Hostage Taking / Abduction
Witness to a Hostage Situation or Abduction
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Immediately call 911.
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Observe the following and if safe to do so, relay the information:
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Number of hostage taker(s).
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Number of hostages.
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Description of hostage taker(s):
- race, sex, and ethnicity
- clothing
- facial features (beard, glasses, mustache, etc.)
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Description of the hostage(s).
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Weapons hostage taker has or threatened.
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Location of hostages.
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Demands made by hostage taker(s).
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Preparation of hostage taker(s).
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Emotional state of hostage taker(s).
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Any other pertinent information.
If You Are Taken Hostage
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Remain calm.
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Follow the directions of the hostage taker(s).
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Avoid insulting your abductor or talking about potentially sensitive subjects.
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Direct any other hostages to remain calm and follow directions of hostage taker(s).
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Try to communicate with the hostage taker(s), if possible.
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Make mental notes of all details of hostage taker(s).
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Do not try to be a “hero” and self-rescue or rescue other hostages unless there is no other option.
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Keep a survival attitude. Be positive.
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Ask for small favors if you’re settled in for a long captivity, gradually ask for small accommodations.
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Try to escape only if the time is right.
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Stay out of the way if a rescue attempt is made.
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Do not make any inadvertent moves.
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Follow the rescuers’ instructions carefully.
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