| Author |
Message |
Fannie Mamalias
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 - 11:04 pm: | |
What to do if you become a hostage? |
Brett Page
| | Posted on Sunday, October 27, 2002 - 10:00 am: | |
This is a VERY important thing for every Aid Worker to be aware of. It is also something that should be part of pre-deployment training.
Some basic pointers:
a) avoid eye contact
b) don't be a hero
c) do whatever your captors tell you
The hostage takers have a plan (hopefully). You are a key element in that plan and, therefore, more valuable to them alive. They are armed and, quite obviously, dangerous but may also be unpredictable due to the fact that they are scared for thier own lives as well. So do nothing to upset or excite them. Don't try to "face them down". Even the most hardened soldier will act defeated when taken prisoner so as to avoid unnecessary harsh treatment.
Remember - Your one and only goal is to survive! And there is no such thing as a Rambo or Arnie in the real world of automatic weapons!
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John Walker
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2003 - 07:37 pm: | |
When not faced against an entire capture party it is important to know that there are training tools and devices that will help you be prepared for such things.
I know a good website SchneiderLambert.TrustyGuard.net that has books videos and supplies that would be very good in the field. They have a large selection and I know they have survival gear such as thermal blankets, water clensing agents, and signal tools for such events as needing to survive. |
dave heed
Guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 09:40 am: | |
Dave Heed - Held hostage by the LURD in Libiria August 1999.
In my experience the only way you can approach the situation is by remaining calm and compliant but also maintaining a positive attitude a belief in your own survival and at every attempt humanize your self as much as possible.
I feel that too much preparitory training (note that i say too much and I am by no means precludeing some form of prep training) can be counter productive the military approach of scaring the shit out of potential field worker is damaging and can lead to an automated response that may be incorrect for te situation you find yourself in.
Aid workers are usually reasonably intelligent and can handle people and read situations - use your head and figure out what works best
Some tips -
In the initial often adrenalin/drug/alcohol fueled stage of a kidnaping absolute compliance is key.
Do not be afraid to ask questions about what is happening to you - but if you are told with the aid of an AK47 to shut up - its best to do so.
Both kidnapper and kidnappee are human - use that and make sure they see you as such.
Stay positive and keep a place in your head where they cant get into - your body will give up a long time befor your mind.
A rescue can be just as traumatic and dangerous as a kidnapping particularly if carried out by some tin pot army - lie on the floor and identify yourself as soon as possible - do not ask questions - be absolutely compliant and expect rough treatment as they try and exfil you.
REMEMBER - there will always be someone at home who is thinking about you and working to get you out of there - don't EVER give up hope |
Scott Raby
Guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 11:08 pm: | |
I have been held hostage on two separate occasions. I was only lucky during the first one. The second one I survived was survived by luck as well as by using my rhetorical skills.....Don't ever panic because you could easlily die. Don't ever aurgue with your captors because you could die. As difficult as it may be, don't ever whine or complain or show excessive fear. Your captors will be more likely to listen to you if you don't try and tug at their emotions. It is quite common for people to kill their hostages when their heart strings are mad angry. It is really difficult for me to try and give advise from my own experiences of being a hostage. I think the reason why is because I know for a fact that survival all depends on how the cards are all dealt. That makes the solutions for escaping alive alot more ambiguous. I am by no means a hostage crisis expert. I am only lucky and I thank my God.
Sincerely, Scott Raby |
Joseph Charles Fifield
Guest
| | Posted on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 11:28 am: | |
Hi here are some notes taken from security training that we do for NGOS and the media.
In most situations surviving an extended period of incarceration is highly likely and the aim of this presentation is to explain to you what to expect should you be kidnapped and how to deal with your incarceration and subsequent release.
The main objective of any kidnapped victim is to survive the ordeal. Being kidnapped is both physically and mentally challenging. Therefore it is reasonable to presume that victims who are physically fit and mentally stable, are far more likely to survive the ordeal than their less fit counterpart.
Fitness also may play an important part in allowing an escape attempt at the kidnap phase (which will be covered in more detail in a moment) but also fitness provides an important ‘psychological plus’ while fantasising about escaping during a period of incarnation.
Thoughts of family and friends will be of great security to you during a kidnap ordeal. Get used to carrying a photo of your family on you at all times. Not only will this be an immense source of comfort to you but may also help to transform the kidnappers view of you from that of a (valuable) object to that of a person.
The kidnap phase
Most kidnaps are planned and professionally executed. Most attempts occur outside of the home or office; or at regular haunts such as favourite bar or restaurant and are generally preceded by days if not weeks of surveillance.
The Kidnap phase is a period of high stress for all those involved.
The Kidnapers: however professional will be highly excited.
The Victim: will be scared, very likely in fear of their life, as extreme violence in the kidnap phase is often used to control the situation and the victim.
In such a highly charged atmosphere the chance of injury is high and consequently great presence of mind is required. The kidnappers will have no intention of injuring or killing their victim, but their prime concern will be their own safety so if threatened with their own loss of liberty, they are quite likely to kill their victim without giving it a second thought.
The actual time of the kidnap will afford the victim with the best chance of escape. During the initial confusion, opportunities may occur for an escape to be effected however if an escape is attempted it must be decisive and immediate, and it must offer a good chance of success.
DO NOT confuse Hollywood with reality. If a firearm becomes accessible to you unless you have knowledge of things such as cocking levers, safety catches, magazine housings and stoppage drills ……. forget it. Making a grab for a firearm or a bungled attempt at killing one of your assailants will only guarantee your execution there and then.
Any escape attempt increase the possibility of injury, and an injured kidnap victim is less likely to survive incarceration well.
Preparation
As part of your preparation for the ordeal of being kidnapped, potential victims should determine their own ‘kidnap phase’ policy. This means you should think now about what you will do if someone tries to kidnap you.
Your removal from the place of kidnap will be extremely physical, (e.g. gagged and bundled into the boot of a waiting car) and as already mentioned the kidnappers will be in a highly emotional state. Follow all instructions, and remain passive, as this will minimise physical abuse.
Conditions of kidnap
A kidnap will either happen in a built up area or out in a rural area and this will determine the conditions under which you are incarcerated.
A field kidnap will probably entail an extended period of moving around the countryside from temporary jail to jail. The mental stress in such a situation is low, however the physical challenges of constantly moving around with very little food and water will be immense.
As well as a poor diet the victim will become susceptible to diseases such as malaria, typhoid and dysentery.
The opportunity to escape during this transit period will be numerous, however the rules as stated in the kidnap phase must be applied – any attempt must offer a good chance of success. Your personal relationship with your captors will be strong and this will mostly work in your favour but be aware of the Stockholm Syndrome – something I will talk about in more detail in a moment.
A city Kidnap will usually entail you being moved to a prepared ‘people’s prison’. This will be in a small-enclosed cell, probably poorly lit and with primitive sanitation. The mental stress involved in such an incarceration will be high, however the physical stress will be minimal. Little exercise and unsanitary conditions can bring their own physical problems and the likelihood of escape or forging a relationship with your kidnapers will also be low.
Adapting to Captivity
In previous studies of kidnap victims a three phase development has been documented in a victims response to incarceration.
Phase One
The first phase relates to the physical and mental reactions to the kidnap phase. It is quite common for a victim to sleep for up to 48 hours following a kidnap, which is a physical response to the high adrenaline levels experienced during the kidnap ordeal. This is then often followed up by a period of disbelief and fantasy until the slow realisation of the incarceration dawns.
Phase Two
The second phase grows from this realisation and is characterised by a period of intense boredom.
Phase Three
The third phase, the most psychological damaging of the incarceration, is one of passive acceptance.
This often manifests as strong anti-company feelings (i.e. its their fault for sending me here, why are they doing nothing, etc?) and also strong self doubts (i.e. should I of attempted to escape, could I have conducted myself better?)
To survive a kidnap “well” the effects of phase two and phase three need to be minimised. This can be achieved by a number of actions, which are designed to help improve your environment and to optimise your physical and mental well-being.
Being a Prisoner
Incarceration in a “Peoples Prison” will mean that your perspective of a ‘normal day’ will vanish. Often you will still be blindfolded and bound and personal belongings such as a watch will have been removed and don’t be surprised to see at a later stage one of your captors wearing it.
If you are not blindfolded then possibly light entering the room will indicate the difference between night and day. Alternatively if you are kept blindfolded then sounds such as birds singing and people moving about cooking etc, will indicate the passage of time to you.
If you are lucky then being given 3 meals a day will also help to indicate the time of day to you. It is important that you keep you strength and therefore however distasteful the food is that you are given you must make all attempts to eat.
It is extremely important for you to organise your “day” and regular mental and physical activities are prerequisites to surviving “well”.
Stress Reduction Techniques
Stress reduction will occur in a planned and organised incarceration where a high level of mental and physical well-being is maintained.
Plan the day – as already mentioned a day planned with mental and physical exercise will reduce stress levels. The greater number of planned activities within a structured day will see a reduction in boredom and will maintain a high level of mental activity.
Physical exercise – Physical fitness is directly related to the mental process, and a fit victim will survive the kidnap process “well”. A tired body will sleep better, and will be better prepared for future high stress moments such as in escape or rescuing.
The Big Project – Plan and execute in your mind a large project. This will give a reason to the day and may be the only constructive part of your imprisonment
Mental activity can include things such as writing a book about you experiences, planning that extension to your home or 101 ways to make a million.
Having myself undergone military physical and physiological interrogation and being held captive for a number of days with no food, I cannot stress enough the importance of planning your day and making constructive use of the time that you have on your hands. Equally any observations you can make about your surroundings and the identities of your kidnappers will be of great use to the security forces after your release.
Improve your living Conditions
If you require anything, which may improve the environment that you are held captive in, then do not be afraid to ask.
Requesting reading material books or a bible, better sanitary conditions, food etc. can improve the mental and physical state of the victim. It will also help to increase your association with your kidnappers who will start to see as a person rather than a valuable object. Building such a relationship with your kidnappers will help to reduce the risk to you of further injury or execution if negotiations fail.
Magna Carta
A set of “rules for living” or a Magna Carta will help you define an acceptable mode of conduct within the constraints of your imprisonment ( in the long tem this will also help to reduce post-kidnap guilt ).
This Magna Carta should include statements to yourself about your conduct during your period of incarceration and should include things such as:
“this is not a People’s prison but my temporary residence”
“Passive acceptance but not subservience”
“This will be a period of personal growth, not stagnation”
Your Magna Carta should define your status as that of a victim of circumstances out of your control. The higher self-respect resulting from this status will help to lower post-kidnap guilt.
Leave signs of your occupation
If possible without incurring further risk to yourself leave some form of sign to indicate to security forces your presence in a certain location. The simplest way to do this is by scratching your name and date on a wall, door or bed frame. If you are not able to do that then you may be able to leave behind some form of personal effect that would be recognised by would be rescuers.
Release from Kidnap
Your release from imprisonment presents the second highest area of danger to you as an individual.
Controlled Release.
If the release is arranged and runs to plan it is likely that the victim will be “dropped” in unfamiliar surroundings. The prime role of you as the victim would be to make immediate contact with any local authority. The victim will then be removed to a safe area and detailed debriefing will follow.
Enforced Release.
If the release is obtained by forceful means then the risk of injury to the victim is dangerously high. Any attempt by a rescue force will be recognised by different sounds. The usual background noise that you have become accustom to will change.
If the kidnappers are alerted to an impending rescue attempt you will hear shouting and lots of activity. If the security forces attack then you will likely hear explosions and gunfire.
Immediately lie face down with you arms outstretched and hands open, palms facing upwards – the security forces on entering the room will recognise this as a lack of threat. Remember that they to will be in a highly charged emotional state. Identify yourself to them by repeating your name loudly.
The liberation phase will be a physical attack by the security forces and you may initially not be recognised as a victim. In fact security forces are trained to treat all people found as a possible threat to their safety. In the Iranian embassy siege one of the kidnappers actually hid amongst the hostages, as they were lead out of the building.
Do not be surprised in the first moments of rescue to be treated the same way as one of the kidnappers - therefore maintaining your passive acceptance is essential. You will quickly be identified as the victim rather than a kidnapper and be separated from the rest of the group.
Adjusting to Release
People who have been involved in a kidnap are almost invariably severely affected. Change of a person’s character is commonplace, long-term effects and post-kidnap studies indicate that dramatic changes in career direction and life style are common.
The initial period after release will involve detailed debriefing by the security forces and intense media interest. Debriefing is a very important stage of coming to terms with the ordeal you have been through. Not only will the security forces what to gleam as much information from you as possible but it will also be a time for you to find out what was being done during your period of incarceration.
Following your debriefing an early re-union with your family will take place and is likely to be a very emotional experience.
As stated media interest will be high and advice and support will be supplied by your company.
Counselling is an important part of the “adjusting to release process” for the victim but also for the victims’ family as they would of being going through emotional stress during your period of cavity.
The most effective treatment for psychological rehabilitation is to talk about all aspects of your ordeal with anyone that will listen to you.
The Stockholm Syndrome
Cases have been recorded where a ‘victim – kidnaper’ relationship has developed in which the victim develops a tendency to protect the kidnapper.
The first instance recorded was during a bank siege in Stockholm in which the robbers took several hostages. At the end of the siege the hostages surrounded the raiders and escorted them outside of the bank to protect them from police marksmen.
Another example occurred during the Iranian Embassy siege in London. Where one of the terrorists was protected by two women who would not identify him as a terrorist to the security forces.
The most widely publicised instance of the Stockholm Syndrome was the Patty Hearst kidnap. After having been held captive for many months she then participated in bank raids with them.
The Stockholm Syndrome occurs for many complex reasons:
e.g. admiration for someone who fights the system or belief in the kidnappers cause.
but it is also thought to be an involuntary response to increase the chance of human survival.
Manifestations of the Stockholm Syndrome are very dangerous and may jeopardise a victims safety, particularly during the time of release. The Stockholm Syndrome is common in periods of long incarceration and any victim should realise this and take steps to minimise any personal danger.
Security Measures against Kidnap
Careful design, not accident, lies behind most kidnaps.
Kidnappers, hijackers and terrorists lay their plans carefully to attain their objective – be it to enhance their cause by publicity, an attempt to raise funds or provide themselves with a bargaining tool in a dispute.
They will normally choose their victim or victims after long observation of potential targets and assessments of their personal security. They are likely to choose members of a community who are not so well protected and therefore more vulnerable to attack.
It therefore follows that the best defence to being kidnapped is to not to become a target at all. Good simple security procedures (as mentioned in the security presentation), carefully practised, can go a long way towards lowering the risk to you as an individual.
If you think you are being followed:
On foot
If you feel that you are working in an environment where there is a risk to you of kidnapping for example the Yemen or Colombia then you best defence is not to travel on foot anywhere. If you do go out on foot then it should not be alone and make sure you carry some form of communications with you.
Do
· Carry communicators with you
· Inform someone where you are going and inform them when you will be returning
Do not
· Do not walk down side roads or footpaths.
· Try to remain calm and not to alert your kidnappers that you have spotted them.
· Do not keep looking back as this will only alert the kidnappers that you have seen them and they may attempt a hasty kidnap attempt on you.
If you think you are being followed:
· Inform the police immediately
· If there is a government building close by then walk towards it
· Try and mix with the crowd
· If you are wearing a jacket, once in the crowd take it off as the kidnappers might be using this as a marker for following you.
By a Vehicle
If you think you are being followed then if possible try to confirm this by:
Making a safe detour to see if the vehicle behind follows you
Do not let yourself be forced off then road
· Try to memorize the following vehicles registration number
· If you are carrying a phone or radio use it to contact help
· Try to alert other motorists by flashing your lights and sounding your horn
· Keep driving until you reach a public place, government building or a police station
· Do not stop at a accident as it may have been staged managed for your own benefit.
I hope this has been of some use.
Joseph Fifield
MASC Training Services
www.mascts.com
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Shaun Bickley
Guest
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 07:41 pm: | |
Hi
The following guidance is from a newly published book I’ve written for Save the Children UK - Safety First: A field security handbook for NGO staff. Hope you find this extract on dealing with detention, abduction, kidnapping or hostage situations useful.
Yours
Shaun Bickley
shaunb@trickylocations.com
Minimising the risk
When operating in an area where the risk of detention, abduction, kidnapping or hostage-taking may be present, minimise risk by adhering to the following basic guidance:
• Understand the threat. Be aware of the types of incidents that have occurred in the past, and the main targets and perpetrators; how and where incidents normally occur; and how abductions and kidnappings are traditionally dealt with by the local community.
• Review and reinforce security procedures, particularly regarding staff movement and site protection measures.
• Avoid routine. Kidnapping in particular requires planning, and so perpetrators will study their target’s activities and movements for some time before attempting the abduction.
• Discuss responses to detention or abduction within your team. It is important that everyone is aware of how best to behave in the event of a detention, abduction, kidnapping or hostage situation. You must also be briefed on what your organisation will do to secure your release, and how it will deal with other parties such as your family and the media.
• Be prepared. In a high-risk environment it is important, at all times, to be dressed appropriately and carry items you may need in the event of an abduction, such as medication and emergency contact details.
• Be consistent and clear about your organisation’s principle of not paying ransoms.
Surviving an incident
For victims of abduction, the confusion and fear of not knowing what will happen next is possibly the most difficult thing to deal with, particularly in the early stages of any situation. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, remember that your chances of being released alive and unharmed are excellent, but it is important to be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for a long and tough experience. The following will help you to enhance your ability to cope with the situation:
• Be calm and co-operative. Your captors will undoubtedly be nervous and prone to violence, particularly when they are taking the most risks (eg, during the abduction, while moving you, or during a rescue attempt or release).
• During your abduction you may be blindfolded, restrained, beaten and even drugged. Do not resist this as the main purpose is to keep you quiet.
• If you are in a group, try to stay together. Consider appointing one person to speak on behalf of the group.
• Mentally prepare for a long wait – it could be months or years before you are released. You may be held in the same place or moved several times. Be sceptical of information given by your captors, as they will often make false promises of imminent release.
• If possible try to keep your personal belongings, clothes and identification unless forced to hand them over. Try to avoid accepting an exchange of clothes with your captors as this could put you at risk during a rescue attempt.
• Your abductors will often threaten you or try to demoralise, humiliate and dehumanise you; it makes you easier to control and manage. Bear in mind that you have a value and ultimately your captors will want to keep you alive and well.
• Try to establish a rapport with your captors. Family is a universal subject, as are sports and many hobbies. Your goal is to get your captors to view you as a real person rather than a commodity. Listen actively to their feelings and concerns, but never debate their cause.
• Always remember that your organisation will be doing all it can to secure your release and at the same time will be supporting your friends and family. Keep this in mind even if you are not aware of any progression or if your captors tell you differently.
• DO NOT TRY TO ESCAPE. You risk being killed by a nervous captor and, if you were one of a group who were taken, you could jeopardise the security of those left behind.
• Do not issue threats against your captors or give any indication that you would testify against them. If your captors are attempting to conceal their identities, do not indicate if you recognise them.
• Speak normally. Do not complain. Once a level of rapport or communication is achieved, try asking for items that will increase your personal comfort. Do not be afraid to ask for anything you need or want such as medicines, books or papers. Make requests in a reasonable, low-key manner.
• Take mental notes of captors and surroundings, memorising as much as you can. When you are released, these details may help the authorities to free other victims or arrest the abductors.
• Try to stay healthy and maintain your strength. Eat what you are given even if it does not look appetising or if you do not feel hungry. If possible, try to do some daily exercise. Hygiene is important as it is very easy to become ill. Keep as clean as possible and ask for washing and toilet facilities.
• Be patient, as negotiations will be difficult and time-consuming. Remember that your chances of survival increase with time.
It is also important to prepare yourself mentally for what will happen if the authorities carry out a rescue attempt. During a rescue there will probably be a series of deafening and blinding explosions, clouds of tear gas and total confusion. If you are mentally prepared for this, you stand a better chance of escaping unharmed. You should try to follow these guidelines:
• Do not run. Drop to the floor and seek cover. Keep your hands on your head.
• Wait where you are until discovered. Obey immediately any orders given by the rescue team.
• Do not make any sudden or unexpected moves.
• Try to identify yourself, but be prepared to be handled roughly by the rescue team: until you are formally identified they will treat everyone as a potential captor.
The above guidance is adapted from the new Save the Children book - Safety First: A field security handbook for NGO staff, ISBN 184187065X, 146 pages, 2003.
For the majority of field staff worldwide, security problems, rising crime and ill health are risks faced in the everyday working environment. Many of the dangers involved can be avoided or significantly reduced. Safety First makes staff aware of these increased risks and what they can do to minimise them.
Safety First outlines the basic principles of security and provides practical guidance on dealing with a range of security and safety issues, such as:
- personal security awareness
- staying healthy
- site security
- vehicle travel and movements
- telecommunications
- dealing with security threats
- evacuating staff
- incident reporting and analysis
- working with the media
Safety First is an indispensable reference for even the most experienced aid worker, as well as an essential introduction to security for those working in insecure environments for the first time.
Available from Save the Children c/o Plymbridge Distributors, Tel 01752 202 301, email orders@plymbridge.com
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Graham Flood-Hunt
Guest
| | Posted on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 08:54 am: | |
EFT are holding a 2 day Hostage Survival course in Switzerland 25/26 April with classroom presentations with interactive scenarios on day one and realistic field simulations with expert coaching and experienced role-players on day two. Places are limited to twelve participants per course only.
More details: info@essentialfieldtraining.org or call 0041 (0) 78 881 8332
Please note: unfortunately there are no places still available for the previously advertised course on 4/5 April. |
Chris Lewis
Guest
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 - 08:14 am: | |
I have attended an EFT course and it was excellent. The course was presented in a way that it was easy and enjoyable to learn how to deal with very difficult situations. I would highly recommend that anyone who has not yet attended, book a place. The trainers really know their stuff.
Chris |
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