Hostage Rescue Tactics

Mission Statement

• An SWAT Members of a Law Enforcement Special Weapons and Tactics Unit must be able to operate in hostile conditions under extreme pressures with surgical skill for the safety of all law enforcement personnel, hostages, the general public, and the suspect(s).

• Entry is always used as a last resort when all other means have been exhausted for a peaceful end to a critical incident.

Learning Objective

What Is A Hostage ?

• A person kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement

• A person held by another person as a security for the fulfillment of a certain demand

• A hostage is a victim held against his or her will by threat or the actual use of force

Historical Perspective

• Munich Olympics in 1972 focused the world’s attention on hostage incidents.

• Holland -- may 1976 hostages held on train by Mollocan terrorists.

• Entebbe, Uganda -- July 1976.

• Mogadishu, Somalia -- Oct. 1977 rescue of passengers from airliner.

Historical Perspective continued …

• Iran -- April 1980 American Hostages held at embassy

• London, England -- May 1980 Hostages rescued from Iranian Embassy

• Lima, Peru -- 1997 Hostages rescued from Japanese Embassy

Hostage Situation Types

• Terrorists

• Criminals

• Targeted Individuals

What Is A Hostage ?

• A person kept as a pledge pending the fulfillment of an agreement

• A person held by another person as a security for the fulfillment of a certain demand

• A hostage is a victim held against his or her will by threat or the actual use of force

Historical Perspective

• Munich Olympics in 1972 focused the world’s attention on hostage incidents.

• Holland -- may 1976 hostages held on train by Mollocan terrorists.

• Entebbe, Uganda -- July 1976.

• Mogadishu, Somalia -- Oct. 1977 rescue of passengers from airliner.

Historical Perspective continued …

• Iran -- April 1980 American Hostages held at embassy

• London, England -- May 1980 Hostages rescued from Iranian Embassy

• Lima, Peru -- 1997 Hostages rescued from Japanese Embassy

Hostage Situation Types

• Terrorists

• Criminals

• Targeted Individuals

Terrorist Hostage Taker

• Political motivations• Committed to cause• In for the long haul, often able to endure

extended periods of time barricaded

Criminal Hostage Taker

• Caught in the commission of a crime.

• Important not to create feelings of hopelessness during negotiations.

• Hostages used to slow police response

Target Individuals

• Mentally disturbed persons – May be irrational and/or suicidal

• Prisoners – Historically, immediate and forceful action

has proven most effective

Hostage Taking Response

• Most incidents are local authority responsibility

• Most incidents are not terrorism

• Most incidents are criminals and/or mentally disturbed persons

• The vast majority of incidents are resolved using the “negotiation” process

Patrol Supervisor Responsibilities

• Evacuate citizens from target site area• Contain target site• Establish field command post• Summon emergency medical personnel• Establish outer perimeter for traffic and

pedestrian control• Locate persons that can provide

intelligence• Notify PIO and establish media area

TPD Simplified Command Structure For Typical Critical

Incident

Logistics Support

Investigations

Evacuations

Crow d Control

O uter/Inner Perim eter

Patrol Supervisor

Tactical Team m embers

Tactical Team Leaders

Tactical Com mander Fire/rescue

Negotiators

Crisis NegotiationsCom m ander

Incident Com m ander

Command StructureBarricade / Hostage

Situation

R escue

P a ra m ed ic

F ir e F ig hting

F ir e D ep a r tm e ntInc id e nt C o m m a nd e r

IC S

M utua l A id R e so ur c es M e d ia L ia s io n

C N T L ea d er

A sst. T ea m L e a d e r

P r i-N e g o tia to r

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Inte llig e nce

J o urna lis t

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T O C C o o r d ina to r

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S n ip er C o o r d ina to r

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S p e c ia l O p er a tio ns C o m m a nd e r

Inc id e nt C o m m a nd e r (s )L a w E nfo r c em e nt A g ency(s ) Invo lve d

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P e r so nne l

O p er a tio ns

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E va c ua tio n

Inve stig a tio n

C r im e S c ene

L o c a l L a w E nfo r ce m entF ie ld C o m m a nd e r

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SWAT Commander’s Responsibilities

• Delegate Supervisory Missions – Emergency Rescue Plan

– Deliberate Rescue Plan

– Negotiations with CNT

– Tactical Operations Center

First SWAT Supervisor on Scene

• Use rapid deployment tactics – Deploy marksmen/observer teams

– Deploy emergency rescue team

– Deploy containment personnel as needed

– Insure the negotiation process has been initiated

Hostage Taker’s Actions

• Release hostages / surrender• Release hostages / suicide• Kill hostages / suicide• Kill hostages / surrender• Continue to hold hostages• Kill one hostage / continue

Hostage Taker’s Actions

• Flee after killing hostages• Exit with gun to his/her head• Exit and confront police with or without

hostages• Exit surrounded by hostages

HOSTAGE TAKER’SACTIONS

• Peril to the Hostages should be considered extreme if :

- The Hostage taker is unnecessarily cruel to the

Hostage(s) - When there is no human interaction between

the Hostage taker and Hostage *Physical separation * Hostages blindfolded

The Tactical Operations Center

.

Crisis Negotiations

Hostage Rescue Tactics

Command Priorities

• Hostages

• Innocent civilians

• Police personnel

• Hostage taker

Hostage Rescue Tactics

• The command decision to shoot the hostage taker

– The Truth About Incident Command (Article by R.McCarthy)

Hostage Rescue Components

• Command and control– Responsible for all ancillary operations

• Special weapons team– Entry component– Containment component

• Negotiations team– Should include tactical liaison and coordination with

SWAT

Phases of a Hostage Rescue Operation

• Planning

• Rehearsal

• Movement

• Intervention

• Withdrawal

Planning

• Situation– Provides a brief summary of all that has

transpired and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances that can affect the operation

• Mission– Precisely defines the objective

Planning

• Execution– How the objective is expected to be achieved

• Administration & logistics– “Beans, bandages and bullets”

• Command & signal– Who is in charge of what and how we will

communicate

Planning

• Planning is usually conducted in reverse– From the hostages to safety, not from the entry

to the suspect

• The focus is on the hostages not the suspect– May mean the suspect temporally remains free

from authority’s custody

Planning

• Opportunity, not Time, is the key factor– Time may provide opportunities, but passing

opportunities may mean they are lost forever

• Never commit to just One plan of Action– Alternate contingency plans should be

developed and ready.– No operation is static and planning should be

continuous

Rehearsal

• Hostage rescue interventions are too complex and too important to leave anything to chance.

• Rehearsals should be “full dress” whenever possible

Rehearsal

• The rehearsal should include radio traffic and signals, as well as the planned movement

• The last rehearsal should be done in “real”

time utilizing the anticipated floor plan and

any equipment likely to be needed.

Movement

• The movement phase begins when it has determined that a tactical intervention is likely but not yet imminent

• During this phase the team is deployed and staged in a position to intervene– Planning and preparation continue

– Major plan changes now become more difficult

Movement

• This is the phase in which secrecy is most crucial

– The survival of the Hostages and Team members require that the Hostage Taker(s) do not suspect the intervention

– The Media can not suspect your intentions

Intervention

• Intervention phase begins when a tactical intervention is imminent

• Command moves from incident commander to SWAT commander– Most visible phase

– Most often the only part of the operation reported by the media

Intervention

• Except under the most exigent circumstances, a tactical intervention to rescue the hostages should not be recommended without four things being present:

Intervention

• 1. The floor plan of the Target Site must be known.

• 2. The Entry Team must be in a position to intervene within ten seconds of the signal from the SWAT Commander– A window of opportunity or necessity

may be lost if not

Intervention

• 3. Sufficient personnel must be available to dominate all areas of threat– It is most often the complexity of the floor

plan and not the size of the building which dictates the size of the entry team

• 4. The entry team must be able to protect the hostages within a maximum of 30 seconds

Intervention

• Ideally a hostage rescue entry is comprised of two preparatory actions

– The team is staged at the point(s) of breach/entry

– A diversion precedes the actual entry to confuse and disorient the hostage taker

Intervention

• Breach and Entry Methods– Covert– Hooligan & Ram– Bar Pull– Shotgun Breach– Explosives

Intervention

• Breach and entry methods

– Entry should be made at the closest point possible to the hostages

– When feasible use multiple breach/entry points and/or breach/gun ports

Intervention

• Two types of Diversions– Physiological (explosive breach,noise flash devices, etc)

– Psychological (ruse)

• The ideal diversion is a “Coordinated Marksmen Initiated Intervention”

– Diversions are always used in a supporting role

Intervention

• Because of the high degree of coordination required coupled with the speed of the intervention; assignments must be understood and HRT principles rigidly adhered to.

Intervention

• The first requirement is to assign individual team member responsibilities

Intervention

• The next requirement is the determination of how to accomplish the entry

– How do we get through the door?– What’s the best entry technique?

Basic Two Man Room Entry

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Two Man, Multiple Rooms1

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Four Man Room Entry

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Two Man, Multiple Rooms1

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Intervention

• The next requirement is entry team responsibility

– The rescue element’s responsibility is to insure the hostage taker does not harm the hostages

– The security element’s responsibility is handling of hostages, breaching and protection of the rescue element.” Trailers”

Intervention

• The last requirement for beginning the intervention is the signal to begin

– Whenever possible, this signal should be a casualty producing signal

– The best casualty producing signal for Hostage rescue is a “Coordinated Marksmen Initiated Intervention”

Intervention

INTERVENTION OPTIONS

• OPEN AIR

• MOBILE

• STRONGHOLD

Intervention

KEYS TO SUCCESS

• SURPRISE• DIVERSION• SPEED (CONTROLLED)

Intervention

• Four objectives of a hostage rescue intervention

– To quickly take control of an area and dominate it

– To deliver rapid and accurate fire when necessary

– Positive target identification

– To complete your assignment without hindering the efforts of your fellow Team Members in completing theirs

Intervention

OPEN AIR OPTION

• Most desirable due to high probability of success

• Requires highly skilled marksmen with sophisticated and accurate weapons

• Two marksmen for each hostage taker deployed as close to right angles as possible (L-shape)

Intervention

OPEN AIR OPTION

• All Marksmen should be certain of assigned targets• All shots should be coordinated by command of

Sniper Controller (multiple hostage takers)• Rescue team must be deployed• Head shots are desirable

Intervention

OPEN AIR OPTION

• Deployed to dominate predictable target area

• Field of view vs. Field of fire • Obtain total coverage of target site with

overlapping sectors of fire• Consider background (choose proper

weapon)• Relay all information to marksmen TOC

Intervention

OPEN AIR OPTION

• Confirm or deny information on hand• Neutralize a vehicle• Neutralize a hostage taker• Identify routes in and out of target site• Identify special problems at target site• Discuss compromise authority

Intervention

MOBILE OPTION

• Second most desirable option• Places Hostages/Takers in position to be

observed• Sedan type vehicles with large windows are best

and require six team members• Large vehicles and buses require special ladders and additional team members• This contingency should be planned for early on

Intervention

MOBILE OPTION

• Consider number of hostage takers hostages are involved

• Have CNT talk vehicle size down (bus to sedan) deliver what is best for a rescue

• Duplicate vehicle to be used and rehearse all options

Intervention

MOBILE OPTION

• Vehicle should be altered to compliment the intervention– Mirrors

– Windows down

– Trunk lid raised

– Electronic neutralization device (END)

Intervention

MOBILE OPTION

• Rescue team should be armed with large caliber pistols

• Marksmen initiated rescue is preferred

Mobile Option

Mobile Option-L-Shape

Mobile Option-Buses

Intervention

STRONGHOLD OPTION

• Least desirable option• Requires rehearsal and precision team work • Can require large number of team members

• Close confrontation and potential for multiple shots

Intervention

EXECUTION OPTIONS

• Covert Entry– Move to contact

• Dynamic (controlled speed)– Hostage location known

– Hostage location unknown

Intervention

STRONGHOLD OPTION

• SURPRISE– Stealth probe to Breach Point– Stealth probe to Contact– Stealth protection of Hostages– At time least expected– Fatigue factor

Intervention

STRONGHOLD OPTION

• DIVERSION– Explosive Breach

– Noise Flash Device

– Ruse

– Dialogue with Negotiator

Intervention

STRONGHOLD OPTION

• SPEED (CONTROLLED)

– Multiple entry points when feasible

– Appropriate number of entry personnel to accomplish the mission

Intervention

STRONGHOLD OPTION

• There should be three distinct plans– Emergency

– Deliberate

– Contingency

Intervention

EMERGENCY RESCUE

• Timeliness and quick response is paramount

• Provides an organized response for an unplanned event

• Should be implemented within 30 minutes of SWAT arrival

• All available intelligence is evaluated for tactical consideration

Intervention

EMERGENCY RESCUE

• Considerations– Number of hostages/hostage takers

– Size/complexity of target site

– Point(s) of entry

– Breach requirements

– Bypassing doors

Intervention

DELIBERATE RESCUE

• Used for conduct of all Operations that are anticipated and allow for preplanning

• Serves as a base for all related operations

• Considered the “Master” plan

Intervention

DELIBERATE RESCUE

• Obtain all available intelligence from the TOC

• Use photos and interior diagrams of the target site to layout floor plan and rehearse

• Rehearsals should include every possible option to the last detail

Intervention

DELIBERATE RESCUE

• Stealth Probe– Determine hostage/hostage taker location– Determine ingress route for rescue team– Locate devices/technical problems– Place listening devices– Probe coordinated with TOC and OIC– Emergency rescue team in place in case of

compromise

Intervention

CONTINGENCY

• Focuses thought on anticipated problems that may arise during the conduct of the operation

• Allows for operational deviation while maintaining continuity with the deliberate plan

Intervention

CONTINGENCY

• Guards against the operation stopping due to confusion or sudden change in the situation

• Usually applies primarily to the concept or execution portions of the Deliberate Rescue Plan

Intervention

WHAT CONSTITUTES SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL?

• To attempt a Hostage Rescue without sufficient personnel places too great of a burden on the Entry Team and means they must unduly jeopardize their own safety

• The size of the Entry Team is dictated by the complexity of the floor plan and not necessarily the size of the building

Intervention

WHAT CONSTITUTES SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL?

• The single exception is when the location of the Hostage

and/or the Hostage taker can be determined with absolute

certainty

Intervention

WHEN TO INTERVENE ?

• When it appears that the hostage taker may kill or seriously injure hostages

• When a window of opportunity exist– The hostage taker has placed himself at a

tactical disadvantage

– An element of surprise exist

Intervention

WHEN TO INTERVENE ?• Required components are ready

• Supported by diversions– Negotiations

– Breaching/porting

– Noise flash devices

• Access into stronghold position can be gained quickly

Intervention

What if we encounter the hostages but the hostage taker is still outstanding?

• Safeguard the hostages• Abort HRT and initiate barricade procedures

“THE OBJECTIVE IS TO WIN --NOT TO FIGHT !”

Intervention

What if you have to pass an area of threat ?

• The momentum of the rescue can not be delayed to search every potential hiding place or area of threat

• This is the security element’s responsibility

• The focus of effort remains on the hostages !

Withdrawal

• The evacuation of the hostage must be planned

• If it is not part of the plan it becomes part of the problem !

• Hostages may not be willing participants to the rescue

• Hostage takers may take refuge with the hostages in an attempt to not be identified and escape

• Once the hostages safety is assured the tone of the operation changes

What Constitutes a Successful Hostage Rescue Operation ?

• When the hostages are “rescued”

• When the hostage taker is neutralized

• When the hostages can be safeguarded/ separated from the hostage taker

TEAM POSITIONS

POINT

Responsibilities

• Point– 180 degree security on approach from

LCC– Identify Objective– Pace– I.E.D. Detection– Controls final breach command– Guides team to Intervention Staging

Area

SCOUT

Responsibilities

• Scout– COVER POINT!– Relay Intel– Deploy D.D. or Munitions

ENTRY TEAM LEADER

Responsibilities

• Team Leader– Provide Cover for Scout and Point

– Exercise Control over team Movement and Actions

– Make Tactical Decisions that effect operational integrity

– Supervision of interior aftermath (I.e. trailers, medical personnel, and Crime Scene)

– Overall Supervision of RESCUE/REACT team Intervention

MECHANICAL BREACHER

Responsibilities• Mechanical Breacher

– Cover aforementioned team members– Manipulate Gates and Screen Doors/Windows– Deploy D.D.’s and Munitions– Carry and deploy mechanical breaching devices

• Hooligan• Pry• Break and Rake Tool• Master Keys• Shotgun Breaching Munitions• Tow Straps• Lock Pick Tools• Probing devices (I.e Under door Camera)

BREACHER/REAR GUARD

Responsibilities

• Breacher/Rear Guard– Breach Primary Entry Point

– Carry and Deploy Heavy Equipment (I.e. Cutting Torch)

– Cover the rear of the Entry Element as they progress through a structure.

– Provide Arrest Control for Combative suspects

HOSTAGE RESCUE TACTICS

DYNAMIC ENTRY PRINCIPLES

• SPEED

• SURPRISE

• VIOLENCE OF ACTION

SPEED

• Deliberate action

• Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast

• Flooding Effect

SURPRISE

• Tactics allow stealthy approach

• Psychological Effect– Clothing – Equipment– Overwhelming Senses

VIOLENCE OF ACTION

• Overwhelm Senses• Immediate Incapacitation• Tools and Techniques

– CS GAS

– Diversionary Devices

– Diversionary Actions

– Pain Compliance Munitions

– Ruses

– Deadly Force

PREPARATION

• Mental

• Physical

• Rehearsals

Assault Initiation Techniques

EXPLOSIVE BREACHING

• Specialized Position

• Technical Training

• Cost

• Liability

Mechanical Breach

• Ram

• Break and Rake

• Pry

• Modified Shotgun with specifically designed frangible breaching rounds

MARKSMAN INITIATED RESCUE

• Primary and Secondary Marksman may initiate assault by using deadly force.

• During the course of this initiation it may Breach the Assault element’s primary entry point. (i,.e. firing through a window)

Air Assault

• Deployment from an airborne facilitator.

Rope Descent

• Rappelling– Aussie– Inverted– Traditional

DYNAMIC ENTRY

• Dynamic- – Most Common Approach used for

Hostage Rescue and the Service of High Risk Warrants.

• Speed

• Surprise

• Confusion

Justification for Dynamic Entry

• Provides safety by speed of action

• Confusion

• Overwhelming Senses of Suspect(s)

• Preservation of Life and Evidence

• Proven Procedure

• Dynamic Entry often utilizes Diversionary and Sensory Deprivation Tactics to give the Entry element an advantage over suspects.

• Dynamic entries are often swift in completion and can be best visualized by releasing a bucket of water at the entry point. Members begin to flow in as water would flow into a room. During this action certain procedure should be followed for optimal performance of this tactic.

• There are many techniques for dynamic entries. The principles remain the same.– Penetrate Structure– Clear Corners and Transition Areas– Observe One Meter Rule– React on Suspect Actions– Overwhelm the suspects– Dominate Structure

THE ONE METER RULE

• The one meter rule refers to the area of responsibility each operator sweeps upon entering the objective. Each operator will scan with his or her weapon left to right. Upon seeing another operative within his field of view the operator must stop their sweep one meter short of another operative. This assures interlocking security sweeps as well as safety.

Diversionary Tactics

• Diversionary Devices (Flashbangs)

• Smoke• Sound• Break and Rake• Lighting• CS Gas• Pain Compliance Munitions

HRT VS. WARRANT SERVICE

• HRT Objective- Prevent loss of life and arrest violator(s).

• Warrant Service Objective- Detain or arrest suspects and or secure a crime scene.

HRT Entry

• HRT Entry is used as a last resort to end a critical incident.

• The suspect dictates the use of this tool.

Stealth Entry Tactics

• Stealth tactics are a common occurrence in the service of warrants and during HRT operations.

• Stealth is almost always used upon approach to the objective and can be used inside the structure.

• This Tactic is usually very methodic and deliberate in nature.

• Stealth has the advantage of a slow pace for the gathering of crucial intelligence as the team progresses to and in the objective structure.

• Stealth Entry Tactics may be used due to the size of a structure.

Combination Entry Tactics

• Stealth and Dynamic Entry can be used in combination. The use of stealth up to a designated point within an objective is a common occurrence. Typically Stealth is not used after Dynamic Tactics are initiated. The combination of these tactics is often used in large structures such as grocery stores or warehouses.

BASIC ENTRY S.O.P

• Danger Areas– Fatal Funnel– Corners– Hallways– Stairways– Small Rooms (i.e. Closets, Utility

Rooms)

FORMATIONS

• Stack

• Cover, Contact

• Shield Wedge

SUSPECT CONTROL

• Demand Immediate Compliance– Standardized Voice Commands

• Physical Control– CCP/Penal Code/Use of Force

Policy

• Deadly Force

• Entry Operations are extremely hazardous for law enforcement. Each officer must prepare and maintain their mental, physical, and skill levels for the best outcome for all operations where entries are required. S.O.P for each agency and team must be constantly reviewed and strictly adhered.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION