Jul 1, 2025
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