NCJ Number
72824
Date Published
1980
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Psychological advice for potential kidnap and hostage-taking victims is delineated, with special instructions to law enforcement, corrections, and security officers who may fall hostage.
Abstract
The general guidelines consist of the following points: (1) follow the orders of the kidnappers; (2) maintain calm and control nervousness by concentrating on unrelated matters; (3) develop a dialogue with the kidnappers, and use language which they can understand; (4) point out to them that you are worth more alive then dead in terms of ransom and the charges against them if they are caught; (5) don't use body language to suggest that you are really thinking about escape or capturing the kidnapper; (6) without being obvious, observe all you can about your surroundings in the hideout; (7) leave your fingerprints around your place of confinement, especially in out of the way places; (8) pay attention to the conversation of the kidnappers in order to gain information about them; (9) if the police assault the hideout, drop to the floor; (10) and when police enter, raise your hands and identify yourself; (11) avoid threats to identify your captors; (12) urge reasonable delays in any decisions or actions taken by your captors; (13) don't try to give orders; (14) avoid dehydration, and eat even if you are not hungry in order to maintain your strength. Special advice is offered for law enforcement, corrections, and security officers. These persons should not try to prevent their captors from committing further crimes, but they should subtly note such offenses. Officers should not give up their uniform shirts, badges, name tags, or pants unless they are forced to do so. These items make the officers easily identifiable to rescuers. Officers should try to locate safe hiding places for use during the rescuers' assaults. They should transmit captors' messages without attempting to edit or criticize them. Finally, they should act neutral and be good listeners. In some circumstances, it is possible for the hostages to defuse situations by letting the captors vent their feelings. References are not included.