Editing Fragile:SWAT (section)

=Hostages=

Hostages are treated as suspects without weapons, because they may not be compliant, might be confused, or could be suspects pretending to be hostages. SWAT teams take special care with explosives, flash-bangs, and breaching charges before entering a room, and must be careful in distinguishing friend from foe after. Hostages should be searched and handcuffed before the room is announced safe, "proned out" (forced to lay down with hands behind their head) or at least made to kneel with their hands with fingers laced behind their head. Once a room is clear but before an incident is resolved, SWAT officers or trailers can escort secured suspects or hostages from the building for processing and debriefing. This varies depending on the situation. Egress should not be attempted with hostages in tow if it means moving through hostile or unknown parts of the building.