6. Hostage and crisis negotiation

Question 1

What is a subject in hostage and crisis negotiation?

Answer 1

Hostage taker (HT) or Individual in Crisis (IiC)

Question 2

What is a hostage?

Answer 2

A person seized or held as security for the fulfilment of a condition (normally financial in the form of a ransom)

Question 3

What is a victim in hostage and crisis negotiation?

Answer 3

Person prevented from leaving a premises but not being specifically used as a form of ransom

Question 4

Who are hostage crisis negotiators (HCNs)?

Answer 4

Every UK police force has a team of HCNs
Volunteer role (as well as day job)
Must be sergeant rank or above
On call system (24/7, 1 week in 6)

Question 5

Key competencies for HCNs

Answer 5

Communication skills
Active listening
Team working ability

Question 6

Application process for HCNs

Answer 6

Three tier:

1. Paper based application form
2. Practical role play scenario assessment
3. Traditional panel interview

Question 7

What does the HCN training programme consist of?

Answer 7

4 weeks…
Regional training course (focus on crisis negotiation_
National training course (focus on hostage negotiation)
Red centre training (for covert incidents)

Question 8

What is the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit Motto?

Answer 8

Pax Per Conloquium (Resolution through dialogue)

Question 9

What are the aims of negotiation?

Answer 9

To minimise and eliminate the loss of life
To resolve situations peacefully without the need for tactical force
To minimise harm/injury to all parties involves (Hs/IiC/HTs/HCNs)

Question 10

Why negotiate?

Answer 10

Data from Hostage Barricade Database System (HOBAS) shows 82% of reported incidents were resolved without death/injury to perpetrator or victim