The idea that a psychiatrist should attend the police operation at a protracted or terrorist siege has gained ground. London has had more than its share of sieges, Balcombe Street, Spaghetti House, Iranian Embassy, and the Libyan Embassy to name four of the most notable. Dr Peter Scott took on the role of adviser to the Metropolitan Police in such incidents single handed until his death in 1978. He gave his own account of his work (Scott, 1978). This current account carries the topic forward a little in the light of experience gained since his death and is in response to repeated requests, by other psychiatrists, for information.