HOSTAGE TAKING - COPING WITH A CRISIS

• NCJ Number: 52324
• Journal: Police Review Volume: 87 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 29, 1978) Pages: 1438-1440
• Author(s): A HOROBIN
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 3 pages
• Corporate Author: Police Review Publishing Co
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

THE PROBLEMS POSED BY A HOSTAGE SITUATION FOR PATROL OFFICERS ARE EXAMINED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE DISCUSSED FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE OFFICERS' OBJECTIVES OF PRESERVING LIFE AND SECURING ARREST.

Abstract

HOSTAGE TAKING BY TERRORISTS OR CRIMINALS MAY OCCUR FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS. THE FIRST OFFICIAL CONTACT WITH THE HOSTAGE SITUATION IS LIKELY TO BE MADE BY A PATROL OFFICER WHO HAS HAD LITTLE OR NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES. DESPITE THE LACK OF EXPERIENCE OF THE PATROL OFFICER, IT IS HIS OR HER RESPONSIBILITY IN A HOSTAGE SITUATION TO MAKE THE INITIAL RESPONSE AT THE SCENE. THE OFFICER MUST UNDERSTAND HIS OR HER ROLE IN ACHIEVING THE SAFE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES, PROTECTING THE LIVES OF THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC, AND SECURING THE ARREST OF THE OFFENDERS. THE OFFICER MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TACTICS OF HOSTAGE TAKERS AND THE METHODS OF INITIAL NEGOTIATIONS IN THE ABSENCE OF TRAINED SPECIALISTS. THE SUCCESS OF THE POLICE IN OBTAINING THE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES UNHARMED MAY REST ON THE ABILITY OF THE FIRST OFFICER MAKING CONTACT TO CREATE AN ENVIROMENT THAT WILL REDUCE THE INHERENT TENSION OF THE SITUATION. A 'WORKING RELATIONSHIP' SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN WHICH THE FEARS OF THE CRIMINAL MAY BE AMELIORATED BY THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE OFFICER. ALTHOUGH SKILLED NEGOTIATORS MAY LATER BE ABLE TO CONDUCT CONVERSATIONS WITH THE OFFENDER THAT WILL PROVIDE AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE PERSONALITY PROBLEMS MOTIVATING THE ACTION, THE PATROL OFFICER NEEDS ONLY TO SET THE GROUNDWORK FOR THE EXPERTS AND SHOULD AVOID ATTEMPTS AT DOMINATING THE INITIAL CONTACT. TRICKS OR DEMANDS BY THE OFFICER MAY BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. THE OFFICER SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON MAINTAINING A SINCERE DIALOGUE WITH THE OFFENDER. EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES MAY INCLUDE CONFRONTATIONS WITH FANATICAL OR DERANGED PERSONS IN WHICH THE OFFICER MUST ATTEMPT TO INITIATE CONTACT WHILE SEEKING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE AND ADVICE. (TWK)