Rules of conduct for hostages during capture and release

Unfortunately, each of us can become a victim of terrorist hijacking. There are more than 500 terrorist groups in the world, which have left their mark in almost every corner of the globe. Moreover, a terrorist attack can occur in any public place, be it a station, market, theater or metro, transport, and so on. Of course, we hope that this will not affect us, but capture, as a rule, occurs suddenly, so it is better to play it safe and familiarize yourself with the rules of safe behavior for hostages.

Let's consider the algorithm of actions

Here are the basic rules for hostage behavior. So:

The first thing to do is to calm down, not to panic and try to soberly assess the current situation.
Instill confidence in yourself about salvation and convince others of this. Remember that in 95% of cases the hostages survived.
Liberation may not happen immediately, so you need to prepare for it mentally and physically.
Try to relax, restore calm and deep breathing.
Be prepared to move around. But do not try to run if you are not 100% sure of the successful completion of the event.
If possible, keep any things with you: pencil, pen, medicine, etc., as well as food and water supplies.
Remember as much information about terrorists as possible. Observe their behavior, track their gestures, facial expressions, if there are no masks, remember their accent, body type, conversation topics, numbers, everything that can later help in catching the criminals.
Try to determine by any signs the place where you are.
If possible, try to position yourself away from windows and doors, because you can get hurt during the assault. Lie down on the floor and cover your head with your hands, do not move.
Under no circumstances should you run towards or away from rescuers; you may be mistaken for criminals.
If another hostage is injured, provide first aid. Arterial bleeding can be stopped by tightening a regular belt above the wound, venous bleeding - vice versa.

Of course, the most difficult thing to cope with is panic, which often leads to trouble. You need to come to your senses and start thinking.

Assessing the condition of the terrorist

To choose the right behavioral tactics, you need to be able to independently assess the emotional and physical state of the invaders and determine their psychotype. It is not necessary to have special knowledge or skills - just understand the main differences and be observant.

Psychologists and criminologists distinguish 6 categories of criminals:

1) Terrorists “zombies” - these include militants who have undergone special mental treatment, using hypnosis and narcotic substances. They are programmed for a specific action, while their consciousness is controlled by other people. They are the most dangerous type of invader, especially if they are programmed to “self-destruct.”

Signs of a "zombie":

indifference and lack of emotion in speech and gaze;
simple movements of the same type;
weakly expressed gestures and facial expressions;
minimal interaction with other people, including other fighters.

To trigger an alarm, zombies must encounter an unexpected obstacle. This method is used by intelligence agencies with particular caution, as it can provoke unforeseen consequences.

2) Terrorists are “avengers” - their actions are more focused and directed at a specific person, law enforcement agency, or political force. The invaders were not exposed to external influences, but their emotional balance is extremely unstable. It is impossible to make contact with the “avengers”; they cannot be threatened or asked for mercy.

Distinctive features:

emphasized coldness and self-control;
aggressive reaction to any attempt at contact;
reluctance to answer questions.

Avengers do not set out to kill other people, but they can do it in a fit of aggression or despair.

3) Patriot terrorists are the most common type of militants. They are characterized by a strong belief in the purity of their faith (most of them are adherents of orthodox religion); the goal of the terrorist attack is “jihad,” self-sacrifice for the sake of their own faith and people. The danger of “patriots” lies in their conscious actions. Militants commit crimes in pure reason, with obvious intentions and belief that they are right.

“Patriots” can be distinguished by the following features:

religiosity,
suspicion,
arrogance,
hostility and contempt for others,
rude behavior.

Among the physiological signs it is worth noting:

reflex grinding of teeth,
constricted pupils,
rapid breathing,
tense muscles.

An unsuccessful attempt to free hostages or escape can lead to tragic consequences.

4) Terrorists “for money” or “mercenaries” are militants who commit criminal acts in order to obtain financial gain. “Mercenaries” have no ideological component; their goal is to complete the task. If they are not disturbed, the lives of those captured are not in danger.

Signs:

tension and anxiety;
haste and fussiness;
nervous actions: coughing, rapid blinking, tremors, etc.;
increased sweating;
changes in complexion;
fast speech speed.

Unforeseen obstacles can trigger a nervous breakdown.

5) Terrorists “involuntarily” commit a crime against their will, under the influence of threats and blackmail. His targets are far from the site of the terrorist attack; the aggressor is indifferent to other people.

Distinctive features:

slow movements;
silence;
indifference;
gloominess;
muffled voice timbre;
avoiding direct eye contact.

6) Terrorists “maniacs” represent a category of criminals suffering from serious mental disorders, obsessive or delusional ideas, and mania. The invader may be a loner; such individuals are often recruited by terrorist organizations. His behavior is unpredictable, you need to be prepared for any development of events.

“Maniacs” can be identified by the following traits:

excitement;
fear of being captured;
suspicion;
sudden mood changes;
desire to “show yourself off”;
hysterical behavior.

What to do if there is a threat of attack and capture?

Let's give some recommendations:

Always be on guard, especially in crowded places, at the airport, parks, shopping centers, public transport, and so on. Don’t be afraid to look ridiculous in the event of an unconfirmed danger; perhaps with your actions you can prevent a tragedy. That is, if you notice a suspicious box, package, bag, do not approach the object, but inform the driver or the security authorities.
Do not lift mobile phones, banks or other things under any circumstances, as there may be an explosive device planted there. Do not kick objects lying under your feet.
If security forces become active, walk in the opposite direction, but slowly and remain calm so as not to be mistaken for the enemy.
If the capture and shooting begins, immediately lie down on the ground face down, covering your head with your hands. If there is cover, hide behind it, it could be a curb, a car, a sales tent.
If you become aware of an upcoming terrorist attack, immediately notify law enforcement agencies.

But under no circumstances should you try to joke with such things, it is punishable by law.

Let's consider the rules of behavior in the event of a threat of hostage-taking.

Links[edit]

^ abcdefghijkl One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Hostage". Encyclopedia Britannica
.
13
(11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 801–802.
↑
For more on the Roman and Celtic practices of taking hostages as a normal part of treaty-making, see the discussion of Julius Caesar's hostage crisis at Armorica in 56 BC.
Correspondence of Napoleon
I.
I. 323, 327, cited in Hall, International Law
.
↑
The Times History of the War in South Africa, iv. 402.
↑
W. E. Hall, International Law, 1904, pp. 418, 475.
L. Oppenheim, International Law, 1905, vol. II., War and Neutrality, pp. 271–273.
"Practice Relating to Rule 96. Hostage Taking". International Committee of the Red Cross.
18 USC § 1203(b)(1)(A)-(C)
Beth Van Schaack and Ronald S. Slye, International Criminal Law and Its Application: Cases and Materials (2007);
Cornell University
Cornell University
It happened to Weisse, the second headmster of the Lawrence Sheriff School; that's why the school didn't buy Reynolds Field; the land is now Moultrie Road and Elsee Road in Rugby.
Gijzeling in Dutch law (Dutch)

If an explosive device is found

Your actions are as follows:

Don't go near him, don't touch him.
Report to law enforcement immediately.
Remember! The use of any means of radio communication, for example, a mobile phone, can trigger the radio fuse.
Wait for law enforcement officials, but at a safe distance from the explosive device, and then show it.

Under no circumstances should you panic.

Etymology[edit]

The English word "hostage" comes from the French ostage

, modern
otage
, from Late Latin
obsidaticum
(Medieval Latin
ostaticum, ostagium
), the state of being in
obses
(plural
obsides
), "hostage", [1] from Latin
obsideō
("I pursue/often/block/besiege"), but etymological the connection was later suggested to the Latin
hostis
("stranger", later "enemy").

If you find yourself in a crowded place

Consider the following rules of conduct for hostages. In such situations, people often suffer from their own wrong actions, and not from the hands of terrorists, through the resulting crush. And the reason for this is panic. How to behave:

Look at what is happening around you and determine the safest place.
Try to move away from the center of the crowd, trash cans, boxes, bags, boxes, fences, metal fences, etc.
Calm down and don't draw attention to yourself by shouting.
Stay away from aggressive groups of people and don't get into fights.
Try to leave the dangerous place, freeing yourself from things that hinder your movements.
Keep your hands free, get rid of all objects, fasten buttons and zippers.
You can't go against the crowd! You need to go with the flow to save time and energy. Move with your arms spread out to the sides and your elbows bent, this way you will protect yourself from chest compression and ensure smooth and deep breathing.
Do not allow yourself to be pushed, do not bend, otherwise, if you fall in the crush, you may not get up again.

If you do end up on the floor, don't panic. Quickly group yourself by lying on your side, pressing your bent knees to your chest, covering your head with your hands. And get up at the first opportunity.

The goal is to stay alive!

There are rules of conduct when taking hostages; you need to know them so as not to suffer from criminals. So:

The main rule is not to provoke terrorists to use weapons and kill victims.
Endure humiliation and insults. Do not look closely into the eyes of the criminal, do not attract attention.
Whenever possible, obey the invaders. You cannot contradict them, so as not to endanger your life and those around you. Control your emotional state, do not allow hysterics and panic.
Before any action, such as going to the toilet, drinking or accessing food and medicine, ask permission from the criminals.
If you are wounded and there is no one to help, try not to move, this way you will lose less blood.

At the moment of attack by invaders, if there are no criminals with weapons nearby, try to hide or even escape, there may not be another chance. If you have children with you, stay close to them, if possible, hide them in a safe place. Knowing the rules of hostage behavior will help you escape.

Keep Calm

It is important to remember - no matter what happens, you should not give in to panic. Consciousness, attention and control over the body are the only things that remain with a person when he cannot influence external events. You need to immerse yourself as much as possible and maintain calm and adequacy.

“The child can hum a song to himself. An adult can remember some plans, analyze unfinished business. This is the only method that will keep you calm. The task is to divert attention from the subject of danger to memories or fantasies. This could be a prayer or a multiplication table,” Romanova explained.

Panic often turns into aggression. Therefore, it is the hostages who most often suffer who provoke the hostage or snap at him. There is another extreme: a person is too immersed in the role of a victim. Such people evoke pity among criminals. And it leads to the fact that the victims are even more abused and even show executions are carried out.

Both children and adults can turn on the detective in themselves and concentrate on the details: recording where and who is standing, what they say, do, and so on. This will help you get rid of worries and fears and stabilize your condition. And the memories will later help law enforcement officers.

Airplane hijacking

There are certain rules of conduct in case of hostage taking. Let's look at them:

The main thing is to get rid of the panic attack. Any exclamation, crying, cry for help, or hysteria will be regarded by the bandits as disobedience. And all because they themselves are in a nervous state. If possible, reassure your neighbor.
Try not to stand out from the crowd, do not irritate or contradict the invaders.
Don't make noise or cough or sneeze loudly.
If you need to go to the toilet, ask permission.
If the invaders demand personal belongings, give them back.
Do not defend crew members.
Don't complain about airplane pilots.
If children are crying nearby, do not get irritated, remain silent and control yourself.
If one of the passengers managed to leave the plane, do not draw the attention of other people to this fact.

The rules of conduct in the event of being taken hostage are, in principle, the same everywhere. The main thing is to remain calm. Only then will a person be able to think rationally and make informed and deliberate decisions. Remember, because of reckless actions, other people may also suffer. Let's look at a few more general rules for safe behavior when taken hostage.

What to expect from a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The attackers being under the influence of alcohol or drugs makes any of their actions unpredictable. The purpose for which the attackers put themselves in a state of intoxication may be different:

getting rid of fear;
increased activity;
depressive moods;
zombie process.

In the presence of invaders with pronounced signs of intoxication, it is unacceptable to scream, cry, or show strong emotions: criminals are already in a state of increased agitation, so someone else’s activity can provoke a strong surge of aggression.

How to behave correctly?

There are a few more recommendations:

Don't disrupt the established order by terrorists. You should not try to contact your family or law enforcement agencies; you must be patient and wait for the release operation.
Do not show your fear under any circumstances.
Don't lose your composure. Don't focus on your experiences. Distract yourself, remember a verse from the school curriculum, an old joke or a pleasant moment in life, a pun-filled situation, read a prayer to calm down.

The main thing when following the rules of conduct for hostages is not to lose self-control. A person overwhelmed by emotions is unable to make informed decisions.

If you are in long-term confinement

The rules of conduct during hostage taking will be as follows:

Eliminate feelings of pity, resentment and confusion. Prepare yourself mentally for the upcoming trials.
Drive away despair.
Do not lose faith in salvation, remember that over time the chances of liberation increase.
If conditions allow, make a schedule of classes, devote a day to intellectual pursuits, read, and another day to physical exercise.
Do not refuse the food offered, even if it is tasteless, eat with force so as not to weaken.
If you are injured, the main thing is to bandage the wound and stop the bleeding, and help others.

Don't make the main mistake - you will never become a friend to an action movie. You should not take his side, show any signs of sympathy, firstly, this will become a treacherous act towards other hostages, and secondly, this will subsequently lead to mental trauma and personality disintegration.

Consequences of captivity

Often liberation is not the end of all suffering. It would seem that you can forget about this sad experience and never remember. But that's not true. People who have been held hostage experience disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, depression, and the person may withdraw into himself or, conversely, fall into unreasonable rage.

No psychologist can name the exact symptoms of post-traumatic syndrome, since they are very individual.

Some of those released may experience survivor syndrome. They blame themselves for killing one of the hostages.

A little about the psychology of a hostage

Finding yourself in such a situation, a person at first cannot believe it, because everything looks like a bad dream. But, despite this, it is necessary to accept the fact and strictly adhere to the rules of conduct for hostages.

Keep your sanity. Many hostages may have a protest reaction to injustice. And then he starts running. This absolutely cannot be done unless there is a 100% guarantee of release. The criminal can shoot, and with the murder of a person, his guilt before the law increases, he feels doomed, as a result of which he becomes even more embittered.

Remember: the bandit will shoot, even if a simple act of capture was planned for the purpose of blackmail and demands that their conditions be fulfilled. It is necessary to train the will, improve oneself, exercise the mind, learn self-control, so that in an emergency it is easier to control oneself and cope with a difficult task.

Talk through your experience

Once released, the person's psyche may try to protect him from shock. A child or adult can completely forget the details of what happened, as if it doesn’t affect him at all, Romanova explained. But that's not true. Post-traumatic stress disorder manifests itself after some time - six months, a year, five years. An external trigger will remind you of your experience.

“And then there will be a reaction. This can manifest itself in psychosomatic diseases; children may develop stuttering, enuresis, and withdrawal. Fear of people and open spaces often appears. It is important for both adults and children to seek psychological help and give space to the emotions and feelings that arise at this moment: screaming, crying, getting angry,” she noted.

The parents or relatives of the hostage cannot reassure him and tell him that everything is over and now everything is fine, that the person is alive. You need to talk through the emotions that a person feels and ask about the incident. The more often this is spoken, the stronger the therapeutic effect. When someone speaks out, they feel better.