Life as a Negotiator

*I have the privilege of watching a movie for free in university some time last year. Is about negotiation (on life-death matters not those commercial). It was a great movie, the plot has it own twist in it. At the end of the movie, there is a guest speaker who will relate the movie content and the real-life experience. And here is some of the takeaway that I had. [p/s: Like my previous post, CSI is still one of my favorite drama series, so it is a no surprise that I enjoyed the session  :) ]*.

When negotiating, bring up open-ended question and importantly, listen their statement without judging them. When dealing with this life and death matter, one will need to build up rapport with them, to generate the trust among the both of them. Some basic idea about negotiation:

   ·         Never make a promise
(   As at the end, the offender will discover the truth that you won’t be fulfilling his ultimate request, and loses the faith in you.

   ·         Never be ‘deceptive’

   ·         Build rapport

Who are involved in a negotiation?

It is usually the local police commander that liaises closely with the negotiator and the negotiator will keep close contact with the technical people. It is not encouraged to change negotiator as the first negotiator has already build the rapport with the offender. Whether the negotiation is make or break, it all boils down to the senior negotiator, as he or she is the one who call the shot and it often based on the negotiator experience and not the police.

What happens during negotiation?
The negotiator will adopt the container negotiation approach, where the taskforce will quarantine the public with the ‘crime scene’, so that the offender is isolated with the public to reduce any further stimulation.

When the negotiator arrived to the location, the commander will brief the negotiator before the negotiation commences. This is important for the negotiator to understand the background of the offender, so the negotiation can be themed around the heart of the issue. Like mentioned, it is crucial not to be judgemental, instead, be objective and independent, so that one emotionally connected to it and thus easier to conduct the negotiation.

Meanwhile, negotiator will communicate with the commander or with psychologist if necessary using written notes to avoid communication disruption with the offender.

Who can be a negotiator?

Negotiator is usually a detective or a sergeant, one need to be on call so that they could head to the location directly. They are usually in their causal wear, able to keep calm and not rushing as these create pressure on the offender.

Since negotiator is a high stress level job, it usually comes in part time position and in rotation basis.

What it takes to be a good negotiator?

   ·         Communication skills is a must

   ·         Tolerance

   ·         Empathy

   ·         Patience (Especially you might need to talk to them for 14 hours straight or more)

It is not necessary to have a tertiary education to be want as negotiator needs more soft skills than the technical knowledge. Yet, various policing experience will be of great help during negotiation as one have witness all kinds of humanity from the best to the worst.

How to be a negotiator?

The recruitment of negotiator usually will be announced through internal portal, and you will need to go through 3 weeks training. You also will go through medical and work history check, and also any complaints filed against you. It is also vital for you to understand the your stress management capability.

NSW has this policy of not having force entry during the invasion. At the moment, NSW has done a great job for not having death in custody.

It is never easy to be a negotiator as ethics always come into place.  One has to always be remembered to never expense anyone, if forced to, do the greatest good for greatest number of people.