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Officer's Worst Nightmare: Lessons Learned from Being Taken Hostage

NCJ Number
227772
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 78 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 14-19
Author(s)
Tom Hausner
Date Published
July 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Valuable lessons of being taken hostage are offered to law enforcement officers through the personal experience of one deputy.
Abstract
After responding to a call concerning a domestic dispute in a rural area, a deputy was taken hostage. A review of the incident revealed some negative and positive elements. The officer had made some mistakes but also made some excellent decisions once taken hostage which contributed to the positive outcome of the situation. These positive elements included a tactical and survival mind-set and solid negotiation skills. This article presents both elements as a way to help other law enforcement officers who may encounter such a situation in the future, and to learn from such incidents. The narrative details a true account of one deputy's experience of being taken hostage. 5 endnotes