Introduction/Orientation: This opening block of instruction includes instructor and class self-introductions and an overview of the class curriculum, historical context of negotiations, provided materials and suggested readings. The instructor’s training, background and experience will also be covered.

Fundamentals of Hostage Negotiation: Students will receive general theoretical concepts related to hostage/crisis negotiations that include the three different types of incidents, the reason law enforcement agencies negotiate, emotion verses rationality, managing an incident, profiles of hostage-takers and hostages, negotiator selection, time management and other related topics. Examples will be given throughout the class.

Active Listening: Students will receive information on listening techniques used in hostage/crisis negotiations. They will understand the basic concepts of actively listening and restating or paraphrasing what they heard in their own words, confirming that they heard and understood the message being stated. Practice exercises will also be given.

Psychiatric Conditions: This component of the training addresses the psychological aspects of crisis negotiation. It will give an overview of the different personality disorders and mental illnesses that negotiators are most likely to encounter. This portion of the training will be presented in lecture, power point and video format with callout examples provided.

Suicide Assessment and Intervention; Risk Assessment: Students will be introduced to the common driving emotions driving suicidal individuals. Suicide risk assessment will also be covered, examples and interventions will be provided along with case examples.

Situation boards: This block will teach students how to manage information and intelligence during an incident.  Students will learn the importance of correctly transposing incoming information. This portion of the training will be presented in lecture, power point and a practice exercise.

NOC Protocol:  This block will assist in students arranging their Negotiations Operations Command. Students will learn the functions of all team members, and the importance of information sharing.  Examples will be given throughout the course.

Third Party Intermediaries (TPI):  Students will be instructed on the considerations for using a TPI, and how a TPI can be used correctly.

Tactical Role of the Negotiator: This block of instruction will address the role of tactical (SWAT) teams in a hostage/crisis situation response. It will examine the cooperation that is required between tactical teams, negotiators, and incident commanders. This portion of the training will be presented in lecture, power point, and via case examples.

Managing Demands: This block of instruction will examine strategies for managing demands and deadlines. The student will be presented with various tactics to soften demands or reframe them. This portion of the training will be presented in lecture, power point and video format.