Hostage Situation

A hostage taking refers to a person or group of people taken and held against their will by a captor. A hostage taking is usually carried out in exchange for a ransom or for ensuring that a request is fulfilled.

STAY CALM

If you witness a hostage-taking incident:

• Refrain from intervening directly.
• Clear the area or evacuate the building.

CALL Security Services by dialing 6666 internally or 204.786.6666 from an outside line.

• Await further instructions from Security Services or Emergency Responders on whether you should barricade yourself where you are or evacuate the building.

Should Security Services become aware of an intrusion by an armed person or a hostage taking incident, they will take the following actions:

• Call 911 to report the number of intruders and/or hostages, and to advise of any weapons the intruders may have.
• Mobilize the Emergency Operation Center.
• Immediately evacuate as many people as possible from the area.
• Cordon off the area and prevent people from entering.
• Contain the hostage taker(s) until the arrival of a speciailized Winnipeg Police Unit.
• Try to dissuade the hostage taker from taking any violent action.
• Deliver first aid treatment if this can be provided without putting anyone in danger.

The police will take command of the situation when they arrive. Security Services Management will provide police with any information required, including floor plans.

If the police determine that an evacuation of the building is needed, police officers and Security Services will visit each area and notify any staff, students, contractors, or visitors to evacuate immediately. Make your hands clearly visible when approaching them.