Kidnapping & Crisis Negotiations Detective Kelly Pike Tucson Police Department
About the Instructor Fifteen year veteran of the Tucson Police Department Homicide Detective Ten years investigating violent crimes Eight year veteran of TPD Hostage Crisis Team. Department Firearms Instructor
Kidnapping The unlawful taking of another individual, usually by force and against the person’s will, for the express purpose of demanding ransom. Ransom = Money, Drugs, Transportation, etc. Suspects highly motivated and generally armed. **At risk environment**
Kidnappings in Mexico Intertwined with the Mexican drug trade. Calculated & planned endeavor. “It’s all about the Money.” Officially: > 1000 kidnappings per year. **Suspicions of police corruption/involvement leads to a significant number of kidnappings being unreported. Paying ransom does not guarantee preservation of victim’s life.
Costly Kidnappings Hold Mexico Hostage NBC Video
Kidnappings Rampant in Mexico Video
Initial LE involvement 911 call -quality/integrity of incoming information? Uniform patrol response -high risk environment, Officer/public safety considerations -tactical approach, set up perimeter, establish contact, gather Intel SWAT-HNU call out - area of operational control
Resolution Strategies #1 Goal: Achieving peaceful resolution -Understand this is not always possible -suspect ultimately in control of outcome (suicide, homicide, property destruction) -work to minimize loss of life and destruction of property SWAT Vs. HNU (negotiations) -separate command post, different commanders, need for liaison -mutually dependent, collaborative effort, goal oriented.
Negotiations Establish Negotiation Center -briefing of personnel, set up and testing of equipment, personnel assignments (primary, secondary, recorder investigative) Establishing Communication -seizing communication lines, contacting of suspect, gathering and utilizing Intel
Suspect Characteristics Highly charged emotional conduct -irrational thoughts and behaviors -diminished critical thinking -grandiose plans/expectations Instrumental Behavior Expressive Behavior
Instrumental behavior Goal directed/oriented Substantive Demands Clearly recognizable objectives Benefits the subject
Expressive behavior Designed to communicate subject’s emotions and feelings. -frustration, outrage, confusion, anxiety etc. Illogical thought process highly emotional on set
Communication strategies Allow subject to vent emotions and express self Active Listening and empathetic response Work to reduce stress and anxiety levels Reestablish rational thought process Build working rapport - begin to identify “Hook”
Strategies continued Identify demands and/or needs -open mind, repeat/reframe and soften Stall for time Lower expectations Avoid deadlines Discuss “coming out” options Always be mindful of tactical resolution
Negotiable Items Food Water Money Medical care Family contact
Non-Negotiable items Weapons Drugs Escape (transportation) Exchanging Hostages