Hostage Handling
Purpose
To ensure the safety of hostages, maintain scene integrity, and document all relevant information for follow-up investigation or prosecution.
Procedures
Check Hostage Condition
Confirm the hostage is alive, conscious, and physically unharmed.
Check if the hostage requires food and water.
Request medical evaluation if needed.
Ensure Safe Release
Do not attempt to secure the hostage until demands have been met and the suspects are no longer a threat.
Confirm the hostage is free of any immediate danger before approaching.
Search the Hostage
Conduct a brief frisk or inventory check to ensure no illegal items were planted on them during the incident (e.g., drugs, marked bills, weapons).
This prevents criminals from using hostages to transport illegal goods.
Verify Identity and Record Information
Obtain the hostage’s full name, phone number, SID, and any other relevant identifiers.
Ask if they are affiliated with the suspects in any way.
Watch for inconsistencies or suspicious behavior that may indicate the hostage is cooperating with the criminals.
Document and Report
Include the hostage’s information and statement in the incident report.
Clearly label them as a verified or suspicious hostage.
Notate in the report whether:
They were truly uninvolved.
Any contraband was found.
Their behavior raised any red flags.
Fake Hostage Prevention
Officers must track repeat hostage names and cross-reference past scenes.
If a person has been a hostage multiple times in a short span, flag and report them for further investigation.
Scene Command or Detectives may open an investigation into possible staged or fake hostage scenarios.
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