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 involved
3:49 – Who joins the team, how they train, and how the 20-person roster is managed
9:03 – The pressure of knowing lives are on the line
12:54 – What kinds of requests or demands do people make during standoffs?
14:37 – Misconceptions about hostage negotiations
16:52 – How they decide who makes the team
18:48 – Why consistent training is critical
20:17 – 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 for
29:52 – Most surprising encounter in the field
32:54 – Do they follow up with the people they help?
36:56 – What led Hilley and Bartlett to become negotiators