| Kidnapping is the taking of a person against their will, | | | | Sudan for example, taking people by force is a |
| usually holding the person in false imprisonment. False | | | | method to obtain slaves and money. In the 19th |
| imprisonment is confinement without legal authority. | | | | century, kidnapping, also known as shanghaiing, was |
| Usually, the kidnapper demands ransom or uses the | | | | used to supply merchant ships with sailors. Modern |
| kidnapping in furtherance of another crime. Fortunately, | | | | kidnapping countries and cities include Baghdad, which |
| in the United States, kidnapping for ransom is almost | | | | holds the notorious title of the "Kidnapping Capital of |
| non-existent. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has | | | | the World." In 2004, the infamous label belonged to |
| taken a very harsh stance against the crime, which | | | | Mexico and in 2001, to Colombia. |
| has worked as an effective deterrent to reduce the | | | | Kidnapping differs slightly from abduction. According to |
| frequency. The FBI has made this sort of felony a | | | | common law and Black's Law Dictionary, the crime of |
| priority type of case it investigates. Additionally, many | | | | kidnapping is relabeled as abduction when the victim is |
| agents describe rescuing kidnap victims as high points | | | | female. Additionally, kidnapping of a child in modern |
| of their career. | | | | times is usually known as child stealing especially when |
| Other factors that have reduced the prevalence of | | | | the goal of the criminal is to keep the child permanently |
| kidnapping for ransom include the challenge of | | | | rather than to collect money. |
| exchanging a prisoner for money without being caught, | | | | If you are ever taken against your will, a couple of |
| lengthy prison terms, and improved information sharing | | | | behavioral suggestions can improve your chances of |
| between law enforcement agencies such as the | | | | escaping unharmed. It is advised to establish rapport |
| AMBER alert. A famous example of a failed United | | | | with your captors by speaking about personal things |
| States kidnapping for ransom is the Chowchilla bus | | | | like family. It is imperative to keep your mind and body |
| incident. In 1976, an entire bus load of California children | | | | in shape in a stressful time, so eating offered food, |
| was kidnapped. Twenty-six children and the adult bus | | | | working out as much as possible, and relaxation |
| driver were taken and ransomed for $5 million. | | | | exercises are all recommended. Finally, being |
| Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. | | | | observant about the conditions of captivity and your |
| In other parts of the world, kidnapping for money and | | | | captors is also important, as these details could help |
| as a criminal activity is a more common practice. In | | | | solve the case later. |