Roles - Hostage Negotiations

Hostage Situations and Negotiations

There are two types of Hostage situations. Standard hostage situations are where suspects have taken a hostage to use as leverage in exchange for free passage from a robbery. The other type of hostage situations or negotations is when someone has been kidnapped. In the event that a fellow LEO or EMS has been kidnapped this scene should be led by the most senior member of staff on duty or delegated to a trained negotiator. Standard hostage situations can be lead by any LEO.

Hostage negotiations are one of the most crucial skills that will be learnt as a cadet. With good negotiations PD gain information and the ability to communicate effectively for a hostage’s release. The primary aim is always to secure the safe release of the hostage. Although it also is a technique for buying time and allowing PD the opportunity to prepare. It is important all officers know the methods we use for negotiations as we always push for a peaceful resolution where possible, and it should always be a last resort to authorise a breach.

1. Firstly, the negotiating officer should enter the situation unarmed and slowly, and upon approaching their entry must be stated.

2. Announcement of name (<Callsign> <Rank> <Surname>) and that you are there to begin negotiations with the suspects.

3. Ask the hostage if they are unharmed and have been treated well, ensure they are not needing medical attention or food or water. (This is important because it can give an indication of the frame of mind the suspects are in, which could be detrimental to decision making).

4. Once assured the hostage is unharmed, attention should be turned to the suspects.

5. Speak clearly and directly to the suspect holding the weapon to the hostage. Your first question will always be. "What can I do for the safe release of the hostage?"

6. Listen to the suspects’ demands without interruption and take note of what they would like.

7. Try and always offer 1 for 1. For example, if they ask for no spike strips, request no decamps. Always try and compromise the best you can, however if demands are unreasonable, they must be told. This includes, but is not subject to:

   1. Choice of units, especially more than 1

   2. Requests for goods

   3. No chase

   4. To swap an officer with the hostage

8. Let the suspect know you are exiting the bank to confirm terms with your team.

9. Radio across the terms of negotiations as clearly as possible. Call 10-3 if necessary.

10. Confirm your role going forward, whether this will be to deal with the hostage or be a part of the pursuit. (If you are in pursuit, swap out at this point with the officer that is on hostage duty.)

11. If you are on Hostage duty, enter back into the bank and confirm with the suspects the terms will be met and ask how long they require.

12. Once they give you a time frame inform them you will exit the bank and come back in X amount of time to take the hostage and allow them their safe passage.

13. Exit the bank until the amount of time has passed then reenter the bank and let the suspects know they are able to leave.

14. Take the hostage outside once the suspects have left to a safe location and take a witness statement. Questions should be asked such as:

    1. Where did they take you?

    2. Did you happen to hear any names?

    3. Did they mention anything about an escape plan?

15. Once the statement is taken ask the hostage to sit in your patrol car whilst you breach and clear the bank.

16. Enter the bank with your firearm drawn and clearly announce "(<Callsign> <Rank> <Surname> from the LSPD)" if anyone is in the bank make yourself known. ‘This is 243 Sergeant James from the LSPD, if there is anyone inside, please make yourself known’. Slowly clear section by section until you are sure the bank is empty.

17. Collect any evidence there may be, such as bullet casings or fingerprints.

18. 311 that the bank is code 4/ all clear.

19. Exit the bank and ask the hostage where they were taken from and ask if they would like a lift back.