Ex-Police, Ex-Military, Ex-Government Investigators, International Fraud Specialists, UN approved investigators, Ex-Undercover Agents, Intelligence Analysts and Experienced Field Operatives

The Private Group Pty Ltd - Security Division - Bodyguards - Our Bodyguards - Negotiators - kidnapping - kidnapping, rescue -

Hostage negotiation is not the province of one person, it is a team effort. 

The first steps in a negotiation are the forming of a negotiating team and the confirmation of proof of life.

The hostage becomes a commodity.

There will be the outrageous first demand.  Don't loose heart.  The speed of negotiation will depend on many factors including how experienced the hostage takers are, and how flexible they are with their demands. 

The person seized will be searched.  If their clothing, cards or documents indicate they are employed by a large corporation there will be an expectation of a higher ransom.   If they have a lot of cash on them this may be taken as an indication of wealth.  The hostage takers will use the internet to 'look up' the hostage and their family or business. 

If the hostages are seized by an experienced crew of criminals, they will be treated well.  if they are seized by new operators they may not be treated as well.  If they have been seized by religious fanatics it is harder to predict.

However, in each case the hostages condition will be expected to deteriorate, over time.

Within the negotiation team there must be agreement about who will be the contact point, what resources are available and what the projected final outcome, cost wise, that is expected.  To make a promise that cannot be kept is counter productive.

For those with kidnap insurance, they will be advised by their insurer.  For those without insurance, they will be guided by their chosen crisis managers.

Various rules and guidelines will be laid down, which must be followed.

The hostage takers, the kidnappers, hopefully, have an expectation of payment.  Whilst they are assured that this expectation will be met the hostages are 'safe'.  The negotiation simply relates to the amount of the payment.  Both sides must be aware that a ransom will be paid.  You are in the best position when the ransom demand is for money, usually US dollars.  These means it is a financial transaction, this is good. 

Demands for exchange of hostages or release of prisoners make it a political ransom.  This is not so good, it may require more negotiation at higher levels, and is a far more complex situation.  You may expect a much longer and more drawn out operation, generally.

When a payment is made, generally, the hostages will be released.

Media releases must be controlled, with a single contact point.  The media have the potential to do great damage to a negotiation reporting rumours, inuendo and false facts, including facts about the size of a ransom or the wealth and assets of the people paying the ransom.

Be aware that the payment of ransoms are illegal in some countries (inluding the US in cases where the monies flow to a declared terrorist group - Patriots Act).  It is argued that the payment of ransom's simply keeps the trade going - this is probably true, but the story has a different perspective when it is you're loved ones that are the hostages.

These government policies may impede negotiations.

____________________________________________________________________________
HOME      Piracy      Kidnapping       Bodyguards       Security Division    Negotiators