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


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For those without kidnap insurance negotiation in a hostage situation can be a nightmare.  If a family member or employee, is seized in a foreign country, or for some in their country of origin, the onus often falls on the family to negotiate, and raise funds.

The costs for professional negotiators are approximately $4000 (Aus.) a day plus flight costs, large kickbacks etc.  These negotiations can drag out for many months, although some may be over in as little as a week.  As with most sensitive area's of security there is very little credit extended by the negotiation firm as, if they cannot be paid, how can they reassure the hostage takers they will receive their money.

Generally, negotiators monies are paid in advance in 2 week blocks.  This exhorbitant price is justified by the risks involved, the costs incurred (including under the table) and the stress of 24hr availability.  Staff are shouldering the burden of another persons life.

The negotiations can also be hindered by government policy with regards paying ransom demands.  Behind the scenes support may be the best you are able to achieve from diplomatic staff.  Other government agencies may be able to provide assistance, in a discreet manner, with contacts and advice.

The successful completion of a negotiation should result in an exchange of hostages for the negotiated ransom.

The mission is not considered complete until the hostages have been returned home, or to a secure destination.  During negotiations the negotiators may be forced to place themselves in a high risk position, to prove their good will and provide short term security to the hostage taker.  Whilst it is preferable that this does not happen, it may be neccesary.

Information security is PARAMOUNT during negotiations.   An uncontrolled leak to the media (or a foreign source) can cause untold damage, including loss of life or the seizing of funds or hostages by a third party.  You cannot discuss this matter with anyone outside the small circle involved in negotiations, without discussion with the negotiation team.

A secret shared is a secret lost.

The mental, and physical, state of the hostages must also be considered in any evacuation plans.  To have a person who has survived months in a very small, dark place, threatened with death, arrive home on an international flight to face a waiting throng of media may do harm to their delicate mental state.  To go from extreme pressure to safety may take months of adaptation, and possibly years of adjustment.

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MORE on this subject

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As with all area's of operation there are many who claim to be 'the' lead group representing an area of interest.  For one of the larger groups for hostage negotiation you can look at the 'International Association of Hostage Negotiators'.  They are a US based group, more focussed on police hostage negotiation (less than 24hrs to resolve, generally).  They have some interesting articles and points of view.  They do not claim to be specialist in international kidnap negotiation.

Hostage negotiators are also referred to as Crisis Managers and Crisis Negotiators.  They have many associations across the world, as demonstrated by the Illinois Crisis Negotiators website .  They are again police orientated, with a focus on resolving matters within 24hrs.  The methods used to resolve these matters include a negotiated outcome (the preferred method), forced entry and application of force from a distance (sniper - urban - less than 300m).

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