In a riot situation, how should a hostage behave to minimize risk?

In a hostage situation during a riot, maintaining a low profile can be crucial for the safety of the hostage. Keeping their face down and looking away can help to minimize attention and prevent escalating tensions. This behavior demonstrates a non-threatening demeanor, which is essential in disarming a potentially volatile atmosphere. By avoiding direct eye contact and maintaining a submissive posture, the hostage may reduce the risk of provoking aggressive actions from the captors, thus increasing the chances of survival until help arrives.

Other behaviors, such as acting frightened to gain sympathy, can be perceived as manipulative and may lead to unpredictable outcomes. Encouraging discussions among inmates could inadvertently provoke conflict or draw the hostage into dangerous situations. Threatening inmates is highly risky and likely to escalate violence rather than resolve the crisis. In summary, adopting a non-confrontational stance by looking away and keeping a low profile serves to promote safety for the hostage in a tense environment.