Hostage Taking / Abduction

Witness to a Hostage Situation or Abduction

1. Immediately call 911.

2. Observe the following and if safe to do so, relay the information:

   • Number of hostage taker(s).

   • Number of hostages.

   • Description of hostage taker(s):

     • race, sex, and ethnicity
     • clothing
     • facial features (beard, glasses, mustache, etc.)

   • Description of the hostage(s).

   • Weapons hostage taker has or threatened.

   • Location of hostages.

   • Demands made by hostage taker(s).

   • Preparation of hostage taker(s).

   • Emotional state of hostage taker(s).

   • Any other pertinent information.

If You Are Taken Hostage

• Remain calm.

• Follow the directions of the hostage taker(s).

• Avoid insulting your abductor or talking about potentially sensitive subjects.

• Direct any other hostages to remain calm and follow directions of hostage taker(s).

• Try to communicate with the hostage taker(s), if possible.

• Make mental notes of all details of hostage taker(s).

• Do not try to be a “hero” and self-rescue or rescue other hostages unless there is no other option.

• Keep a survival attitude. Be positive.

• Ask for small favors if you’re settled in for a long captivity, gradually ask for small accommodations.

• Try to escape only if the time is right.

• Stay out of the way if a rescue attempt is made.

• Do not make any inadvertent moves.

• Follow the rescuers’ instructions carefully.