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10. Police operating procedures
 
  Article 82-Hostage taking  
82.1 Hostage taking  
  Hostage situations are one of the most stressful and difficult police operations. There are many schools of thought concerning hostage situations, including whether a person can effectively be "talked out" of holding hostages and giving up peacefully to those who advocate maximum immediate force.  
  While every hostage situation is the same, the following are the essential elements that are common protocol for all hostage situations.  
  (1) Establish some secure line enabling contact with the hostage taker  
  Whether it be by phone, by mobile phone or some other means, establish a reliable means of communication with the hostage taker;  
  (2) Seek to establish as fast as possible a profile of the hostage taker  
  (i) If it is the outcome of a failed crime, then there are possibilities of reducing the situation;  
  (ii) If it is the outcome of a domestic dispute, there are tell tail warning signs of a situation fast collapsing;  
  (iii) If it is a person seeking suicide by police, there are also warning signs;  
  (iv) if it is an escapced fugitive;  
  (v) if it is a terrorist.  
  (3) If the profile indicators a strong desire for media attention- immediately place a ban on all televised and reported footage of the event  
  (4) If the hostage taker is a violent person, who has already injured, continue to negotiate by use any opportunity to shoot to kill  
     
     
 
 

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