Do cops earn as much as criminals?

No. Per Kefir's November 13 post, cops earn less but risk no personal gear.

What do cops lose when they die?

Only department-issued gear. Personal items are kept, according to the Help Center.

Rob Run How to Become a Cop: Police Station Guide

As of November 13, 2026. Police rules are being tuned.

How to join

When there are open slots, go to the Looty Bay Police Station and choose Start Duty at the registration counter. You get standard gear and a patrol vehicle, and leveling your badge unlocks better equipment. You can also pick the police side when entering Looty Bay, and roles reset each time you enter the city.

You must be a Civilian. If you have been committing crimes, leave Looty Bay and return to clear Criminal status (GamerBlurb).

Slots and waiting

Officer slots are capped. Kefir acknowledges the wait and says it will "definitely work on improving police duty." The actual number of slots and typical wait times have not been published.

Gear and badges

Fresh servers start with patrol cops limited to pistols, and better gear unlocks as the server ages (Kefir, November 4). You can work without a badge but you get basic equipment. Since November 4, cops can buy badges, with the selection depending on home district, and badge drops and salaries were cut.

When the force is short on officers, a backup call gives upgraded gear and a temporary pay boost.

Pay and risk

Cops earn a percentage of the value of confiscated goods plus bonuses for siren-and-surrender arrests, and pay is lower than criminals. If a cop dies, only department-issued gear is lost. See also money making.

Not officially confirmed yet

The slot count, queue behavior and wait times.

Sources

Kefir Help Center: How do I become a cop? (official)
Kefir Steam news, November 13 (official)
Kefir Steam news, November 4 (official)
GamerBlurb cop guide (fan media)
GrindnStrat (fan guide)