Who can be held hostage?

• A. Inmates.
• B. Inmates, civilians, officers, visitors, and staff.
• C. Only staff.
• D. Only visitors.

Answer: (B)

A hostage is any person held against their will to influence the outcome of a situation. In a correctional facility, that can include inmates, civilians, officers, visitors, and staff—anyone who is inside the facility and can be used as leverage.

This inclusive view is why the best answer lists all groups. It recognizes that during a disturbance or takeover, inmates may become hostages just as staff, visitors, or other civilians (like contractors or volunteers) can be. Safety and response plans treat all individuals as potential hostages to ensure protections and appropriate tactics.

Choosing only inmates misses other people who could be grabbed or forced, choosing only staff excludes inmates and visitors, and choosing only visitors excludes inmates and staff.