The job of a hostage negotiator is a never an easy one. In fact, it is probably one of the most stressful jobs possible. For many it is a profession. For others, it is a way of life.
A hostage negotiator is not just another pretty face sitting behind a desk.
A hostage negotiator is the voice of reason in a crisis situation. They are the person that speaks for the hostages. It is up to them to get and keep control of a serious situation.
As a hostage negotiator, your job will be to go out in the field. You will have to be on the scene with a clear head ready to handle the situation. You must be able to think quickly and be the one.
A hostage negotiator must be willing to put themselves on the line for the safety of others. They must be accepting to the severity of the situation. They must realize that a situation can be suicidal, homicidal and emotionally scarring. They must be ready for all possibilities and keep a positive attitude while trying for the best possible outcome.
A hostage negotiator should have goals in place at all times.
It is important that you do the best you can to remedy the situation. You should stay in control and try to make sure that everyone is safe and the suspect is apprehended.
- Prolong the situation. Remember that the longer it takes, the more peaceful the outcome can be.
- Stall for time. Don't ask yes or no questions. Rather than just letting them ask for a car, have them specify a certain make, model, or color.
- Be nice and understanding but stay firm. If you think the situation is getting ugly, try to turn things around. Mean angry people don't mix well with other mean angry people. Stay positive and upbeat.
- Ensure safety of hostages. Send any needed medical supplies, food, or other important rations in to the hostages. Try to bargain for the release of hostages. Any information they have about the situation will be useful.
- Earn the trust of the suspect. Show them that you mean what you say. Talk to them about simple things like sports or the weather. Try to get into their head.
The technical side of hostage negotiating takes more than life experience.
The first thing you need to know when it comes to being a professional negotiator is what type of training it takes. Ideally, you need experience with working in law enforcement. You also will need to take training courses, certification and crisis experience. Your training is considered never complete. You have to stay on top of your game and be willing to learn, try, and study new techniques at all times.
Classes, prices, and training times for hostage negotiators will vary depending on your location. To get a general idea of the schedules and price ranges nearest to you, visit one of the sites listed below. Just type in your search word and explore the possibilities!
WWW.Classesusa.com
WWW.Pricecompareking.com
www.earnmydegree.com
There are also many organizations and associations that are helpful in hostage negotiating training. Two that you may find useful are PATC (Public Agency Training Council) and International Hostage Negotiators. The more you know and the more you learn, the better off you are!
If you are interested in learning more about the life and job of a hostage negotiator then, there are a few great sites that you can visit. I also found some of my information on these pages and believe it to be accurate.
www.specialoperations.com
www.hostagenegotiation.com
Hostage negotiators make the world a better place. They put their lives on the line for strangers they may have never met. They are caring and compassionate people who deserve true respect. A hostage negotiator is a true-life hero.