Hostage Situation
Definition: When one or more individuals use a weapon, the threat of a weapon, or the threat of violence to hold or move persons against their will.
Alert Signal: Announcement--"Lockdown!" or "Evacuate! to (location)". Alert may be notification in person, if it is safe to do so.
Teacher Response:
If you are not among those taken hostage
Definition: Indications are such that a student who should be at the facility has run away, is lost, or has been abducted.
Alert Signal: None, unless a "Lockdown!" is deemed to be appropriate by the administrator. If there is any indication that an abduction may be about to occur, announce a "Lockdown!"
Teacher Response:
Definition: Any crime of a sexual nature.
Teacher Response:
Definition: When one or more individuals use a weapon, the threat of a weapon, or the threat of violence to hold or move persons against their will.
Alert Signal: Announcement--"Lockdown!" or "Evacuate! to (location)". Alert may be notification in person, if it is safe to do so.
Teacher Response:
If you are not among those taken hostage
- If you are outside, move students away from the building to the assembly area and be prepared to move off-site if necessary.
- Implement Lockdown or Evacuation as appropriate.
- If you have a safe means to do so, notify the administrator and call 911. Provide as much information as possible.
- Try to keep students calm and quiet.
- Follow directions given by the administrator and responding public safety officials.
- If you are instructed to follow Lockdown procedures, be prepared to Evacuate when instructed to do so by public safety officials. Public safety officials will enter your room/office area with a master key.
- Do not attempt to negotiate with a hostage-taker.
- Do not make suggestions to a hostage-taker. You may be blamed for resulting problems.
- It is generally not advisable to attempt to disarm a hostage-taker or to try to escape.
- Try to remain calm and keep the students under your care as calm and quiet as possible. Ask permission from the hostage-taker(s) prior to taking any action.
- Try not to make any unexpected or sudden movements.
- Follow instructions given by responding public safety officials.
- Do not point out law enforcement officers if you become aware of their presence.
- If a law enforcement rescue attempt is made, listen to what officers instruct you to do and do it immediately.
- Remember, most people who are taken hostage survive; and most injuries and deaths in hostage situations occur within the first minutes of the situation. The longer the situation lasts, the greater the odds that you will survive.
Definition: Indications are such that a student who should be at the facility has run away, is lost, or has been abducted.
Alert Signal: None, unless a "Lockdown!" is deemed to be appropriate by the administrator. If there is any indication that an abduction may be about to occur, announce a "Lockdown!"
Teacher Response:
- If a Lockdown is announced, follow Lockdown procedures.
- Immediately move students into the building.
- Search your area of responsibility for the missing child(ren). Any potential hiding places should be searched, including crawl spaces, rest rooms, storage closets, cabinets and storage containers. Missing children have frequently been found hiding in these types of areas.
- Advise the administrator of the results of the search as soon as it is completed.
Definition: Any crime of a sexual nature.
Teacher Response:
- Notify administrator or staff member immediately of any reported sexual assault.
- Attempt to dissuade the victim from washing, cleaning up or use of the rest room, if possible.
- Attempt to provide the victim privacy.
- Secure the crime scene.
- Do not use the victim's name on walkie-talkies or release the victim's identity to anyone other than the administrator or law enforcement officials.
- Remember that sexual assaults are very serious crimes. Do not attempt to conduct an investigation, question victims, witnesses or suspects; and do not disturb any potential physical evidence.