The Tabolport Guard is based at four barracks scattered about the city
(covering the northern areas more than the southern), each with
some small holding area (though prisoners aren't held in them for
long, being moved elsewhere or otherwise dealt with).  Each barracks
commander has considerable latitude within his/her (there is only a
mild sexual bias) jurisdiction, in part because they are hand-picked
by Arik, so he's willing to rely on them.  Guard patrols and stations
are around six men: a sergeant or even lieutenant, an assistant
(usually a low sarge.), sometimes a magician of some sort, and
men-at-arms to make up the patrol.  Usually at least two have missle
weapons (and light melee weapons); those in important/central areas
may be mounted.  Issue armor is generally chain (in the city's black
and silver), with broadswords the standard melee weapon and light or
medium crossbows the normal missle weapon.  However, many of the
officers have other preferences, and are generally allowed to use the
weapon of their choice.

The guard, in time of war, become the officers for the militia.
Otherwise, any weapon larger than, say, a short sword is forbidden to
the general public (waivers are possible, and weapons in the home are
generally ignored, though).  The guard is also considerably
understaffed for the area it must patrol!  The breakwater garrison,
for example, is very small, so that the southern end of the island is
known as a sort of thieves' nest, though not nearly so much so as the
SW slums.