Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level II

This advanced course represents the second offering in a three-course sequence designed to build upon the foundational knowledge and practical abilities gained in Hostage Crisis Negotiations–Level I or its 40-hour equivalent. Participants will explore sophisticated negotiation methodologies with an emphasis on establishing effective team structures, delineating team responsibilities, and optimizing individual roles within the crisis negotiation framework.

The curriculum places significant attention on understanding the psychological dimensions of subject behavior, with particular emphasis on recognizing and appropriately responding to individuals experiencing psychotic episodes, schizoid affective conditions, paranoid personality patterns, and avoidance or dependent personality disorders. Additionally, the course examines domestic violence contexts, including the cyclical nature of such situations. De-escalation strategies tailored to these specific behavioral presentations form a critical component of instruction.

Effective communication serves as the foundation for resolving crisis situations. Building upon the communication fundamentals introduced in the introductory course, this training reinforces essential competencies including trust development, empathetic connection, appropriate de-escalation methods, active listening, and responsive communication tactics.

The course addresses complex and demanding scenarios frequently encountered by crisis response personnel and negotiators, including murder-suicide situations, suicide-by-cop incidents, locational suicidal crises, predetermined standoffs, individuals with annihilative intent, and domestic violence emergencies. Practical applications and problem-solving strategies for these situations are explored throughout the program.

Topics Covered:

• Subject suicidality assessment, including suicide-by-cop, murder-suicide, and location-specific suicidal activity
• Negotiation approaches for individuals with mental illness, psychotic conditions, and paranoid personality types
• Advanced communication and negotiation techniques
• Stress management during active negotiations
• Advanced intelligence management strategies
• Specialized and unusual crisis scenarios
• Preparation and management of extended or protracted events

Participants engage in hands-on, scenario-based practical exercises that present increasingly complex negotiation challenges. Training incorporates team-based activities, operation of negotiation equipment, and comprehensive crisis event management practices to ensure participants can effectively apply their learning in real-world situations.

Intended Audience:

This course serves sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel, including hostage negotiators, patrol officers, military investigative specialists, members of crisis negotiation teams from non-law enforcement backgrounds, mental health professionals collaborating with law enforcement, and clergy providing support to law enforcement operations. Exceptions to these guidelines require prior written approval from IPTM.

Course Details:

Duration: 40 hours
Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fee: $895.00
Location: Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of IPTM's Hostage Crisis Negotiations–Level I course or its 40-hour equivalent is required for enrollment. This course is not appropriate for individuals lacking prior negotiation training experience. Any requests for prerequisite exceptions must be formally submitted to and approved by IPTM.

Additional Information:

This course fulfills most state and federal requirements for crisis and hostage negotiator certification and adheres to standards established by the National Council of Negotiation Associations (NCNA).