Hostage

In the rare event you are taken hostage, your best strategy for survival is to comply with the demands made of you.

You must otherwise stay clear and allow trained negotiators to handle the situation. Should you witness others forcibly held, know that information you convey to law enforcement may be critically important to resolving the situation safely.

Procedure

Stop - Don’t be a hero. Show a calm demeanor and avoid behaviors that might draw attention to yourself.

Assess - Critically observe the situation, gathering whatever information may be useful to law enforcement, yourself, or others.

• Observe the captors.
  • How many are there?
  • Where are they located?
  • Are they armed? If so, with what?
  • Are they in good physical condition?
  • What do they look and/or sound like? How old are they?
  • Do they seem well-prepared?
  • What are their emotional states?
• Observe the hostages and their surroundings.
  • How many are there?
  • Where are they located?
  • How are they being treated by the hostage-takers?
  • Identify emergency exits and safe areas.
  • Recall emergency evacuation procedures.

React - Your response depends on whether you are a hostage or a witness.

Witnesses must:

• Remove yourself from harm’s way.
• Mute your phone’s dial and ring tones immediately. This preserves battery life.
• Call 911 and report your observations if you can safely do so. Keep the phone line open. If you can’t speak without bringing attention to yourself but can send a text, consider sending a text to someone who can call.
• Follow instructions of 911 and/or law enforcement.

Hostages must:

• Call 911 if you can safely do so.
• Avoid extremes in behavior; do not be confrontational or overly compliant.
• Try to maintain a low-key demeanor, a quiet confidence.
• Avoid using negative phrases when communicating with the hostage taker.
• Carefully follow the instructions of law enforcement.
• Recognize that attempting escape in a hostage situation is extremely dangerous. Use your best judgment.

During a rescue attempt:

• Follow the instructions of law enforcement exactly. Do not deviate.
• Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a rescuer isn't sure whether you are an aggressor or a victim.