Which entity shall have command and control for barricaded subjects or hostage situations?

• A. JSO
• B. FRCC
• C. Hostage Negotiation Team
• D. Incident Commander

Answer: (A)

In barricaded or hostage situations, the leadership of the scene should come from the agency with primary responsibility for handling the threat and protecting civilians. That authority rests with law enforcement, so the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office would establish and maintain command and control at the scene. They set the perimeter, coordinate evacuations, assess risk, and direct overall strategy, including negotiation efforts. The Hostage Negotiation Team plays a crucial role in crisis resolution and communicates under the command’s direction, but does not hold overall command themselves. The Fire Department would contribute in a supportive firefighting, rescue, and medical capacity, with the Incident Commander focusing on fireground safety and operations rather than overall scene command in this type of incident. The communications center handles information flow but does not direct the incident. While unified command can occur when multiple agencies are involved, the lead authority for barricaded/hostage scenarios remains law enforcement.