Hostage Crisis Negotiations - Level II

This advanced course represents the second offering in a three-course negotiation series designed for experienced crisis response professionals. Participants will build upon competencies developed in the foundational Level I course (or equivalent 40-hour training) while exploring more sophisticated negotiation methodologies with emphasis on team development, specialized roles, and organizational responsibilities.

A central component of this training involves analyzing the psychological dimensions of subjects in crisis. Participants will examine evidence-based de-escalation approaches for individuals experiencing psychotic episodes, schizoid affective conditions, paranoid personality characteristics, and dependent or avoidant personality patterns. The course also addresses domestic violence situations and the cyclical nature of abusive relationships.

Communication remains the primary vehicle for successful crisis resolution. The program reinforces and strengthens communication competencies from the basic-level course, with particular attention to establishing rapport and trust, managing emotional intensity, active listening, and tactical response techniques.

The training explores high-stakes scenarios that present distinctive challenges to negotiation teams and responders, including incidents involving murder-suicide, suicide-by-cop, localized suicidal events, pre-planned confrontations, mass casualty situations, and domestic violence emergencies. Practical solutions and resolution frameworks are presented for each scenario type.

Students participate in sophisticated scenario-based practical exercises that progressively build proficiency. These exercises include complex negotiation simulations, collaborative team-based training activities, hands-on experience with negotiation equipment, and comprehensive crisis management procedures.

Topics Covered

• Subject suicidality: suicide-by-cop, murder-suicide, location-based 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
• Special crisis situations
• Preparation and response for extended crisis events

Intended Audience

This course is designed for sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel, including crisis negotiation team members, correctional staff, patrol officers, military investigators, mental health professionals supporting law enforcement operations, and clergy assisting with crisis intervention. The training is restricted to law enforcement-affiliated participants; exceptions require advance approval from IPTM.

Course Details

Duration: 40 hours

Prerequisite: Successful completion of IPTM's Hostage Crisis Negotiations-Level I course or equivalent 40-hour training is required. Prior negotiation training experience is strongly recommended. Exceptions to this requirement must be requested and approved by IPTM administration.

Certification: This course fulfills crisis and hostage negotiator certification requirements for most state and federal jurisdictions and aligns with National Council of Negotiation Associations (NCNA) standards.

Course Schedule

Session 1: December 7-11, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Jacksonville, Florida | $895.00
Instructor: James McDonald

Session 2: April 26-30, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Jacksonville, Florida | $895.00
Instructor: James McDonald

Session 3: December 6-10, 2027 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Jacksonville, Florida | $895.00
Instructor: James McDonald

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