NCJ Number
95950
Date Published
1984
Length
26 pages
Annotation
The various types of hostage takers are described, and suggestions are provided to help hostages survive and to help them cope with the psychologically stressful and life-threatening incident.
Abstract
The three most common types of hostage takers are the criminal subject, including the antisocial personality and the inadequate personality; the mentally ill subject, including the paranoid schizophrenic and the deeply depressed individual; and the politically motivated subject. Various types of crisis intervention programs are examined. For example, a primary intervention program is designed to acquaint potential victims with knowledge of the crisis they face to enable them to cope more effectively if they should be victimized. Primary intervention techniques are explored. Vulnerable people should be alert to signs that they are marked for seizure. They might sense they are being watched, or that their car is being followed. To deter their abductors, they should change routines, travel with others, or perhaps purchase large dogs. Personal preparation for abduction, such as purchasing kidnapping insurance and updating wills, is addressed. The four stages of the hostage crisis are identified -- alarm, crisis, accommodation, and resolution -- and the response of law enforcement officials and of the hostages during each stage of the crisis is analyzed. Recommendations for the hostages at each stage of the crisis are provided. Additionally, ways for therapists to help former hostages are suggested. Included are 41 notes.