Hostage Team: Voices that Defuse

In this episode of Behind the Star, we sit down with Hostage
Negotiation team leaders Lieutenants Abby Hilley and Bill
Bartlett for a look inside one of the most intense and
high-stakes units at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.


Abby and Bill share insights into the psychology, preparation,
and pressure behind the badge.


Segment Breakdown:


0:44 – Lt. Bartlett shares a real callout story and
explains when the Hostage gets
involved3:49 – Who joins the team, how
they train, and how the 20-person roster is
managed9:03 – The pressure of knowing
lives are on the line12:54 – What kinds of
requests or demands do people make during
standoffs?14:37 – Misconceptions about
hostage negotiations16:52 – How they
decide who makes the team18:48 – Why
consistent training is critical20:17 – How
long can a negotiation last?23:12 – How
often do cases involve actual
hostages?24:25 – How they make first
contact—and what they’re listening
for29:52 – Most surprising encounter in
the field32:54 – Do they follow up with
the people they help?36:56 – What led
Hilley and Bartlett to become negotiators