NCJ Number
83211
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This police training pamphlet discusses tactical considerations in hostage incidents.
Abstract
There are four courses of action that can be taken in a hostage incident: (1) the use of chemical agents to force the hostage-takers out of position, (2) direct assault on the hostage position either through deception or by uniformed entry teams, (3) the use of marksmen to shoot and disable the hostage-takers, and (4) negotiation for the release of the hostages. Hostage negotiation has been and continues to be the recommended course of action in most incidents. Negotiation as a starting point will produce valuable information should it be necessary to use tactical approaches. The first three alternatives are violent, irreversible, and may end with injury or death to the hostages. Once an assault has been initiated, however, the attack must be completed. Regardless of the course of action taken, certain tactical procedures must be followed. Manpower and equipment deployment should provide (1) containment of the hostage position, (2) communications, (3) visual and audio surveillance of the position, and (4) assault alternative if a direct attack become necessary. Tactics for fulfilling each of these requirements are described. A test with questions and answers on the material content is provided. (Author summary modified)