Disaster Response and Hostage Negotiation

cHAPTER Fifteen Crisis/Hostage Negotiation

∗ Crisis intervention is the core of hostage negotiation ∗ Most crises involving barricade situations occur in the home,

are unplanned, and involve males who are enraged by domestic disputes

∗ 12% involve hostages

∗ 52% of all hostage takings are instigated by mentally ill or emotionally disturbed individuals

∗ Violence is rising in the workplace and acts of hostage taking occur there

Background

∗ Psychological dynamics of people who survive being held hostage are not unlike those of victims of battering, coerced prostitutes, and abused children

∗ It is not uncommon for potential suicides and domestic violence situations to end up as barricade or hostage situations

∗ As a result of crisis intervention theory and techniques, more than 95% of crisis/hostage situations are resolved peacefully

Background Cont.

∗ Types of Hostage Takers ∗ Instrumental ∗ Expressive

∗ The Mentally Disturbed ∗ The Schizophrenic Personality ∗ The Bipolar Personality ∗ The Inadequate/Dependent Personality ∗ The Antisocial Personality ∗ The Borderline Personality

Dynamics of Hostage Taking

∗ Other Hostage Takers ∗ The Estranged Person ∗ The Institutionalized Individual ∗ The Wronged Person ∗ Alcohol and Substance Abuse

∗ Stages and Dynamics of a Hostage Situation ∗ Alarm ∗ Crisis ∗ Accommodation ∗ Stockholm Syndrome ∗ Resolution

Dynamics of Hostage Taking Cont.

∗ REACT ∗ Recognition of needed conditions ∗ Engagement builds rapport and facilitates ventilation and

validation ∗ Assessment continuously evaluates the physical risks to all parties ∗ Contracting/Controlling

∗ Facilitating an agreement on how to resolve the incident ∗ Planning out how it will be resolved ∗ Helping the perpetrator with his or her ambivalence ∗ Controlling how the surrender will occur so that nothing goes wrong ∗ Gaining surrender of the hostage taker and release of the hostages

∗ Terminating/Transferring is arranging for follow-up care

Intervention Models

∗ S.A.F.E. ∗ Substantive issues are the initial demands made

by the subject and the return demands of the negotiator.

∗ Attunement is the degree of relational trust, respect, and desire to cooperate with another party.

∗ Face is the self-image of the parties that is either threatened or honored (saving face).

∗ Emotion is the degree of emotional distress experienced by both parties.

Intervention Models Cont.

∗ Communication Techniques ∗ Cultural Factors ∗ Recognition and Assessment ∗ Controlling and Contracting ∗ Transferring

∗ Containing the Scene ∗ Inner and outer perimeters are secured around the hostage scene and

a command post is established in the inner perimeter ∗ Gathering Information

∗ The most important and time-sensitive information that the negotiator needs is a profile of the hostage taker

∗ Who are the hostages? ∗ What are the specifications of the hostage site?

Intervention Strategies

∗ Stabilizing the Situation ∗ Contain and stabilize the situation ∗ Calm the hostage taker and build rapport ∗ Allow the hostage taker the opportunity to ventilate

feelings ∗ Use “I” statements and reflective summaries

∗ Persuading the Hostage Taker to Give Up ∗ Start by negotiating smaller issues first be clear that the

hostage taker gets nothing without giving something in return

∗ The Crisis Worker as Consultant ∗ Controversial issue

Intervention Strategies Cont.

∗ Ensure your own safety. ∗ Avoid soliciting demands the negotiator cannot or will not

keep. ∗ Listen for and remember clues regarding the perpetrator’s

emotional state so you can pass that information on to the negotiator.

∗ Do not offer anything to the perpetrator of a material nature.

∗ Minimize the seriousness of the perpetrator’s crime. ∗ Do not refer to anybody as “hostage.” ∗ Do not try to trick the hostage taker or be dishonest.

If You Are Put in the Role of Negotiator

∗ Never give an absolute no or yes to a demand. ∗ Do not be creative in making suggestions or putting

thoughts in the perpetrator’s mind. ∗ If the perpetrator seems suicidal, ask about it, and

adopt a suicide prevention mode. ∗ No relatives, friends, bosses, or anybody else needs to

be brought to the scene unless the negotiator decides to do so later. If they are already at the scene, it is probably best to get them away from it.

∗ Do not offer to exchange yourself.

If You Are Put in the Role of Negotiator Cont.

∗ Do not be a hero. ∗ Follow instructions. ∗ Do not speak unless spoken to. ∗ Do not make suggestions. ∗ Try to rest and eat. ∗ Carefully weigh escape options. ∗ Request aid if needed. ∗ Be observant. ∗ Do not be argumentative. ∗ Be patient.

If You are Held Hostage

∗ Avoid standing out. ∗ Treat captives with deference and respect. ∗ Do not slight the seriousness of the situation by

attempting to inject humor into it. ∗ Be careful of trickery. ∗ Do not embarrass your captors. ∗ Keep your confidence and self-esteem. ∗ Keep to routines. ∗ Use fantasy, day dreaming, and future planning. ∗ When rescue comes, follow the rescuers’ directions

precisely.

If You are Held Hostage Cont.

∗ Stockholm Syndrome ∗ Acute Stress Disorder ∗ Postincident Interview ∗ Crisis Intervention With Hostage Survivors

∗ Initial Debriefing ∗ Subsequent Intervention Procedures

∗ Crisis Intervention with the Hostage Negotiator

Intervention After Release