McMains: Crisis Negotiations: Managing Critical Incidents and Hostage Situations in Law Enforcement and Corrections, 4th Edition

Case Studies with Questions and Answers

Chapter 04: Crisis Management: Assessing Risk

On October 29, 2010 Phillip Monier took his ex-girlfriend, Jackie Rosenbloom hostage. Monier, who was in extreme emotional disarray from their break up, had returned to Rosenbloom's home to retrieve a ring he had once given her. Monier showed extreme signs of aggression and violence.

As he busted down the door, he grabbed Rosenbloom and backed himself into a corner placing her in front him to serve as a human shield, as law enforcement responded to a 911 call made by Rosenbloom's neighbor. Monier expressed to Rosenbloom that he had no problem harming her, for it was her fault that they were in this situation in the first place. Rosenbloom had recently ended her relationship with Monier for several reasons, one of which was his uncontrollable jealousy and outbursts of rage. Monier had gone to Rosenblooms home not only to retrieve the ring but had intentions of causing her as much pain as she had caused him.

Upon arriving at the scene of the incident, deputies from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office entered Rosenbloom's home to find Monier on the curled into a corner with Rosenbloom tightly in his arms and refusing to let her go. The deputies immediately ordered Monier to drop his weapon and release Rosenbloom. Monier aggressively refused exchanging several rounds with the deputies. One deputy remains hospitalized and in intensive care. Rosenbloom was also shot among the exchange of fire and remains hospitalized in fair condition.

Moiner is now being held on a $2 million bond.

Questions

Were Phillip Moiner's actions forseeable? Why or why not?

Correct Answer

Yes. When considering certain factors, such as: the subject's history of violence, recent behavior, and usual methods of coping with stress (e.g., outbursts of rage) his reaction to his and Jackie's break-up is not a surprising one.

Were the actions on behalf of the deputies the appropriate reaction in this incident?

Correct Answer

No. Instead of controlling the situation, deputies employed a more tactical approach resulting in everyone but Moiner being injured.

From the information provided, would you identify Moiner as a violent domestic violence offender?
Your Answer

Correct Answer

Yes. Moiner's usual response of raging outburst and uncontrollable jealously are indicators that their relationship suffered from previous instances of abuse.