<P> The American government has had a more wary approach, however . Back during World War II they started "Project M" to create experimental soldiers to fight in the war, such as the Creature Commandos . Most of these experiments remain a secret to the public . Currently, the government deals with metahumans and similar beings through its Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO), and more recently A.R.G.U.S. . Covertly, they use an organization of costumed (but non-superhuman) agents known as "Checkmate". The government also formed Task Force X (known as the "Suicide Squad") for "black ops". Most members have been captured supervillains (and thus expendable), and were strongly "encouraged" to join (often with offerings of clemency if they survived their extremely dangerous missions). </P> <P> Outcast personalities are often relegated to the world of DCU supervillainry . They are then usually well versed in heists, kidnappings and robberies . Villains with meek powers contrive schemes of extraordinary complexity, yet--because of their simple talents--they only call the attention of powerless superheroes like Batman, or lesser superheroes like Booster Gold . When caught, any prison sufficient to contain these villains is suitable . More powerful villains strive to contest for greater goals like world domination and / or universal acclaim (from the public and their villainous peers). Usually more powerful enemies are imprisoned in maximum - level facilities--such as Belle Reve Penitentiary (which also was secretly Task Force X's headquarters) and even alternate dimensions or outer space--because they cannot simply be killed by a bullet, electricity, or poison . </P> <P> Supervillains sometimes also form their own groups, but these tend to be short - lived because most villains simply do not trust each other . Most such teams are formed by a charismatic and / or fearsome criminal mastermind for specific purposes; an example is the Secret Society of Super Villains of which there have been several versions . Most villain teams are usually small, having been formed of individuals who know each other personally, such as the Central City Rogues, or have some other reason to work together (mercenary groups like the H.I.V.E., fanatical cults such as Kobra, etc .). </P> <P> Technology more advanced than that which currently exists in real life is available - but it is usually very expensive, and usually only rich or powerful individuals and organizations (or the scientific geniuses who create them) have access to them . S.T.A.R. Labs is an independent research outfit that often develops these devices, while Lexcorp is the main company selling them . The government also runs the secret Project Cadmus (located in the mountains near Metropolis) to develop clones and genetic manipulation without the public's knowledge . Technology can also come from outer space or different timelines . Apokolips weaponry is often sold in Metropolis to the criminal organization known as Intergang . </P>

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