accordance with international practice
19 June 2006
The Special Task Force is an elite unit of the South African Police Service,
which is called out to handle high risk operations that fall beyond the scope
of classic policing. This would include hostage situations and urban
terrorism.
When Special Task Force (STF) members respond to a hostage situation or an
air hijacking, they can never assume that the suspect/s acted alone. There
could very well be a "sleeper" among the passengers who will only act when all
other plans have failed.
The STF members have to take control of the situation as well as over
possible secondary hostile suspects among the passengers immediately.
It is not unusual, in fact it is part of internationally accepted training
courses, to use verbal dominance that is the shouting of commands loudly. This
is because complete compliance by all in the vicinity is vital and loudly
shouting instructions ensures that commands are heard by all and are clear.
Complete order and cooperation is of paramount important in these types of
situations.
It is certainly regrettable that some passengers complained of feeling
traumatized by police action in this instance. The only objective of the police
officers was to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. Should any of the
passengers feel the need to complain about any incident they are welcome to
contact management and discuss the matter further.
Issued by: South African Police Service
19 June 2006
Source: http://www.saps.gov.za
