NCJ Number
137880
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 61 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 23-26
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Because negotiators in hostage or barricade situations experience high levels of stress, both during and after negotiations, police managers must concern themselves with the long-term, cumulative effects of this stress.
Abstract
Negotiators often experience considerable external pressure to end negotiations. Under ideal conditions, they function in a relatively independent manner, with ample time in which to converse with suspects. They remain free to say whatever seems appropriate and necessary to resolve the incidents peacefully. In practice, however, constraints exist, and these constraints contribute to the stress felt by negotiators. In some cases, officials order negotiators to make statements to suspects with which they do not agree. Other times, command personnel interfere in the negotiation process. Internal stress is also a problem for negotiators; the most important source of internal stress comes from negotiators' intense fear that an incident may not end successfully. All negotiators, no matter how skilled or experienced feel especially tense during initial contacts with suspects. In addition, negotiators feel stress when they must reassure hostages in the face of threats from their captors. If negotiations end unsuccessfully, some negotiators feel considerable guilt, anger, and depression, causing further stress in their lives. Negotiators can relieve this stress in positive ways. Hostage negotiators who receive instruction on what stress they can expect both during and after negotiations deal more successfully with thoughts and feelings aroused by the incidents. In California, for example, negotiators receive 4 hours of training from a psychologist. Negotiators involved in unsuccessful incidents should see a psychologist for a debriefing session. A stress management program benefits not only negotiators but also police departments they represent. Negotiators who learn to manage stress go back to their jobs with renewed confidence and commitment. Police departments reap the benefits of negotiators who can handle crisis incidents in a professional manner.