Hostage Situation Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

The speed and quality of decisions and actions taken during the initial stages of a hostage situation are likely to have a significant influence on the outcome. The distinction between a hostage situation and a kidnapping situation is that the location of the victim is known during a hostage situation. The nature of the operating environment will also determine the approach used. Hostage situations may involve disgruntled employees, personal disputes, criminals, or in the most extreme cases activists or dissidents. Hostage negotiation is a specialist field, and company managers should not enter into discussions with the perpetrator.

In the event that an employee or subcontractor is being held hostage, the following immediate steps should be taken:

Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management and Crisis Response Teams using the SAD CHALETS system.
2. Notify appropriate law enforcement, military, and government agencies for immediate assistance.
3. Establish the location of the incident, as well as details of perpetrator(s).
4. Secure the area if possible; contain the hostage situation to prevent escape or exposing other parties to follow‐on risks:
   • Close off all vehicle exit routes to prevent the perpetrator and hostage vehicle from escaping (use unmanned vehicles if necessary to block routes).
   • Lock exit doors and routes to prevent escape by foot.
5. Cordon off the area to prevent other employees being taken hostage; clear area of all staff:
   • Send out notifications (e.g., e‐mail, phone, and text).
   • Seal access routes.
6. Establish a line of communication with the perpetrator; do not try to negotiate—inform the perpetrator that someone is en route who is authorized to make decisions.
7. Provide floor plans, maps, and other details to law enforcement upon arrival.
8. Establish an Incident Control Point and safe access routes, notify external agencies, and organize a reception to lead them into the location via a safe route.
9. Forward all information through the correct communication channels, and update where necessary.
10. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.

Hostage and Hijacking Situations | Scope of Risk

Hostage or hijack situations involve the unlawful detention of an individual or group. The distinction between a hostage and kidnapping situation is that the location of the victim is typically known during a hostage situation, and that hostage events are typically resolved more swiftly than a kidnapping event. Hijacking is typically the taking of hostages when in transit, either when individuals or groups are in land‐based vehicles, maritime vessels, or aircraft. Hijackers may be motivated by many of the same motives as kidnappers. Hostage situations may involve disgruntled employees, personal disputes, criminals, or in the most extreme cases activists, insurgents, or terror groups.

The nature of the operating environment will determine the approach used to manage a hostage or hijacking situation. Hostage negotiation is a specialist field, and company managers should not enter into discussions with the perpetrators. The following considerations should be applied to hostage situations:

§  What are the motives or agendas of the individual or group?

§  Does the individual or group have a history of undertaking hostage situations? If so, what were the outcomes?

§  Who has been taken hostage, and what is the victim's mental and medical condition?

§  Was the hostage targeted specifically or indiscriminately?

§  Has this been planned, or was it spontaneous or unintentional?

§  Are the perpetrators armed and violent?

§  Have the perpetrators made realistic or unrealistic demands?

§  How effective are local law enforcement and other agencies in dealing with hostage situations?

§  Are other personnel at risk?

§  Has the area been cleared and cordoned off?