5/213.10 Hostage Plan

Question 1

In hostage situations, it shall be the policy of this department to consider the lives of the hostages, civilians, and officers involved to be of the utmost importance, and whenever possible, to enhance the prospects of peacefully resolving the incident through communications with the suspect, to develop and maintain the ability to use alternative approaches to resolve the incident should communications fail, and to make every reasonable effort to effect the safe release of the hostages.

True or False?

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

The Crisis Negotiation Team consists of:

Answer 2

1. Primary Negotiator
2. Secondary Negotiator
3. Intelligence Officer
4. Scribe
5. Intelligence Coordinator
6. Crisis Negotiator Coordinator (CNC)

Question 3

In the case of hostage takers, the department will, through all its resources and by all means possible, attempt the safe rescue of hostages and apprehension of the hostage taker. Nothing in this plan will preclude the use of necessary force, deadly or otherwise (including chemical agents) by members of this department in protecting themselves and others form death and serious injury.

True or False?

Answer 3

True.

Question 4

In a confirmed hostage situation, the _______ _______, or designee, will be immediately notified by Communications.

Answer 4

SWAT Commander

Question 5

Once the SWAT Commander and team arrive at the scene, the _______ _______ will assume command of all tactical operations, inner perimeter control, and will coordinate all contact with the hostage taker through the Crisis Negotiation Team.

Answer 5

SWAT Commander

Question 6

Once the SWAT Commander assumes control, the area patrol supervisor will assume command of all _______ and _______ concerns.

The mere presence of senior officers will not imply the assumption of command.

Answer 6

logistical and support

Question 7

Once the SWAT team deploys and takes command of the inner perimeter, or if the hostage taker becomes mobile, the command of the incident for all deployment of tactical assets, apprehension of the hostage taker, and rescue of the hostages is maintained by the _______ _______ until the situation is resolved.

Answer 7

SWAT Commander

Question 8

Procedure:

The Patrol Officer will:

Answer 8

1. Arrives at the incident scene and takes steps to stop the momentum, slow the action, and save human life. Attempts to avoid confrontation in favor of controlling and containing the situation.
2. Seals off the area as soon as possible. This should begin as soon as the officer(s) determines what type of confrontation is being faced. Isolates the critical zone, to the smallest possible area by creating an inner perimeter.
3. Advises Communications of vital information related to the situation.

Question 9

Procedure:

The Patrol Supervisor will:

Answer 9

1. Reinforces inner perimeter and establishes a secondary perimeter based on the nature of the incident.
2. Directs units to stop any inbound foot or vehicle traffic as required.
3. Evacuates bystanders and injured persons from the area directly around the suspect’s location.
4. Designates an officer with good verbal skills to make contact with the hostage taker to determine the subject’s desires and purposes, and the well-being of hostages.

Note: Prior to the arrival of SWAT/CNT, there will be no negotiations for the supply of weapons, ammunition, drugs, alcohol, or exchange of hostages.

5. Requests a dedicated radio channel with a dispatcher.

Question 10

Procedure:

The Patrol Lieutenant will:

Answer 10

1. Ensures all the above steps are accomplished and makes adjustments as needed.
2. Designates a point for evacuated citizens to gather that is safe, and has facilities and access to phones, such as schools and shopping centers.
3. Establishes and Incident Command Post (ICP) that
   a. Is out of sight of the suspect;
   b. Has an area for responding units to stage; and
   c. Has access to a phone and unobstructed radio communications.
4. Establishes ingress/egress routes for responding units.
5. Requests fire and medical support to the ICP.
6. Assigns one officer to function as the Recorder to maintain a chronological log of events to update the Patrol Division supervisor of personnel assigned.
7. Advises Communications of the command post phone number.
8. Assigns a patrol supervisor or designee to the Tactical Operations Center.
9. Requests a Traffic Section supervisor to control the outer perimeter to relieve patrol personnel for duty in the field.
10. Maintains control over the relief and deployment of patrol officers.
11. Functions as media liaison, or appoints one, unless the PIO is present.
12. Plans for the availability/use of pursuit/surveillance vehicles and control of travel routes, if appropriate.
13. Notifies the Emergency Management Coordinator, when appropriate.