[Star Trek Viewer]

Do we have a definitive answer on whether the motorcycle officer who stopped the young James Tiberius Kirk was human or android?

I tend to think he would be an android, since we know that, by the 23d Century, android technology hasn't yet advanced to the level of Data. The android's mannerisms seem more human than Data's, and since androids who are more human-like would presumably be more advanced than Data, the officer probably wouldn't be an android.

What say you?

[NCC-73515]

"In my mind, there is a person under there," said Orci. "But there is nothing in the movie that says one way or another. But in reading some of Roddenberry's thoughts and dissertations about 'Star Trek,' there was always a hesitance to deny the human spirit and deny the human side of it. There is a small part of me that thinks an android cop would be against Roddenberry's instincts. However, Mr. Data is clearly a central canon figure, so you can argue it either way. I don't think there is anything in the movie that commits it one way or the other. It is in the eye of the beholder."

(http://www.trektoday.com/news/101208_01.shtml)

[That Metal Beastie]

Originally Posted by NCC-73515

(http://www.trektoday.com/news/101208_01.shtml)

I've said it before, he was a Metal Beastie wannabe!

[Star Trek Viewer]

Thanks for the great answers!

If there is a person under the mask, however, that brings forth the question: Why was he wearing such a mechanical-appearing mask? Was it supposed to be protective? What does it say about the Federation that its police officers look like androids?

[Zardoz]

I'd say human. The outfit protects identity, and looks intimidating for law enforcement purposes.

[That Metal Beastie]

Originally Posted by Star Trek Viewer

If there is a person under the mask, however, that brings forth the question: Why was he wearing such a mechanical-appearing mask? Was it supposed to be protective? What does it say about the Federation that its police officers look like androids?

To my knowledge the Federation doesn't have anything to do with local police enforcement. I can't see why it would.

As for the mask, high-tech 23rd century protection.

And he's a human Metal Beastie wannabe.

[NCC_1701A]

If it was an android, it was far less advanced then data. Something programed to do traffic stops and so forth.

[Capt Dunsel]

If you read the novelization of the movie, he is definitely human and the facemask is protective. On the inside of it is a viewing screen (and hopefully air conditioning)....

[Zardoz]

Originally Posted by Capt Dunsel

If you read the novelization of the movie, he is definitely human and the facemask is protective. On the inside of it is a viewing screen (and hopefully air conditioning)....

Makes sense. That way he/she/it could go into any climate, or situation.

[NCC-73515]

It's a face shield with a mask speaker (in the novel).