NCJ Number
215635
Date Published
2006
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This chapter instructs first-responder officers in strategy and tactics for a hostage/barricade/suicide incident.
Abstract
The chapter recommends negotiation tactics that are designed to deal with the suspect's fear, anger, and hopelessness. The aim is to reduce the suspect's tendencies and incentives for violent behavior. If the situation is not resolved by the first responders and some time has passed, the department's crisis negotiator will assume negotiation with the suspect after being briefed by the first-responder negotiator. The top priority for the first officer on the scene is self-protection. This means resisting the temptation to rush into the hostage-taker's location in an attempt to resolve the incident quickly. The best strategy is to keep cover, contain the situation, observe conditions and circumstances, and determine the resources necessary to handle the problem. Containment involves establishing an inner and outer perimeter. The inner perimeter should be as close as possible to the hostage-taker and the hostages. Anyone who crosses this perimeter from the direction of the hostage site should be detained and questioned to determine any link he/she might have to the incident. The outer perimeter is designed to keep all unauthorized parties from coming into the vicinity of the hostage site. All who are within these perimeters should be evacuated for their own safety. Once additional officers and resources have arrived and secured the perimeters, the situation usually stabilizes. At this point, communication with the hostage-taker should be attempted. The first-responding officer chosen to communicate with the hostage-taker must be trained in what to expect and how to deal with such situations. Only one officer should communicate with the suspect. All officers should remain under cover for personal safety and to prevent the suspect from feeling threatened.