This guide aims to unify and create standard operating procedures for hostage rescue and extraction. Hostage calls are separated into 2 categories:
Types of Hostage Situations:
Single Suspect: Lower complexity, lower risk, forceful takedown/apprehension easier.
Multiple Suspect: Less predictable, difficult to maintain tracking, difficult takedown.
Key Points:
Preservation of life is the highest priority (hostages, civilians, officers).
De-escalation and negotiation are preferred whenever feasible.
Force is a last resort and must comply with Use of Force Policy.
Unified command and clear communication are required at all times.
SOP applies when there is only 1 suspect taking one or more hostages with a deadly threat.
Start by containing the suspect. Containment method will differ depending on the status of the suspect.
Indoors, barricaded:
Units watching all exits.
Avoid making entry or firing at the suspect unless people are actively being harmed.
Maintain visual on the suspect and hostages. Confirm amount and identity of suspect and hostages.
Outdoors, active:
Track down and stop the suspect using drones and helicopters.
Avoid direct engagement such as PITs or pursuits.
Stop the suspect via spikes, or wait for the suspect to move into a barricaded zone.
Once on scene, units on scene must take the follow task (each personnel may take on multiple tasks if certified and required):
Incident Commander: Highest rank or most certified unit on scene. Allocates resources, make decisions, and authorizes entry/deadly force if needed.
Crisis Negotiation Unit: Negotiation certified agent that handles communication with the suspects to de-escalate.
Marksman Unit: An operator from Hostage Rescue Team (2B) or Long Range Intervention Team (2C) to provide overwatch.
Entry Team: Tactical units and special agents who are CQB certified to conduct forced entry and extract hostages.
Last Man Duties:
Holds any un-cleared doorways or entry points with their firearm aimed and ready.
Monitors for movement or potential threats.
Support Agents: Additional agents who are not part of the primary clearing stack will assist the last man by holding un-cleared doors or covering other potential entryways.
Once a room is cleared, the team must mark it clearly to avoid confusion:
Use flares or chem lights at the base of the doorframe or attached to the doorknob.
Ensure markings are visible to all team members and are consistent across the operation.
Communicate to the entire team via radio or verbal acknowledgment: “Room Clear – Marked.”
Pie-ing the Corner:
Agents "slice the pie" by visually clearing the room section by section from outside before entry. This reduces exposure to potential threats.
Dynamic Entry:
Utilize distraction devices, such as flashbangs, to disorient suspects in high-risk scenarios.
Only proceed with dynamic entry when the team has visual confirmation of a significant threat.
Split Clearing:
For larger rooms, divide the space into quadrants. Assign agents to clear individual quadrants while maintaining crossfire awareness.
Verbal Commands: Agents must issue clear commands like “Hands up!” or “Stay down!” to manage occupants.
Radio Updates: Relay room status and threat information to the command:
“Left side clear,” “Room clear,” or “Hostile secured.”
Role Reassignment: After clearing, adjust roles as needed. For instance, the last man can integrate into the stack if additional manpower is required.