Hostage Situation Tab 21

What are the four ways to neutralize a hostage situation?

Hostage negotiations, planned assault, chemical agents, and marksman fire.

What should you first do if taken hostage?

Accept your role as a hostage to help de-escalate the situation.

Do you still have authority after being taken hostage?

No. You have no authority, but you still have responsibilities.

How should you act while being held hostage?

Stay calm, patient, inconspicuous, and avoid panic or heroics.

Why should you accept the realities of being hostage?

Accepting the situation helps you think clearly and avoids escalation

What should you prepare for during a hostage incident

Prepare to be held for extended period of time

What should you do with signs from your official position?

Remove signs from your office and get as comfortable as appropriate

What should you avoid doing around hostage takers

Increasing their stress levels

How much should you talk to hostage-takers?

Limit conversations and be a good listener

Are escape attempts recommended?

No- may make situation worse for other hostages

What should be considered if a tactical assault takes place?

Identify places to hide and take cover

Why should you pay attention to detail?

If released, you will be able to provide important intelligence.

Where should you remain in relation to hostage takers?

Stay in plain view, unless emergency circumstances require cover

Should you develop a positive relationship with hostage takers?

Yes, when possible, because rapport may reduce danger and improve survival.

What is the main survival rule for a hostage?

Stay calm, do not provoke anyone, observe details, focus on surviving

What can developing a positive relationship with hostage takers lead to?

Stockholm syndrome (transference): Hostages developing positive feelings with their captors. However, may also develop negative feelings towards authorities. Lastly, Hostage takers start seeing their hostages as human beings, which leads to relating to them. Starts seeing themselves in a unit of opposition.

Why is developing rapport with hostage takers beneficial?

May humanize the hostage and reduce the likelihood of harm

Why is it important to retain personal control?

To maintain composure, judgement, and emotional stability

What should you do if threatened with sexual assault?

Resist Rape if possible, while prioritizing your survival

How should you respond to instructions from hostage-takers?

Follow instructions with a reasonable delay

What topics should you avoid with hostage-takers?

Politics and religion

What information should you remember while being held hostage?

Details about people, conversations, weapons, locations, and events

Why should you give credibility to the negotiator?

To support the negotiation process and increase the chance of a peaceful resolution

Should a hostage negotiate with a hostage-taker?

No- do not negotiate. Leave negotiations to trained negotiators.

What should you do if tactical intervention occurs?

Protect yourself and follow emergency procedures

When does hostage debriefing begin?

Immediately after release

When is the second hostage debriefing conducted?

36-48 hours after release

When is the final hostage debriefing conducted?

Several weeks after release

How should employees prepare their families for a potential hostage incident?

Let them know that there is a possibility of a hostage situation and explain what will happen if it occurs.

BONUS What are key survival principles during a hostage situation?

• Accept your role

• Stay calm

• Cooperate appropriately

• Observe and remember details

• Don't negotiate

• Support the negotiator

• Protect yourself during a tactical assault

• Complete debriefings after release