This course will assist departments developing crisis/hostage negotiators. Students will learn the basic philosophy and principles of crisis/hostage negotiation theory, concepts, and general guidelines, including an exploration of the psychological and physiological aspects of hostage negotiation situations. Topics to be discussed in class include the following: • Principles of mediation • Crisis intervention • The tactical response to police hostage situations • Psychological issues • Suicide intervention • Communication skills • Legal and policy issues • Intelligence • Command issues • Police stress • Types of mental illness • De-escalation strategies • Role of negotiator during an incident • Safety considerations • SWAT team and patrol coordination