In Seattle, control of the phone lines generally can be secured without supervisory approval. However, in many instances, the negotiations team might determine a need to control the electricity and water, as well. Only the on-scene commander can make the final decision to interrupt these services. Negotiators will bring the specific reasons for disconnecting utilities to the attention of the on-scene commander. Tactical teams also might call for disconnection of plumbing services to deny subjects the ability to neutralize chemical agents, as has occurred in several recent incidents in Seattle.
Different perspectives exist concerning the appropriate time to deny subjects utility services.
Some experts believe that utilities should be disconnected before negotiations begin. Others believe negotiators should save such steps for use as bargaining tools later. While this is a matter of individual agency policy, administrators should ensure that the department adopts well-established policy guidelines in this pivotal area. It is preferable for field commanders to resist the tendency to monitor the negotiations process personally. Supervisors who monitor negotiations or hear demands, deadlines, and death threats related during briefings should not become overly concerned.