Hostage and Crisis Negotiator

To deal with incidents and negotiate with subjects to resolve operations in line with the incident commander’s strategy and to provide stability and support to those in command of such incidents. Undertake risk assessments and gather information which may assist as part of the intelligence gathering process.

• Prepared and operationally ready for deployment as a trained negotiator for on call periods.

• Carry out role and responsibilities as determined in the National Negotiator Deployment Model to ensure facilitation in deploying negotiators from different forces.

• Negotiate with persons in crisis, subject/s and hostage/s to safely resolve an operation and support the achievement of the strategic objectives set by the incident commander.

• Conduct a dynamic risk assessment on route and on attendance at an incident and to implement appropriate control measures including the use of personal protective equipment or other specialist equipment to provide a safe working environment.

• To advise the incident commander in first instance via negotiator coordinator or team lead of any specific risks presented by the working environment within a negotiator deployment and the measures put in place to mitigate them to provide a safe working environment.

• Obtain time and gain further intelligence, as the situation evolves to provide a more considered and developed assessment of the incident, allowing for other tactical options to be considered, and implemented in order to save life.

• Support developing intelligence and information gathering opportunities when considering, assessing and briefing potential third-party intermediaries (TPI).

• Develop and support Interpreters and any professional advisor within negotiator team environment.

• Work in collaboration operationally with firearms or public order units in delivering tactical plan in support of the tactical commanders.

• Record all negotiator assessments and decisions when circumstances permit to support subsequent briefings or future reviews and provide information to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in the event of a death or serious injury, following a negotiator deployment as part of a statutory obligation.

Prior education and experience:

• Demonstrate suitability

• Successfully completed (pass) force assessment/selection process.

• Must have attended and successfully completed (pass) the national negotiators course.

Skills:

• Good verbal communication skills with the ability to listen to others.

• Able to use influential/persuasive language, actively listen and respond appropriately.

• Identifies, understands, uses and develops hooks/key areas.

• Anticipates predictable dialogue and anticipates difficulties.

• Demonstrates mental agility, is flexible and quick thinking and can adapt and use a creative and novel approach.

• Able to break down a straight forward problem into component parts and determine appropriate action.

• Able to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.

• Able to work well with other specialist teams and professional advisors (public order, firearms, psychologists)

• Support and manage those involved in incidents, including hostages, subjects and third-party interpreters.

• Able to talk through demands and deadlines and move negotiations forward.

• Shows resilience in stressful, high risk situations along with the aptitude to stay focused for lengthy periods.

Hostage and Crisis Negotiators are required to submit their accreditation booklet for annual review and renewal by their force coordinator which should consider:

• Courses / training undertaken in the previous 12 months

• Number / nature of any deployments in a recognised negotiator role in the previous 12 months

• Any personal development undertaken in the previous 12 months, which can include:

• Supporting negotiator recruitment and/or assessment centres

• Role acting/critiquing on negotiator Courses

• Co-ordinating / assisting on negotiator Courses

• Sitting on any negotiator groups (locally, regionally or nationally)

• Attendance at regional conference

• Any ‘Bespoke’ work with partner agencies or others relevant to negotiating

• Partaking in any training exercises

• Shadowing / mentoring other negotiators

Complete all annual mandatory training

Actively participate in Knowledge Hub and associate negotiator training platforms local to force area to ensure knowledge is up to date particularly in legislation, policy, techniques, forms and good practice.

Maintain knowledge and understanding of performance management process

Keep up to date with guidance and best practice on health, safety, welfare and negotiator wellbeing

None

• Hostage and Crisis Negotiator Coordinator/Tactical Advisor