police action. Such action must be flexible and geared to the situation and its possible developments.
5.
Response to Bomb Threats. When notified of a bomb threat, the operations officer directs the
dispatching of a patrol unit to the scene. Make sure the MPs are instructed not to use radios within 100
meters of the suspected bomb site. At the scene, they should remain out of sight. They should conduct
a remote evaluation of the situation. The unit then notifies the desk sergeant about the situation. They
request assistance as needed. Brief the patrol supervisors not to use MPs as members of the search team
unless absolutely necessary. As operations officer, you may be required at the scene. If so, make a
firsthand evaluation of the situation and direct further actions at the scene.
6.
Special Reaction Team (SRT).
a. The special reaction team (SRT) is a key element of the threat management force (TMF).
The SRT is a group of three to six highly trained personnel. It is their job to neutralize the offender.
SRT training enables them to perform with minimum danger to all personnel involved.
b. Response to Hostage Situation. Hostages may be seized as a result of careful planning to
achieve specific goals. It may be in reaction to an unforeseen confrontation between the offender and
the police. When unplanned, hostages may either be selected at random or for other reasons, such as
their social prominence or gender.
c. The taking of hostages during a confrontation is an act of desperation. It is an admission by
the offender that law enforcement forces possess superior firepower, manpower, and equipment. This
admission may be used by the PM to strengthen the negotiating position. However, throughout, it must
be remembered that the primary concern is for the safety and release of the hostages.
d. As the operations officer, you must direct the patrols sent to a hostage situation. The patrols
must remain out of sight and conduct an evaluation. The MPs will inform the desk sergeant of the
situation and request assistance as needed. Again, serious incidents such as hostage situations may
require you to go to the scene to make a firsthand evaluation.
e. Remember, the safety of any hostages and their eventual release without injury must be the
basis for plans and actions taken during a special threat situation. Apprehension must be subordinate to
hostage safety.
7.
Crime Scene Processing.
a. The scene of any crime is itself evidence. Improper protection of the crime scene will
usually result in the contamination, loss, or needless movement of physical evidence. It is likely to
render the evidence useless. The scene of the crime is the place where all investigative leads will begin.
It gives the investigator a starting point in search of the offender. It
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