Hostage Rescue
Agent Handbook

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FBI Hostage Rescue SOP

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).

• Assign scene leadership as soon as possible.

• Unified command and clear communication are required at all times.

Hostage Rescue Procedure

1. Containment

Start by containing the suspect(s). 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.

  • In the event where the hostages are unable to be tracked, utilize the Live Map here.

  • Avoid pursuit, suspects with hostages usually stop eventually to negotiate for ransom.

  • Whenever the chance presents itself, disable the suspect's vehicle using stop sticks.

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):

• Scene Commander: Highest rank or most certified unit on scene. Allocates resources, make decisions, and authorizes entry/deadly force if needed.

• Negotiator: Negotiation certified agent that handles communication with the suspects to de-escalate.

• Marksman Unit: An agent certified with long range intervention to provide overwatch with a long range rifle.

• Rescue Team: 3-4 SWAT/HRT certified agents trained and certified in hostage rescue CQB.

• Others: Local law enforcement and Special Agents will set up a perimeter around the area, ensuring nobody gets in or out.

3a. Rescue (Single Hostage Taker)

In a well executed hostage rescue, multiple things are usually going on at once. Generally, the best hostage rescues in a single taker scenario results in a clean neutralization.

• Negotiations:

  • Negotiations are done by the negotiator, trained in de-escalation.

  • Negotiators often can not accept conditions that the hostage taker is requesting, such as free passage or hostage exchanges.

  • In such cases, negotiators are to stall and calm the suspect, while opening the window for marksman and rescue teams to intervene with deadly force (e.g. requesting the hostage taker to step outside).

• Deadly Force Intervention:

  • Before authorizing deadly force intervention, all operators should know the location on the hostage taker and hostages, preferably visual and a clear line of fire.

  • When the scene commander authorizes intervening with deadly force, rescue team and marksman unit takes positions and ensures readiness.

  • Agents should always prefer engagement from open areas/through windows versus making entry. When taking position, agents should take a position that ensures the most clear line of fire to minimalize the risk of hitting hostages when firing.

  • Shots should be fired from the marksman unit when possible. In the event where followup shots are needed, shots should be precise. Once the greenlight is given, all operators should fire at once, directed by the scene commander.

  • Upon downing the hostage taker, all operators should move in immediately towards the hostage and bringing them to safety.

  • In the event where entry is needed, see Tactical Breaching.

3b. Rescue (Multiple Hostage Taker)

In a well executed hostage rescue, multiple things are usually going on at once. Multiple suspects significantly increase the complexity of the situation, requiring greater coordination between negotiators, marksman units, and rescue teams.

• Negotiations:

  • Negotiations are done by the negotiator, trained in de-escalation.

  • Negotiators should seek to establish communication with all hostage takers and gather intelligence regarding the number of suspects, hostages, and their locations.

  • In cases where there are multiple hostage takers, negotiators may accept free passage in exchange for freedom of the hostages if the scene commander sees fit.

• "Release-then-Catch":

  • In situations where hostage takers request free passage in exchange for the release of hostages, the Scene Commander may authorize a controlled release arrangement if it is assessed to be the safest option for recovering the hostages.

  • Once hostages are safely recovered, suspects should be intercepted or engaged with lethal force at the earliest safe opportunity, in accordance with use of force policy.

• Deadly Force Intervention:

  • Deadly force intervention is more complex and requires high amount of coordination when multiple hostage takers are present.

  • The Scene Commander will assign operators with different responsibilities. Generally, the marksman unit is responsible for the greatest threat to the hostages (often the suspects watching the hostages), while rescue teams are responsible for engaging other suspects further away.

  • Intervention should be done while the hostage takers are distracted. Distractions may be done by the negotiator or offers.

  • In the event where entry is needed, see Tactical Breaching.