Florida 911 Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Practice Exam

Which of the following represents the three phases of a hostage situation?

1. Planning, preparation, approach

2. Observation, containment, termination

3. Initial, negotiation, termination

4. Fantasy, planning, approach

The correct answer is: Initial, negotiation, termination

The three phases of a hostage situation generally encompass the initial interactions, the individual or group attempting to negotiate demands or resolve the situation, and finally the actions taken to bring the situation to a conclusion. In this regard, the initial phase involves the onset of the hostage situation, where the circumstances are established, and hostages are taken. During the negotiation phase, law enforcement agencies try to communicate with the hostage-taker to resolve the situation peacefully. Finally, in the termination phase, the aim is to safely resolve the situation, culminating either in the release of hostages or the apprehension of the perpetrator. This structured approach is essential for law enforcement and emergency responders as they navigate complex and potentially dangerous situations, keeping the safety of hostages at the forefront of their strategies. Understanding these phases helps in developing effective training and response protocols tailored to such critical incidents.