Many law enforcement agencies have responded to the challenge of dealing with hostage situations by developing negotiation teams that include psychological consultants. These consultants are useful in determining whether the hostage taker is mentally ill and suggesting possible strategies for negotiation. The traditional psychological evaluation must be modified to fit the unique stresses and requirements of a hostage situation. Suggested is an onsite assessment that includes a mental status evaluation based on observation of a client and a selective history taken from collateral sources.
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