C-SWAT became MAX-TAC, and is still called as that by some departments: the official title in Night City currently is Cyborg Suppression Unit. Individual units are known as SPAR teams (Special,Purpose Assault Rescue). It is the bottom line in combat police officers. Specifically created to deal directly with the ever present cyberpsycho threat, these officers are trained and equipped with the best resources money can buy. All officers are supremely fit and agile, and able to withstand a great deal of damage. Cyber-augmentation is common, if not mandatory. Max-Tac officers' enhanced abilities allow them to be the equal of any cyberpsycho. Weapons and armor of the most effective kind are placed at their disposal, as are combat vehicles, including fully equipped AV-9s.

Originally a division of SWAT, Max-Tac's actual role has expanded since its creation. While they are the only real force capable of dealing with the cyberpsycho threat effectively, they are occasionally also utilized as a higher form of SWAT. In any situation where SWAT fails, Max-Tac will arrive. Their job is almost always Hit Hard and Shoot to Kill. In many ways, they are as dangerous as those they are brought in to fight: many officers are teetering on the brink of cyberpsychosis themselves. NCPD sees this "fight fire with fire" strategy as effective.

Time of the Red
In the aftermath of the Fourth Corporate War, the only remnants of the Night City Police Department were MAX-TAC members, led by Max Hammerman, maintaining control over any and all cyberpsychotic elements in Night City. The role of a MAX-TAC squad in 2045 was very similar to that of those in the 2020s. However, due to the loss of government after the Fourth Corporate War, MAX-TAC became an independent organization, continuing to follow the philosophy of its leader, Max Hammerman: maintain law and order and protect the innocent. Those MAX-TAC arrests were arrested and confined to local Halls of Justice or security facilities. Despite this, local groups of "Psycho Squad Militia" formed, going after borged individuals, regardless of having authority or not.

At some point after the Time of the Red, MaxTac was reincorporated into the NCPD.

2077
In 2077, MaxTac continues to live up to their reputation, hunting down any cyberpsychos and lawbreakers too powerful for the regular NCPD to handle.

MaxTac officers serve as the final enemy type to hunt down V in the event of criminal activity (four stars). On higher difficulties they are capable of killing V in just a few shots, regardless of level.

Stats & Equipment (2020)
A typical Max-Tac officer is statted as a normal Max-Tac operative except: Authority 7, Intimidate 9, Interrogation 7, Awareness 7.

Operation
Response Time: Fast. Max-Tac work in squads of six men plus one officer.

Stats & Equipment (2077)
In 2077, MaxTac officers wield the Militech M-10AF Lexington, Ajax, Crusher, and Midnight Arms SOR-22 as their small arms. They also utilise the Zetatech Surveyor and Valgus for transport. For cyberware, their members make regular use of Kerenzikov. MaxTac has also begun taking delivery of a number of Militech Centaur exoskeletons, as part of a larger emergency order for the Patrol Division.

Shards

 * The MaxTac Way, by Mathias Maddox
 * The Psychos of MaxTac