Under Control

When responding to crisis situations like hostage drama or hold-up, how can the police ensure the safety of those held hostage?

Of course, it's not just about apprehending criminals (or suspected criminals for that matter). In crazy situations like this, safety of the people in danger is the most essential. Unfortunately, it seems to me that the hostage drama last May 30 that caused death of 5 people was triggered by missed hindsight on the part of the police.

"On the Quezon Avenue flyover, a mobile patrol unit started tailing the bus,
causing panic among the robbers."

The police should have been wary of not making the robbers run amok (out of desperation to escape) while they are trying to apprehend them.

Meanwhile, I'm reminded of the common practice for the Police whenever they are advised of possible bus robbery. They'd set-up check points and ask every bus to stop. Then, they'll do a search inside the bus (check your bags and other stuff to see if you're possessing weapons).

Honestly, this kind of search scares me. What if there's really a robber possessing deadly weapon inside the bus? For sure, he'd be scared too and will try to think of ways to break away. Therefore, it's possible that he'd go wild. Now, how will the police respond to this situation?

I think, there are ways or tactics that the police can utilize in this kind of situation. How about going under cover? I don't have concrete ideas so far. But what's important (I think) is for the police to think of strategies in effectively and safely responding to such crisis-situation - to ensure that the situation's under their control.