Standard Police Procedure for a Standoff

Safety for all is the number one priority in a standoff.

Safety is the number one priority when police are in a standoff: safety of witnesses, hostages, other officers and the offender. By strictly adhering to a defined procedure, officers can neutralize a situation with as little violence or harm as possible.

Perimeters

When arriving on the scene, police must secure the perimeter. This ensures no one else gets involved in the situation, potentially making it worse.

Negotiators

Negotiators are brought in as soon as the perimeter is secured and the situation is analyzed. Negotiators must have good interpersonal skills. Their primary objective is to establish a connection and built rapport with the suspect to determine why the offender is doing what they're doing.

Safety First

If the offender takes hostages, other officers work to get them to safety while the negotiator establishes his connection. The goal of a standoff is to gradually work the situation until it is only the offender communicating with the police officers.

Resolution

Officer Tony Krull of the Waverly, Iowa police force and who helped neutralize a standoff in Cedar Falls, Iowa, in 2009, explains, "A lot can be done simply by talking." Through communication, officers can determine why an offender is engaging in this activity. The goal is to talk the offender out of their behavior and bring them into custody.

Aftermath

After the situation is neutralized, officers may stay at the crime scene and answer any questions that witnesses and those involved have. Officers also discuss the situation with other officers, debriefing the situation and viewing it from different perspectives.

References

• Officer Tony Krull; Waverly Police Department; Waverly, Iowa