Barricaded suspect/hostage incident

When responding to a situation where there may be a barricaded person, with or without a hostage, consider the following guidelines:

		First at the scene
		Keeping the scene secure
		The suspect
		Notetaking

First at the scene (Barricaded suspect/hostage incident)

1. Park away from the front of the premises.
2. Safety first. Stay outside.
3. Confirm the barricade with whoever reported it.
4. Contact your supervisor who will request the special units.
5. Contain the scene:
   • two officers watch the back and one side
   • two other officers watch the front and other side
   • all officers on foot
   • all officers equipped with body armour, firearms, and portable radios
   • stay out of sight, behind good cover
   • other officers block off all the access roads

See also First at the scene

See also Crime scene

Next

Top

Keeping the scene secure (Barricaded suspect/hostage incident)

While waiting for the special units, keep the scene secure.

1. Safety first. Stay outside.
2. Set up a command post within 1 km of scene.
3. Brief all the officers and keep communicating with them.
4. Decide whether it is safe to evacuate the neighbours:
   • if not, move them to the basement or other safe location inside
   • if so, choose a safe route out of the line of fire
   • ask for keys and permission to use their premises
5. Notify the family members or friends if you know the suspect and/or hostage.

Next

Top

The suspect (Barricaded suspect/hostage incident)

1. Do not cut off conversation if the suspect contacts you.
2. Plan to make an arrest if the suspect wants to surrender:
   • safety first, stay away from the suspect
   • keep the suspect covered
   • direct the suspect to a clearing like the driveway or roadway
   • direct the suspect to place any weapons on the ground and move away from them
   • arrest the suspect
   • search and handcuff
   • advise of rights and caution

Next

Top

Notetaking (Barricaded suspect/hostage incident)

Record information about the incident once you have stabilized the scene and are waiting for the special units to arrive.

1. Draw a diagram of the scene, including:
   • the layout of the scene
   • the cover
   • the roads and nearly buildings
   • the location of the officers
2. Record the phone number where the barricade/hostage is.
3. Record information about the suspect:
   • name, age, description, clothing, photo
   • family background, employment, mental state, priors
4. Record the same information about the hostage(s).
5. Describe any weapons and ammunition.
6. Describe any vehicles.
7. Record the background of the occurrence.

See also Crime scene

See also Notetaking

Top