6-10/020.00 Hostages



Inmates will not be allowed to bargain with the lives of hostages. No inmate will be released from the facility as a result of taking hostages.

In hostage situations, the Department shall make every effort to affect the safe release of the hostage(s) and to apprehend the suspect. This shall be done while safeguarding the lives of all persons to the maximum extent possible.

In general, the suspect shall not be allowed to escape, with or without the hostage. Immunity shall not be granted, nor shall ransom be paid to neutralize a hostage situation. No consideration shall be given to allow an inmate holding a Department employee hostage to escape under any circumstances from a custody facility, detention area, or prisoner transportation vehicle. Any exception to this policy must be personally approved by the Sheriff, Undersheriff, or appointed Assistant Sheriff.

-See Station-specific Hostage Plan-