NCJ Number
83253
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1982) Pages: 51-53
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The planning and execution of a training exercise for dealing with a terrorist hostagetaking incident at the Honolulu International Airport (Hawaii) are described.
Abstract
Recognizing that the potential for a terrorist incident is continually present at the Honolulu International Airport, the training division of the Honolulu Police Department was given the responsibility of planning, conducting, and evaluating the department's capability in handling such a terrorist incident. Phase one of the assessment included a review of the department's special weapons and tactics capabilities. Determination of inadequate training prompted the sending of a five-man team to the FBI Academy for a 5-day antisniper and survival training session. Phase two consisted of hostage negotiations training for officers most likely to respond to such an incident at the airport. Following review of current hostage policies and procedures, evaluation of department division and personnel capabilities, and required retraining, phase three of the training program was undertaken. This was a joint training exercise with the Honolulu FBI office. As anticipated, the simulated joint training exercise surfaced certain deficiencies. It reaffirmed the need for prior SWAT and hostage negotiations training and solidified positive factors. All participants became very involved physically and emotionally in the simulated events, and videotaping of the events enabled command personnel to evaluate the effectiveness of prior training and experience. It is expected that a joint training exercise will become an annual event to ensure the preparedness of personnel.