NCJ Number
145686
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
In the aftermath of the confrontation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and the Branch Davidians at Waco, Texas, the Department of Justice assembled a panel of criminal justice experts to examine the Department's ability to handle hostage and barricade incidents and to recommend improvements.
Abstract
Complex hostage and barricade incidents typically involve a large number of well-armed individuals, often accompanied by other hostages or supporters, who have committed or are threatening to commit a serious crime and are likely to resist arrest violently. These groups could include terrorists, radical religious figures, or extortionists. The incident involving the Branch Davidians was unique because of the sheer number of inhabitants in the compound, the fact that many of these inhabitants were not criminal suspects but were also not involuntary hostages, and the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after several ATF agents were killed. The recommendations contained in this report relate to the responsibilities of the FBI, the size and location of the hostage rescue team, negotiations capacity, behavioral science capacity, crisis management, and the responsibility of other Federal law enforcement agencies. 3 notes and 1 appendix