Hostage Situations

A Hostage Situation is different from a Hostile Intruder/Active Shooter situation. In a Hostage Situation the perpetrator/captor seeks to negotiate with no immediate intention to harm or injure victims, while Hostile Intruder/Active Shooter incidents have shown that in these situations there is no time, room or intention for negotiation on the part of perpetrators.

In these situations the initial 45 minutes are the most dangerous and most intense and have a tremendous potential for violent outbursts aimed and harming and injuring victims, hence one must avoid drastic actions and be compliant.

If Taken Hostage:

1. Remain calm and be patient
2. Follow instructions, and remain alert
3. DO NOT challenge the captor, be compliant
4. Don't speak unless spoken to and only when necessary
5. If spoken to, attempt to establish rapport with the captor:
   • Don't talk down to the captor
   • Avoid appearing hostile and avoid arguments
   • Maintain eye contact but do not stare
6. If medications, first aid or restroom privileges are needed by anyone, politely say so
7. Be observant (when free, the safety of others may depend on what you remember about the situation)