What is the correct order for the acronym HIPS?

What is the correct order for the acronym HIPS?

• A. Hostage, Suspects, Innocence, Police
• B. Hostage, Innocence, Police, Suspects
• C. Innocence, Hostage, Suspects, Police
• D. Police, Hostage, Innocence, Suspects

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is the priority order used in responding to hostage or critical incidents. HIPS is a mnemonic that guides action by sequence: Hostages, Innocents, Police, Suspects. The first priority is to maximize safety for the person being held hostage. Second, protect other innocent bystanders. Third, ensure officer safety so responders can operate without becoming casualties themselves. Only after those non-involved people are secured should the focus turn to addressing the suspects. So the correct sequence is the one that lists Hostages first, Innocents second, Police third, and Suspects last. The phrasing may use singular terms in some versions, but the concept remains the same.

The main idea here is the priority order used in responding to hostage or critical incidents. HIPS is a mnemonic that guides action by sequence: Hostages, Innocents, Police, Suspects. The first priority is to maximize safety for the person being held hostage. Second, protect other innocent bystanders. Third, ensure officer safety so responders can operate without becoming casualties themselves. Only after those non-involved people are secured should the focus turn to addressing the suspects.

So the correct sequence is the one that lists Hostages first, Innocents second, Police third, and Suspects last. The phrasing may use singular terms in some versions, but the concept remains the same.