NCJ Number
137878
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 61 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 13-16
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
One of the most pressing considerations in dealing with a barricaded subject, whether with hostages or alone, is the possibility that the subject might commit suicide.
Abstract
In many jurisdictions, law enforcement agencies use their hostage negotiation units to resolve incidents involving a barricaded subject who threatens suicide. As part of the negotiation process, negotiators must estimate the likelihood of the subject to commit suicide. Negotiators should keep several critical issues in mind in order to analyze an individual's potential for suicide. These issues include the subject's propensity toward hostility, recent events in the individual's life, whether the individual has a social support network, and the individual's dependency on alcohol. Other issues include depression, the intended suicide method, the fact that the individual considers suicide a viable option, and the subject's feelings of hopelessness. During incidents involving potentially suicidal subjects, negotiators must deal with many of these issues simultaneously. Negotiators also face the possibility that, despite their best efforts, subjects may still commit suicide. While no substitute for skill or experience exists, discussing the preceding critical issues may prove valuable to negotiators when dealing with suicidal persons. 4 endnotes