Case Study: Ravenswood Way 16-Hour Standoff

1500 - 1700
O Brien, Andrea
CASE STUDY
Location: Showroom
In June 2020, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office responded to the report of a subject brandishing a weapon. The subject and address were well known to the agency, with a history of violence against law enforcement. The Hostage Negotiations Team used every tactic they knew, and as the hours passed, team members were replaced and negotiations continued. This case study takes place in rural Northern Nevada and contains an emotional rollercoaster. As the incident evolves, members from various specialized teams respond to support HNT during the extended standoff. This incident reminds us that no amount of training can guarantee outcomes in dynamic, high-risk situations. A TEAM is the key to any callout. Without assistance, HNT could not have performed the 16-hour standoff at the level they did. The presentation concludes with key lessons on mental wellness for negotiators and leaders alike.