Abstract
Transference on the part of the hostages appears to be a selective process, contingent not simply on the amount of time or the nature and degree of the crisis, but also on the quality of the interaction between captive and captor. Talent is an undeniable and necessary ingredient in the repertoire of hostage negotiation resources. But beyond talent is a need for good procedures, training, and the ability to work in an environment where the political structure is supportive of the basic quest—success comes when everyone walks alive. Frank Bolz's role as comic and raconteur ends when he talks about hostage negotiation techniques. Despite the almost unparalleled success of hostage negotiation techniques, there is emerging in some public and even police headquarters a reaction against the policy of negotiation. The hostage takers, unless well equipped, trained, and in significant numbers, will find that their capacity to act decisively and think clearly will erode with time.

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