Kidnapping and Ransom Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Kidnapping is a specialist area and must be treated with the utmost professionalism and sensitivity. The distinction between a hostage situation and kidnapping situation is that the location of the victim is not known during a kidnapping situation. In certain environments, the ability to recover kidnapped persons might be possible using Western military force support to cordon off or search areas, if the proper incident management policies, agreements, and standard operating procedures are in place. In other environments, it will be the sole responsibility of a kidnapping and ransom team to recover kidnapped persons.

In the event of a kidnapping, the following (initial) steps should be taken to ensure the safety of the victim:

Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Liaise with appropriate consulate/embassy and nearby police or military commander if authorized.
3. Be sure that a kidnapping has indeed occurred; explore all possible explanations for a missing person (see missing person guidelines).
4. Confirm where the victim was last seen, and with whom; get a full statement of events, as well as what the victim was wearing.
5. Determine whether the victim has any medical conditions, and ascertain the state of the person's mental health.
6. Start a log of events and update it as events transpire.
7. Alert expert consultants and negotiators (if sanctioned).
8. Notify the victim's family (if sanctioned).
9. Limit information given to the media for the well‐being of the victim.
10. Choose a telephone to be used when talking to kidnappers, and attach a recording device if possible.
11. Retrieve personal file of victim so that “proof of life” questions can be verified.
12. Do not indicate to kidnappers that police have been notified (if appropriate).
13. Promise nothing, but be conciliatory.
14. Allow the experts to do their job once they arrive on scene.
15. Take notes and record details such as voice, age, timbre, race, and gender of kidnappers.
16. Take statements from anyone who may have witnessed the event; obtain a description of kidnappers, vehicles, and other details.
17. Place all evidence in plastic bags; handle corners only to avoid damaging fingerprints.
18. Forward all information through the correct communication channels, and update where necessary.
19. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.