The Department of Punishment functioned as a division within the Imperial structure, with its primary responsibility being the torture of apprehended offenders. The leader of this division was known as the Master Torturer; in the year 0 ABY, this role was occupied by Sir Vengnar Heiff. A droid compelled Han Solo to execute an agreement that granted Lord Vader explicit authorization to torture him until death. During the liberation of Coruscant in 7 ABY, the President of this particular subdivision was assassinated by members of the New Republic resistance.