NCJ Number
208598
Date Published
2005
Length
263 pages
Annotation
This book is designed to provide the basics of hostage and crisis negotiations to police negotiators working in the field.
Abstract
Written as a practical guide to hostage and crisis negotiations, the book provides guidance to field negotiators on a range of topics, from tips on how to begin negotiations to advice on dealing with cases related to suicide. Tables contained within the chapters guide readers to specific types of crises or to specific procedures and techniques. The suggestions provided have all been field-tested and directly relate to experiences in the field. The chapter focusing on pre-incident preparation provides guidance on selecting negotiators, establishing a timeline, and developing general orders and standing operating procedures. The chapter on making contact and beginning negotiations underscores the importance of developing and maintaining a record of the negotiations. This chapter not only cautions negotiators to be mindful of deadlines, but to also realize that few hostages actually die when deadlines are not met. Tips are offered for preparing for face-to-face negotiations. The chapter on post-incident tasks highlights the importance of debriefing as soon as possible after the incident is over. A list of the 10 most serious negotiator errors is provided so that others may avoid these errors, which include failure to chose an appropriate person as the negotiator, failure to establish timely and meaningful contact with the hostage taker, and failure to keep the hostage taker in a decisionmaking status. Appendixes include training scenarios and sample role-play exercises, as well as a listing of additional reference materials. Appendixes, bibliography, index