Crisis Scenario Analysis: Crisis Negotiation

Unit 5 Scenario Analysis
CJ407: Crisis Negotiation
Kaplan University
March 27, 2014

The scene is set, the information at this time is incomplete. However, with the little information that has been received we can identify that this situation at the present time is a hostage situation. A hostage situation defined as “involves the taking of a person captive for instrumental or tangible reasons; the suspect needs the police or other authorities to meet specific demands (e.g., ransom, transportation, money). In these events, the captive is used as leverage to obtain other substantive goals” (p. 535 Elsevier). With the subject refusing to take phone calls it can be identified that the situation is already in the crisis stage. It is during this stage in which multiple things need to happen. While in
route to the scene I still want to continue to receive information on the situation to be able to arrive in the best mindset possible. Negotiations at this point are still available, also none of the hostages have been hurt or injured.

Instrumental behavior include demands and objectives that in the end result will benefit the subject.
While expressive behavior are the actions in which a subject is thinking in a highly emotional state and lack in any goals or demands. At this point of the situation the subject is portraying instrumental demands. He is asking for food and the outcome of what he has done. Showing he is focused on himself and the benefits for himself. At this time I would begin to use of problem solving and basic bargaining strategies. His actions at this point are also rational and not lacking goals. The situation is now in the accommodation, negotiation and stabilization stage. Reaching this stage I must gain the subjects trust. I would explain to Bradley that I can get him the food but not the alcohol. Providing alcohol will make the negotiations harder to complete. An unstable mindset would not help in keeping the situation under control. I would also explain that it is not up to me if he does jail time or not. I would tell him that if ending the situation peacefully would benefit him if charges are
pressed.

Since the subject has not released any hostages at this time I would have to use this as a turning point. Informing the subject that hostages need to be released to show good faith. While still letting him feel that he is in control of the situation, I would only suggest that he needs to provide hostages to show that the situation is moving forward. If the subject still refuses to release any hostages then I feel the tactical team should be used to resolve the situation. With the situation not showing any significant progress I would need to think about the hostages. The longer held under these circumstances the more chance of one trying to become a hero and becoming injured. Also, Stockholm syndrome will become a factor that will make the ending more difficult. As the negotiator I feel my main role in assisting the tactical team would be to act as their eyes in the room. Gaining knowledge of the number of hostages and where they are located throughout the room will help to prevent injuries to the innocent.

References:

Michael J. McMains, Wayman C. Mullins., (2010). Crisis Negotiations: Managing Critical Incidents and Hostage Situations in Law Enforcement and Corrections. 4th ed. United States: Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.

Gregory M. Vecchia, Vincent B. Van Hasseltb, Stephen J. Romanoc, (2005). Crisis (hostage) negotiation: current strategies and issues in. Aggression and Violent Behavior. 10 (1), pp.533–551