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TERRORISM, BARRICADED CRIMINALS, AND HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS (FROM HOSTAGE-TAKING - PROBLEMS OF PREVENTION AND CONTROL - MANAGEMENT TRAINING SEMINAR - FINAL REPORT, 1976, BY CRELINSTEN AND LABERGE-ALTMEJD - SEE NCJ-49367)

NCJ Number
49375
Author(s)
M J CULLINANE
Date Published
1976
Length
15 pages
Annotation
THE STRATEGY OF TERRORISM AND THE PROBLEMS OF DEALING WITH IT IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY ARE CONSIDERED, ALONG WITH THE PURPOSES AND TECHNIQUES OF NEGOTIATION IN A BARRICADED SITUATION.
Abstract
TERRORIST OBJECTIVES ARE CONSIDERED TO FALL INTO THE CATEGORIES OF POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, MILITARY, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND SOCIAL. IT IS NOTED THAT TERRORISM HAS BEEN LEAST EFFECTIVE WHEN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT HAS CORRECTLY JUDGED TERRORIST OPERATIONS TO BE ROOTED IN SOCIAL INEQUITIES AND HAS SET OUT TO CORRECT THESE INJUSTICES. CAUTION IS URGED IN USING PREVENTIVE OR COUNTERMEASURE EFFORTS AGAINST TERRORISM, SO THAT DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURES ARE NOT VIOLATED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OR INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS. IN A BARRICADED, HOSTAGE-TAKING SITUATION, IT IS INDICATED THAT IMMEDIATE APPREHENSION IS NOT A PRIORITY. THE PASSAGE OF TIME IS BELIEVED TO FAVOR A SATISFACTORY OUTCOME, BECAUSE OFFENDERS TEND TO FIND IT MORE DIFFICULT TO KILL HOSTAGES WITH WHOM THEY HAVE BECOME FAMILIAR, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF MAKING A MISTAKE IS USUALLY INCREASED WITH TIME. NEGOTIATIONS ARE DISCUSSED, WITH STANDARDIZED PROCEDURES BELIEVED INADVISABLE DUE TO THE VARIETY OF SITUATIONS THAT MAY ARISE. THE NEGOTIATOR SHOULD NOT BE THE ULTIMATE DECISIONMAKER, AND IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT HE NEVER BARGAIN WITH THE OFFENDER TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HOSTAGES OR WEAPONS. A DIRECT ASSAULT AGAINST THE BARRICADED CRIMINAL IS SEEN AS A POSSIBILITY IF IT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH A MINIMAL CHANCE OF INJURY TO THE HOSTAGES. FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN MAKING THIS DECISION ARE LISTED. THE ALTERNATIVE OF PROVIDING AN ESCAPE VEHICLE AND ESCORT SERVICE IN EXCHANGE FOR THE SAFE RELEASE OF ALL HOSTAGES IS ALSO DISCUSSED. GENERALLY, IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT THE SUSPECT BE PERMITTED TO LEAVE A STATIONARY LOCATION, BUT FACTORS WHICH WOULD FAVOR PERMITTING THIS ARE PRESENTED. (RCB)

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