Hostage Rescue
Agent Handbook

< Return to Dashboard - Handbook

FBI Hostage Rescue SOP

1. Overview

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.

Single Suspect Rescue

SOP applies when there is only 1 suspect taking one or more hostages with a deadly threat.

1. Containment

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.

2. Command and Units

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.

• 
  

3. Doorway Management

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.

4. Marking Cleared Rooms

• 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.”

5. Advanced Room Clearing Tactics

• 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.

6. Communication and Coordination

• 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.