NCJ Number
213584
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2005 Pages: 40-42,45,48
Date Published
November 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article presents 10 steps first-response patrol officers should take when handling a hostage situation and waiting on the arrival of SWAT.
Abstract
In an armed hostage situation, a patrol officer’s primary goal is to protect themselves, their fellow officers, and the public. There are 10 steps a patrol officer should take during an armed hostage-taking situation when awaiting SWAT. These steps include: cover and concealment; evacuate potential hostages and neighbors; cover areas of escape; setup a perimeter; pick a suitable staging area; gather intelligence; keep lanes of traffic open; bring order to chaos; practice teamwork; and use common sense. It is clear that these steps are not exhaustive. However, they are a good outline and starting point. This article utilizes an armed, barricaded person scenario because it presents different problems and solutions for the first responding patrol officers.