We do not take on every case: some are legitimate arrests, others are not political, still others do not meet our criteria. But the cases we take on are ones where the need is greatest, the U.S. government approach may not be the only path to resolution, and where an outside party can leverage creativity and a network of relationships that are unencumbered by bureaucracy. We work in support of U.S. government efforts when it is possible and advocate for government action when it is necessary, but our only responsibility is to the family of the person being held. Where it is the best solution, we engage directly.
We consider a variety of factors in determining whether to take on a case. This includes making the important determination that we will be able to be helpful given the particular situation. If you would like to request our assistance, please click the link below, and complete a brief questionnaire. Your submission will be securely transmitted to us, and we will hold this and any information we receive from you as confidential. We give all requests for assistance prompt and full consideration.
In a kidnapping or wrongful detention, the first move is always to contact U.S. government officials. If the person was taken by a terrorist group or criminal gang, call the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If the person was arrested overseas and is being held by a government, call the State Department and ask for the Office of the Special Representative for Hostage Affairs. Each office will know what to do if you start by saying “My relative is a U.S. citizen and has been detained overseas.”
Global Reach professionals have worked on both types of cases over a long period of time and have seen the U.S. government’s posture and structure evolve. It can be cumbersome to navigate, and outside resources might be helpful. But there are some general rules that each family should consider:
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Get out a notebook and start logging dates, times, names, contact information, and links as you may need this information later. Starting early and capturing it in a central location is important.
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Pull together a few photos of the detainee that you do not mind being published in the media at the right time – they should be relatively current and preferably be solo photos with nothing that communicates any military, political, or religious affiliation.
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Have an internal family discussion and determine who will be the family lead for the effort to get the detainee home – it should be the person who has the best grasp the situation and has the temperament to coordinate with the U.S. government and outside advisors over a prolonged period of time.
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Once a family lead has been identified, ask all other family members to refrain from sharing information with outsiders unless it is coordinated with the family lead first – this includes social media. Additionally, route all media inquiries to the family lead before commenting.
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Sign a Privacy Act Waiver if asked to do so by the U.S. government.
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Identify your U.S. Congressman and U.S. Senators, as well as those where the detainee votes in the U.S. if they are different.
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Take care of yourself – you can’t help the detainee if you aren’t on solid ground yourself.
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Do not run to the media, post on social media, or respond to a media inquiry unless you have a larger strategic plan and have determined speaking publicly about the case helps to advance your plan. You are not obligated to respond to media requests. Assume anything you tell a journalist can be reported and do not try to use conditions like 'off the record.' You will not be viewed negatively if you do not respond to the media or take your time in responding.
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Do not sign any agreements with anyone (lawyers, public relations firms, experts) who want to charge you money to help.
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Do not assume anything:
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Do not assume that the U.S. government is working to help the detainee.
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Do not assume that the people in government who need to know about the case have been briefed.
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Do not assume that you understand the real reason why the detainee was taken.
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Do not assume that everyone has the same goal of getting the detainee home.
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Do not trust anyone who contacts you about the detainee and claims to have the ability to get them freed until you know who they are and whether their claims can be validated. Get some help with this aspect, and never try to negotiate a ransom yourself.
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Do not book a flight and travel to the country where the detainee is being held.
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If you are ever told by a U.S. government official that you cannot have an advocate with you for meetings or on calls – or they share something with you and tell you that you cannot share it with your advocate – tell them you do not agree to those terms.
