The Nightwatch Charter

[Everly]

Greetings, citizens. The Civilian Legislative Authority has recently finalized the new Nightwatch charter. In the interest of transparency, we have provided a transcript below. You may also find a copy here.

Charter of Understanding and Cooperation Between the NightWatch (NW) and the Civilian Legislation Association (CLA)

Preamble

This charter establishes the foundation for the cooperative relationship between the NightWatch (NW) and the Civilian Legislation Association (CLA). It outlines the rules, roles, and responsibilities of both groups in maintaining public order, safety, and community involvement within the city. The NW is dedicated to neutral intervention and city services, while the CLA serves as an advisory body representing civilian interests and fostering discussion on NW operations.

Article I: Purpose

The purpose of this charter is to:

• Define the working relationship between the NW and the CLA.
• Establish guidelines for communication, collaboration, and independent operations.
• Ensure public safety, transparency, and community engagement in the evolution of NW duties.

Article II: Roles and Responsibilities
Section 1: NightWatch (NW)

The NW will:

• Remain neutral in political matters and serve all city residents equally.
• Intervene on behalf of city protection as mandated by the CLA.
• Ensure transparency in operations while protecting the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Section 2: Civilian Legislation Association (CLA)

The CLA will:

• Serve as an advisory body made up of Ambassadors, Senators, and Delegates, representing civilian concerns and interests.
• Facilitate discussions on NightWatch operations, propose changes to codes and methods, and discuss long-term strategies.
• Provide a direct channel for public concerns and suggestions related to NightWatch duties.
• Operate independently of the NightWatch in terms of legislative discussions and proposals.

Article III: Communication and Collaboration

• The NW and CLA will maintain open and regular communication through designated representatives.
• The NW and CLA will convene during regularly scheduled meetings between the NW leadership and the CLA.
• Proposals for change from the CLA must be presented in writing and discussed in a scheduled meeting with NightWatch leadership. NW will give due consideration to CLA recommendations but retains final decision-making authority.
• The NW will provide updates on operational procedures and upcoming changes, when appropriate, for CLA review and feedback.

Article IV: Independence and Boundaries

• The NightWatch will have sole authority over day-to-day operations, conflict mediation, intervention, and service delivery.
• The CLA may offer advice and recommendations, but it will not interfere with operational decisions made by NW leadership.
• Both organizations shall respect the independence of each other, with the CLA focusing on long-term policy discussions and the NW focusing on immediate service delivery.
• Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of discussions related to sensitive operational matters.

Article V: Conflict Resolution

• Should a dispute arise between the NW and CLA over policy or operational decisions, a mediation process will be initiated, involving senior leadership from both organizations.
• The resolution process will prioritize finding common ground while upholding the NightWatch’s core mission of maintaining order and safety.

Article VI: Confidentiality

• Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of discussions related to sensitive operational matters.
• Submissions made by the public to the NW or CLA will remain confidential, with information shared only on a need-to-know basis unless extreme circumstances necessitate otherwise.

Article VII: Review and Amendment

• This charter will be reviewed annually by representatives from both the NW and CLA.
• Any amendments must be mutually agreed upon and documented in writing.

Article VIII: Termination

• Either party may terminate this agreement with 90 days' written notice, after which an exit plan will be negotiated to ensure ongoing public safety and order are maintained.

Article IX: Democractic Appointment

• The Commander of the Nightwatch is a democratically elected position. Elections are to be held yearly for a period of one week, with each member of the CLA and Guardian rank or higher Nightwatch member able to cast a vote.
• Once this voting process has begun, new introductions to either the CLA or promotions to Guardian rank will not have a vote until next year's election. Voting is to be anonymous in whichever form it may take. Campaigning publicly will not be permitted in any capacity. Publicly campaigning will result in a removal of a candidate's name from the current election process.
• Candidates may be presented by the CLA with at least two supporters for the motion. Candidates may also be presented by Nightwatch Officers with at least two supports for the motion, the current Commander not withstanding.
• The position of Commander may be impeached as deemed necessary by the CLA and Nightwatch Officers for violation of the Articles of Impeachment. In the event of violation, at least three members of the CLA are required to begin a motion to impeach the Nightwatch Commander. This vote shall require a majority approval (51%+) between both the CLA and Nightwatch Officers.
• In the event of the impeachment of a Commander, there will be a two-week period permitted for an emergency election of a new Commander.

ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT

1. Abuse of Power
• Any misuse of authority for personal gain, favoritism, or to settle personal grievances.

2. Negligence of Duties
• Failure to perform essential responsibilities, such as protecting citizens, overseeing Nightwatch operations, or maintaining order in a timely manner.

3. Corruption
• Accepting bribes, engaging in dishonest dealings, or manipulating resources meant for the Nightwatch or the future of the city.

4. Violation of Neutrality
• Involvement in political affairs, taking sides in conflicts, or using the Nightwatch for personal political ambitions.

5. Breach of Confidentiality
• Disclosing sensitive information or breaking confidentiality agreements that compromise the trust or integrity of Nightwatch operations.

6. Gross Misconduct
• Engaging in unethical, illegal, or inappropriate behavior that brings harm to the Nightwatch’s reputation or impedes its function.

7. Failure to Address Grievances
• Ignoring citizen concerns or failing to act on legitimate complaints, particularly those raised through formal processes such as the Concerns Submission Form.

8. Conflict of Interest
• Using the Commander’s position to benefit personal, family, or allied interests at the expense of Nightwatch neutrality and public service.

9. Insubordination or Defiance of the Nightwatch Charter
• Violating the established rules and guidelines in the Charter of Understanding and Cooperation between the Nightwatch and the Civilian Legislative Authority (CLA).

10. Failure to Maintain Order in the Nightwatch
• Inability to manage or lead the Nightwatch effectively, leading to internal chaos or disorder that undermines the group’s purpose.

SIGNED ON OCTOBER 29, 2024

Dresden Wilmore, Commander of the Nightwatch
Alexa Moroventon, Nightwatch Delegate
Malice Cuan, CLA Ambassador
Mandolin Amandine, CLA Ambassador
Seyda Adaire-St. John-Wolfe, CLA Chancellor
Robert Schiaraffa [Vanitas], CLA Ambassador
Vex de Draak, CLA Chancellor
Alex Moonring, CLA Ambassador


Note: At the time of signing, Alex Moonring represented the Shadowlight lineage. She has since stepped down from this position but still retains a non-voting Senator role. Dresden Wilmore also no longer serves as Commander of the Nightwatch and as such, this Charter has been enthusiastically signed as follows:

Everly Ailios de Draak, Acting Co-Commander of the Nightwatch
Coldy Amandine, Acting Co-Commander of the Nightwatch