Training Courses

Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level III by IPTM

Date & Time:
  • September 14, 2026 – September 18, 2026
Location:
Jacksonville, FL

Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level III

This advanced course represents the third installment in a comprehensive three-course progression offered by IPTM. It is specifically designed to build upon foundational knowledge and strengthen negotiation competencies while enabling team leaders to cultivate and refine the essential skills needed to effectively command a negotiation team during intricate crisis situations.

The curriculum examines critical responsibilities of team leadership, encompassing team formation and oversight, operational procedures, and collaborative communication with command staff and tactical units. Participants will review practical strategies for designing and delivering comprehensive training sessions for their agency's negotiation teams, including curriculum development, scenario creation, and training promotion.

Students will develop deeper insight into how rapport and empathy influence both negotiators and negotiation outcomes. The course also addresses the role of contemporary technology and digital communication platforms—including social media—in shaping modern crisis negotiations. A presentation featuring a special operations wounded warrior provides perspective on post-traumatic stress disorder and effective response strategies.

Course Topics:

  • Recognition and application of current technology and digital communication methods
  • Team leader responsibilities including team development, scene management, team coordination, and liaison with responding agencies
  • Understanding PTSD and appropriate negotiator response
  • Negotiating with officers experiencing personal crisis
  • Team advocacy and representation
  • Training program development, record keeping, and scenario creation
  • Media relations and communications strategy
  • Recruitment and integration of community resources including intermediaries, dispatch personnel, mental health specialists, citizen academy participants, and trained actors
  • Protracted incident management including impact assessment, reciprocal agreements, and resource allocation

Intended Audience: This course serves law enforcement and corrections personnel including negotiators, patrol officers, military investigators, non-sworn crisis negotiation team members, mental health professionals, and clergy supporting law enforcement operations. Exceptions to audience requirements require IPTM approval. Enrollment is restricted to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.

Duration: 40 hours

Prerequisites: Successful completion of both IPTM's 40-hour Hostage Crisis Negotiations–Level I and 40-hour Hostage Crisis Negotiations–Level II courses (or equivalent training) is required. Participants must demonstrate knowledge of team operations, role assignments, intelligence gathering, and response protocols. Prior negotiation training is strongly recommended.

Preparation: Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop computer for use during instruction.

Scheduled Offerings:

Session 1: September 21-25, 2026 | Jacksonville, Florida | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | $895.00 | Instructor: James McDonald

Session 2: September 20-24, 2027 | Jacksonville, Florida | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | $895.00 | Instructor: James McDonald

Location: Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 (IPTM - University of North Florida)