As per SOP for the research department
https://wiki.vore-station.net/index.php ... evelopmentWeapons Policy
Any weapons handled by the Research Department, even those normally deemed illegal by NanoTrasen, is completely legal
within the confines of the research department. The moment these weapons leave the department, security is permitted to arrest for contraband as per Corporate Regulations §212. This includes combat mechs. All weapons handled by the research department should be for explicitly scientific purposes. The Research Director may selectively suspend this right at any time for any scientist for any reason.
The outdoor area of the mining asteroid is considered within the Research Department's weapon allowance zone.
If one or more of these weapons are used in a crime within the Research Department, this weapons policy is null and the weapons are treated as contraband upon arrest.
Explosives and launchers are to be handled with a bomb suit worn at all times.
Any accidents or misfires are to be reported immediately immediately to security and the research director. If an injury results from such a mishap, the medical staff should also be informed.
Moving of weapons through main corridors is strictly forbidden. If security wants weapons for their own uses, or if there's a gateway mission about to happen, weapons may not be transported by scientists. All weapons must be transported either exclusively through the mail network, or by security officers as couriers.
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Under rules of engagement under security:
If a suspect uses a mech to resist arrest, shoot-to-kill authorized. Deployment of barricades and use of flipped tables for cover is also advised to create chokepoints where security can fire upon the target.
I'm not saying it should be done this way, but this is what the wiki says. And just because shoot to kill is auth'd, doesn't mean you should valid hunt.
But taking a combat mech, even unarmed, out of science, is a crime.
Combat mechs are defined basically as anything that isn't a ripley or an oddy or a pod.