When and if circumstances justify it, a combined operational centre (COC) will be established at the scene.
Only representatives of the various disciplines who are actively involved in the hostage situation will be allowed entry to the COC.
All liaison and coordinating will take place from the COC. The senior representatives of each discipline present will form a special advisory group (a think-tank).
All decisions that affect the life of a hostage or the people who have taken the hostages, will be made here. All tactical operations will be coordinated by the commander.
Cordoning
The scene must be cordoned off with two cordons, using a human cordon, chevron ribbon or wire.
An inner cordon will be drawn directly around the scene and guarded by relevant police units. Nobody will be allowed to enter the inner cordon without the permission of the commander at the scene.
An outer cordon will be determined by the location of the scene, and will be guarded by the Visible Policing division. The purpose of this is to keep inquisitive spectators away from the scene.
Media
A media centre will be established within the outer and inner cordons, and staffed by a liaison officer. All information made available to the media must be cleared by the liaison officer. The media will not be allowed inside the COC inner cordon. Only identified members of the media will be allowed at the media centre.
The following must be attended to:
- The person taking hostages may only have done so for the sake of publicity.
- In the interests of the safety of hostages and the police, tactical information may not be given to the media. If information is refused, it may lead to inaccurate news releases.
- Communication between the media and the person who has taken hostages will not be allowed during the hostage situation.
- The taking of photographs must be controlled as far as possible, especially if hostages are involved.
- Publishing photographs of the special police units, their equipment, tactics and techniques is strictly forbidden.
- The liaison officer may provide as much information as possible, on condition that it does not harm the negotiations.
- Unless the hostage negotiator has informed members of the force or the hostages themselves about the interview, direct interviews with members or hostages will not be allowed.
VIP - CLOSE PROTECTION
Guidelines
Action at the scene of a crisis must be co-ordinated. Communication and co-ordination between the hostage negotiator or negotiation team, the commander at the scene and the reaction team is essential.
General guidelines
In-depth negotiations with a person who has taken hostages or is threatening suicide must be undertaken by a trained hostage negotiator, if available. Under no circumstances must others attempt to be 'heroes'.
Only the first persons, and specific help summoned, will be allowed at the scene.
Conspicuous police actions within a visible distance of the scene must be limited to a minimum.
The use of loudspeakers, sirens and radios must be limited to a minimum and must not be heard by the person who has taken the hostages.
After a hostage or suicide situation has been dealt with by the SAPS, a report (irrespective of whether the situation has been dealt with by a hostage negotiator or not) must be compiled by a hostage negotiator and sent to the appro priate address.
First member at the scene
The actions of the first member of the police service at the scene of a hostage or suicide situation are crucial. Don't be hasty, as people's lives can be placed in jeopardy.
The first member(s) must:
- determine whether the situation does, in fact, exist;
- isolate or cordon off the scene, control the traffic and limit spectators;
- gather sufficient evidence without becoming directly involved with the person who has taken hostages;
- contact control and supply the following information:
- the address of the scene, as well as a description;
- the number of those injured;
- the number of persons holding hostages;
- the number of hostages.
- control vehicle and pedestrian traffic;
- divide the witnesses into three separate groups:
- persons who know the holder of the hostages;
- persons who know the hostages;
- eye-witnesses,
- be available for the hostage negotiator and data collector; maintain firing discipline:
I. firearms must not be aimed at the person who has taken hostages;
II. firearms must not be fired except when lives are directly in danger;
- ensure the locality of the hostage situation (buildings) are not penetrated;
- check that in-depth negotiations are avoided at this stage;
- maintain communication between the holder of the hostages and the members if it has already been established;
- ensure that the radio communications of the police cannot be heard by the person who has taken hostages;
- ensure that nobody is allowed to offer himself or herself as a hostage;
- ensure that nobody is exchanged for hostages, and
- ensure that firearms, alcohol and medication are not made available to the holders of the hostages.
Senior members at the scene
VIP - CLOSE PROTECTION
a negotiator is summoned, and must not get involved in the negotiating situation. He or she must:
- establish a control centre;
- establish an inner and outer cordon, and, if necessary, clear the area;
- establish a media centre and
- keep an accurate record of the incident.
Control or radio control
As soon as the hostage or suicide situation has been confirmed, the following persons, where necessary, must be advised immediately:
- the hostage negotiator;
- the special police units;
- a police psychologist;
- a police photographer or video unit;
- ambulance services;
- the traffic department;
- an explosives expert (where applicable) and
- the Station Commander, District Commander or Regional Commissioner.
Public relations
The police must keep in constant contact with the vehicle at the scene.
Next chapter
When you are sure that you understand the contents covered in this chapter, and have achieved all the learning outcomes, move on to the next chapter - 'Bombs, explosive devices and fire-arms'.