Training Courses

Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level I by IPTM

Date & Time:
  • November 29, 2027 – December 3, 2027
Location:
Jacksonville, FL

Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level I

Course Overview

This foundational program represents the initial offering in a three-course progression developed by IPTM. It equips law enforcement and related professionals with the core competencies needed to function effectively within a crisis negotiation team. Participants gain exposure to evidence-based tactics for responding to hostage situations and individuals experiencing psychological crises, with emphasis on reducing tension through strategic communication.

Learning Outcomes

Throughout this 40-hour course, attendees will develop proficiency in negotiation engagement methods, de-escalation protocols, team role definition, intelligence coordination, operational equipment deployment, and approaches to managing resistance and heightened emotional states. The curriculum incorporates hands-on scenario work that enables students to apply and refine their negotiation capabilities in realistic contexts.

Curriculum Topics

  • Fundamentals of negotiation and negotiation philosophy
  • Team structure, roles, and responsibilities
  • Negotiation methodologies and behavioral analysis
  • Initial incident response and Negotiation Operations Center setup
  • Resource management including personnel and equipment
  • Intelligence collection and documentation procedures
  • Stress management and use of force considerations
  • Practical exercises conducted individually, in pairs, and as teams

Eligibility Requirements

Participants must be sworn law enforcement officers, corrections personnel, military investigators, hostage negotiators, patrol officers, mental health professionals, or clergy members serving in a crisis negotiation support capacity. Non-sworn members of crisis negotiation teams may also enroll. Any requests for exceptions require prior approval from IPTM. This program is limited to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.

Standards Compliance

This course aligns with most state and federal crisis and hostage negotiator certification standards and incorporates guidelines established by the National Council of Negotiation Associations (NCNA). It satisfies Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standards Training Commission (CJSTC) requirements along with applicable national benchmarks. Please note: Florida-certified officers should be aware that this course does not qualify for Salary Incentive Credit under the FDLE "Hostage Negotiation" designation.

Schedule and Location

The course meets from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily across five consecutive days. Sessions are held at the Adam W. Herbert University Center, located at 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, on the University of North Florida campus. The course fee is $895.00.

Upcoming Sessions

  • November 30 – December 4, 2026 | Instructor: James McDonald
  • April 19 – 23, 2027 | Instructor: James McDonald
  • November 29 – December 3, 2027 | Instructor: James McDonald

Related Training Programs

Students interested in advanced instruction may continue with Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level II and Level III, or explore Negotiation Strategies for Detention and Corrections.