The Machine

"The Machine" is the nickname given to the network of corrupt officers which operated in the Stallbrook Police Department from the latter decades of the twentieth century until the appointment of Chief Graham by then-Mayor Allan Phillips in 2013. The name comes from its members' desire to operate "like a well-oiled machine" in fighting crime by any means at their disposal, especially the Russo crime family of the Mafia. Ironically, such efforts led to the Machine displacing the Russo family and other groups as the leading source of organized criminal activity, from bribes and money-laundering, to intimidation tactics and even assault and murder to protect their interests.
Members or suspected members of the Machine include:
* Cole Friedman - involved in protection rackets for prostitution and drug rings, money-laundering of payoffs, suspected of police brutality, found after his death to have murdered sex worker Tina Santiago to prevent her from disclosing the extent of his activities.
* Gus Smith - longtime president of the local Fraternal Order of Police, and suspected of participation in or knowledge of abuses and corruption by many officers; eventually compelled to retire.
Category:Organizations
Category:Law Enforcement