MERIT

M.E.R.I.T. (Meta-human Enforcement Response Imperative Task-force), often referred to as MERIT, licenses meta-humans in the United States for hero work. Hero work outside of this organization is strictly illegal. MERIT is responsible for meta-related crimes and organization, and works with other branches of law enforcement in the US, as well as internationally.

MERIT generally classifies heroes in four categories based on performance and security allowance within the organization. These levels are not a sole indicator of how powerful a meta-human may be, although sometimes these two coincide :

Level 1 Clearance
Level 1 clearance heroes make up the majority of the organization. They are often sent to patrol and are dispatched to help with crowd control with larger events or more dangerous situations, assist in rescues, or provide help in relief efforts. Level 1 heroes have minimal security clearance, outside of checking on their own track record at MERIT there is little else they have access to.

Examples: Spinerette

Level 2 Clearance
Heroes of this level will have the same duties as a Level 1 Clearance, but will be responsible for more direct confrontations with criminals and other non-registered meta-humans. Most Level 2 clearance heroes see this as a stepping stone level in order to climb in their careers to aspire to be a level 3 hero. However, there are many heroes who are satisfied with their current level. Level 2 heroes have access to an expanded database on criminals and profiles of non-registered metas, as well as profiles on other heroes within the organization.

Examples: Riptide

Level 3 Clearance
Level 3 clearance heroes are the end goal of most heroes within MERIT. A-level heroes are usually the faces on TV and commercials, and most sponsors and endorsements for products recruit at this level of hero. Heroes at this level have an increased responsibility for dangerous missions and confrontations, as well as being deployed for disaster relief in the most dangerous of areas. Solo missions are available to heroes starting at this level, as well as international incidents.Beginning at this level is the ability to lead a squad of heroes. A-level also grants a security clearance greater than the previous levels, with details on mission briefings and details on both registered and non-registered individuals that are not available to lower security levels.

Examples: Silverback

Level 4 Clearance
These legends within the organization are individuals who offered exceptional service or ability to the organization, as well as a display of competency and loyalty unrivaled by their peers. Contrary to popular belief, these heroes do not need to attain this status to become leaders within the organization. Heroes at this level typically do not deal with the public as much as level 3 heroes. Level 4 clearance heroes are dispatched into the most critical situations, and often the first to be dispatched for international situations. Extreme disaster relief and front line leadership are also staples of this level. Heroes at this level have access to full profiles of individuals and may be involved in espionage.

Examples: Cerebella, Tigerman