Hostage Situation

If you hear or see a hostage situation:

• • Immediately remove yourself from danger.
  • Do not intervene or call attention to yourself.
  • Immediately call 911.
  • Be prepared to give the police the following information:
    1. Location of incident
    2. Number of possible hostage takers
    3. Physical description and names of hostage takers if possible
    4. Number of possible hostages
    5. Any weapons the hostage takers may have
    6. Your name
    7. Your location and phone number

     

 

If you are taken hostage:

• • Remain calm, be polite, and cooperate with your captors.  Remember your captors may be emotionally unstable and their actions may be unpredictable.
  • Do not attempt to escape unless there is an extremely good chance of survival.  It is safer to be submissive and comply with the instructions of your captors.
  • Speak normally, do not complain, avoid being argumentative, and avoid making provocative remarks.  Comply with all orders and instructions.  Attempt to establish rapport with the captor.
  • Do not invade the captor’s personal space.  Do not touch or challenge the captor.
  • Do not draw attention to yourself with sudden body movements, statements, comments or hostile looks that may jeopardize your well-being.
  • Observe the captors and try to memorize their physical traits, voice patterns, clothing and other details that can help provide a description later.
  • Avoid getting into political or ideological discussions with the captors.
  • Try to establish a relationship with your captors and get to know them.  Captors are less likely to harm you if they respect you.
  • If forced to present terrorist demands to authorities, either in writing or on tape, state clearly that the demands are from your captors.  Avoid making a plea on your own behalf.
  • Try to stay low to the ground or behind cover from windows or doors, if possible.

 

In a rescue situation:

• Do not run.  Drop to the floor and remain still.  If that is not possible, keep your hands out and visible, bow your head, and stand still.  Make no sudden movements that a tense rescuer may interpret as hostile or threatening.
• Wait for instructions and obey instructions you are given.
• Do not be upset, resist, or argue if a rescuer isn’t sure whether you are a hostage or a hostage taker.
• Even if you are handcuffed and searched, do not resist.  Just wait for the confusion to clear.
• You will be taken to a safe area where proper identification and status will be determined.