Police Precinct (2013) Board Game

Police Precinct is a board game released in 2013 that puts players in the roles of police officers working together to solve crimes in a bustling city. Designed by George Patsouras and Marco Primo, this game is perfect for fans of bluffing, deduction, and murder/mystery games. With cooperative gameplay and variable player powers, Police Precinct offers a unique and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Police Precinct

3 game boards (Main, Crime Track, and Evidence boards)

Character cards for each player

Squad car tokens

Emergency cards

Evidence cards (Crime Scene, Interview, Examine body, and Murder Weapon)

Street Punk tokens

Crime marker

Turn marker

Police cards

Event deck

Donuts (used for drawing additional cards)

Dice

How To Setup Police Precinct

To set up the game, start by arranging the three game boards. Shuffle and place two Emergency cards on the board at their listed locations. If both cards are the same color, place the “Urgent” marker on the first one. Shuffle and place the Evidence cards according to the rules. Roll the dice to position the Street Punk tokens in the “Bad Hood” area. Place the Crime marker at the start of the Crime track and set the Turn marker based on the number of players. Each player chooses a Character card, selects a squad car, and decides whether to start as an unmarked or marked car, which affects their Investigation or movement abilities. The squad cars are placed at the Police station, and the other components are organized for use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative gameplay: Players work together to solve the murder and manage other crimes.

Time management: Players must race against the clock to collect key evidence and apprehend the suspect.

Resource management: Use Donuts to draw additional Investigation cards.

Variable player powers: Each character has unique abilities.

Modular board: The game environment changes with each playthrough due to random placement of components.

Objective: Complete police calls, collect evidence, and apprehend the murderer before the crime runs out of control or the suspect escapes.

Player Experience

In Police Precinct, players are immersed in the fast-paced world of law enforcement, juggling multiple tasks from investigating a murder to handling everyday police emergencies. The game demands strategic planning and teamwork, as players must coordinate their actions to manage the rising crime level and solve the murder before time runs out. The dynamic environment, with random events and emergencies, ensures each game is unique and challengingly engaging.

Pros

Dynamic gameplay: Random events and emergencies keep the game exciting and unpredictable.

Cooperative nature: Encourages teamwork and strategy among players.

Unique abilities: Each character’s special skills add a layer of depth to gameplay.

High replayability: Different setup and random events ensure varied experiences.

Cons

Complex setup: Setting up the game can be time-consuming and complex.

Steep learning curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming.

Limited player count flexibility: The game’s difficulty scales with the number of players, which may affect balance.

Personal Thoughts on Police Precinct

Police Precinct is ideal for fans of cooperative games and those who enjoy strategic challenges. It’s perfect for groups of players who can communicate effectively and work together under pressure. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers due to its complex setup and rules. If you’re looking for a game that combines teamwork, strategy, and a bit of thriller suspense, Police Precinct is definitely worth a try.

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