1. Kidnapping & Crisis Negotiations
Detective Kelly Pike
Tucson Police Department

2. 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

3. 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**

4. 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.

5. Costly Kidnappings Hold Mexico Hostage
NBC Video

6. Kidnappings Rampant in Mexico
Video

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. Suspect Characteristics
Highly charged emotional conduct
-irrational thoughts and behaviors
-diminished critical thinking
-grandiose plans/expectations
Instrumental Behavior
Expressive Behavior

11. Instrumental behavior
Goal directed/oriented
Substantive Demands
Clearly recognizable objectives
Benefits the subject

12. Expressive behavior
Designed to communicate subject’s emotions and feelings.
-frustration, outrage, confusion, anxiety etc.
Illogical thought process
highly emotional on set

13. 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”

14. 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

15. Negotiable Items
Food
Water
Money
Medical care
Family contact

16. Non-Negotiable items Weapons Drugs Escape (transportation)
Exchanging Hostages