1. Hostage Rescue
Tactics

2. 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.

3. Learning Objective

4. 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

5. 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 rescue of passengers from airliner.

6. Historical Perspective continued …
Iran -- April 1980 American Hostages held at embassy
London, England -- May 1980 Hostages rescued from Iranian Embassy
Lima, Peru Hostages rescued from Japanese Embassy

7. Hostage Situation Types
Terrorists
Criminals
Targeted Individuals

8. 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

9. 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 rescue of passengers from airliner.

10. Historical Perspective continued …
Iran -- April 1980 American Hostages held at embassy
London, England -- May 1980 Hostages rescued from Iranian Embassy
Lima, Peru Hostages rescued from Japanese Embassy

11. Hostage Situation Types
Terrorists
Criminals
Targeted Individuals

12. Terrorist Hostage Taker
Political motivations
Committed to cause
In for the long haul, often able to endure extended periods of time barricaded

13. 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

14. Target Individuals Mentally disturbed persons Prisoners
May be irrational and/or suicidal
Prisoners
Historically, immediate and forceful action has proven most effective

15. 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

16. 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

17. TPD Simplified Command Structure For Typical Critical Incident

18. Command Structure Barricade / Hostage Situation

19. SWAT Commander’s Responsibilities
Delegate Supervisory Missions
Emergency Rescue Plan
Deliberate Rescue Plan
Negotiations with CNT
Tactical Operations Center

20. 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

21. Hostage Taker’s Actions
Release hostages / surrender
Release hostages / suicide
Kill hostages / suicide
Kill hostages / surrender
Continue to hold hostages
Kill one hostage / continue

22. 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

23. HOSTAGE TAKER’S ACTIONS
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

24. The Tactical Operations Center.

25. Crisis Negotiations

26. Hostage Rescue Tactics

27. Command Priorities Hostages Innocent civilians Police personnel
Hostage taker

28. Hostage Rescue Tactics
The command decision to shoot the hostage taker
The Truth About Incident Command (Article by R.McCarthy)

29. 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

30. Phases of a Hostage Rescue Operation
Planning
Rehearsal
Movement
Intervention
Withdrawal

31. Planning Situation Mission
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

32. Planning Execution Administration & logistics Command & signal
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

33. Planning The focus is on the hostages not the suspect
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

34. 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

35. Rehearsal
Hostage rescue interventions are too complex and too important to leave anything to chance.
Rehearsals should be “full dress” whenever possible

36. 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.

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. Intervention Breach and Entry Methods Covert Hooligan & Ram Bar Pull
Shotgun Breach
Explosives

45. 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

46. 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

47. 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.

48. Intervention
The first requirement is to assign individual team member responsibilities

49. 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?

50. Basic Two Man Room Entry1 2 2 1

51. Two Man, Multiple Rooms 2 1 1 2 2 1

52. Four Man Room Entry 1 2 3 4 2 1 4 3

53. Two Man, Multiple Rooms 4 3 2 1 1 3 4 2 2 1 4 3

54. 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”

55. 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”

56. Intervention
INTERVENTION OPTIONS
OPEN AIR
MOBILE
STRONGHOLD

57. Intervention
KEYS TO SUCCESS
SURPRISE
DIVERSION
SPEED (CONTROLLED)

58. 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

59. 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)

60. 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

61. 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

62. 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

63. 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

64. 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

65. Intervention MOBILE OPTION
Vehicle should be altered to compliment the intervention
Mirrors
Windows down
Trunk lid raised
Electronic neutralization device (END)

66. Intervention MOBILE OPTION
Rescue team should be armed with large caliber pistols
Marksmen initiated rescue is preferred

67. Mobile Option

68. Mobile Option-L-Shape

69. Mobile Option-Buses

70. 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

71. Intervention EXECUTION OPTIONS Covert Entry Dynamic (controlled speed)
Move to contact
Dynamic (controlled speed)
Hostage location known
Hostage location unknown

72. Intervention STRONGHOLD OPTION SURPRISE Stealth probe to Breach Point
Stealth probe to Contact
Stealth protection of Hostages
At time least expected
Fatigue factor

73. Intervention STRONGHOLD OPTION DIVERSION Explosive Breach
Noise Flash Device
Ruse
Dialogue with Negotiator

74. Intervention STRONGHOLD OPTION SPEED (CONTROLLED)
Multiple entry points when feasible
Appropriate number of entry personnel to accomplish the mission

75. Intervention STRONGHOLD OPTION There should be three distinct plans
Emergency
Deliberate
Contingency

76. 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

77. Intervention EMERGENCY RESCUE Considerations
Number of hostages/hostage takers
Size/complexity of target site
Point(s) of entry
Breach requirements
Bypassing doors

78. 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

79. 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

80. 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

81. 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

82. 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

83. WHAT CONSTITUTES SUFFICIENT PERSONNEL?
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

84. 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

85. 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

86. 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

87. “THE OBJECTIVE IS TO WIN --
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 !”

88. What if you have to pass an area of threat ?
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 !

89. 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

90. 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

91. TEAM POSITIONS

93. POINT

94. 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

96. SCOUT

97. Responsibilities Scout COVER POINT! Relay Intel
Deploy D.D. or Munitions

98. ENTRY TEAM LEADER

99. 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

101. MECHANICAL BREACHER

102. 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)

103. BREACHER/REAR GUARD

104. 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

105. HOSTAGE RESCUE TACTICS

106. DYNAMIC ENTRY PRINCIPLES
SPEED
SURPRISE
VIOLENCE OF ACTION

107. SPEED
Deliberate action
Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast
Flooding Effect

108. SURPRISE Tactics allow stealthy approach Psychological Effect Clothing
Equipment
Overwhelming Senses

109. VIOLENCE OF ACTION Overwhelm Senses Immediate Incapacitation
Tools and Techniques
CS GAS
Diversionary Devices
Diversionary Actions
Pain Compliance Munitions
Ruses
Deadly Force

110. PREPARATION
Mental
Physical
Rehearsals

111. Assault Initiation Techniques

114. EXPLOSIVE BREACHING Specialized Position Technical Training Cost
Liability

115. Mechanical Breach Ram Break and Rake Pry
Modified Shotgun with specifically designed frangible breaching rounds

117. 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)

119. Air Assault
Deployment from an airborne facilitator.

121. Rope Descent
Rappelling
Aussie
Inverted
Traditional

122. DYNAMIC ENTRY Dynamic-
Most Common Approach used for Hostage Rescue and the Service of High Risk Warrants.
Speed
Surprise
Confusion

124. Justification for Dynamic Entry
Provides safety by speed of action
Confusion
Overwhelming Senses of Suspect(s)
Preservation of Life and Evidence
Proven Procedure

125. 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.

126. There are many techniques for dynamic entries
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

127. 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.

128. Diversionary Tactics Diversionary Devices (Flashbangs) Smoke Sound
Break and Rake
Lighting
CS Gas
Pain Compliance Munitions

129. 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.

130. HRT Entry
HRT Entry is used as a last resort to end a critical incident.
The suspect dictates the use of this tool.

131. 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.

132. 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.

133. BASIC ENTRY S.O.P Danger Areas Fatal Funnel Corners Hallways Stairways
Small Rooms (i.e. Closets, Utility Rooms)

134. FORMATIONS
Stack
Cover, Contact
Shield Wedge

137. SUSPECT CONTROL Demand Immediate Compliance Physical Control
Standardized Voice Commands
Physical Control
CCP/Penal Code/Use of Force Policy
Deadly Force

138. Entry Operations are extremely hazardous for law enforcement
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.

139. PRACTICAL APPLICATION