Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Course

Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Course is a practical introductory course of instruction for newly assigned negotiators or negotiators having a five-years or more lapse in crisis negotiation training.

The course meets or exceeds most training requirements for crisis/hostage negotiator certification and is trained in accordance with guidelines established internationerly.

The Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Course is designed to prepare law enforcement and corrections personnel to mitigate threats involving hostage-takers, barricaded subjects, suicidal subjects, and others presenting behaviors associated with suicide-by-cop or mental illness.

Delegates will learn the importance of working as a team and the roles of each team member.

Delegates will learn the fundamental requirements of a unified law enforcement response to a crisis incident, including pre-incident planning, the roles of dispatchers and first responders, containment, security, and risk management.
Effective communication as a core competency will address the Behavioral Influence Stairway Model, Active Listening Skills (ALS), and the role of rapport and influence as it relates to crisis negotiation.
At the heart of a well-managed incident is well-managed information and intelligence.
Delegates will learn how to gather, manage and apply crisis intelligence and information as well as maintain legally sufficient incident documents.
Theory and strategy as it relates to crisis negotiation will be explained in depth, including effective negotiator introductions, intervention techniques, bargaining, demands and deadlines, managing the non-responsive subject, using third-party intermediaries and managing an effective resolution.

Many crisis incidents involve suicidal ideations and intent. Delegates will learn how to recognize suicidal indicators, assess the immediacy of suicidal intent and apply suicide intervention techniques.

Persons involved in an emotional or psychological crisis often present law enforcement with some of the most difficult incidents to resolve. Delegates will gain a fundamental understanding of emotional and psychological issues as well as specific communication techniques.
Delegates will participate as a team in welldeveloped practical exercises that reinforce concepts presented during lecture.

After each practical exercise, Delegates will participate in a facilitator-led operational debriefing.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for individuals involved in managing high-stress, volatile, and potentially violent situations, particularly:

Law enforcement officers (police, tactical units, detectives)
Military personnel involved in peacekeeping or tactical operations
Security professionals and risk management personnel
Correctional facility officers and prison negotiators
Emergency response teams
Government officials or diplomats assigned to high-risk zones
Mental health professionals working with law enforcement
Corporate or NGO crisis response team members

Target Competencies:

Upon completion, participants will develop or enhance the following competencies:

Active Listening & Communication Skills
- Applying the Behavioral Influence Stairway Model (BISM)
- Using empathy and rapport-building techniques
Negotiation Tactics and Strategy
- Structuring negotiations using established frameworks (e.g. “contain and negotiate”)
- Understanding the dynamics of power, influence, and control in a crisis
Psychological Assessment and Profiling
- Identifying mental health disorders, emotional states, and behavioral cues
- Understanding motivations of hostage-takers
Crisis Management and Risk Assessment
- Prioritizing safety and minimizing harm
- Making time-sensitive decisions under pressure
Teamwork and Role Allocation in Negotiation Units
- Operating as a primary negotiator, coach, intelligence gatherer, or recorder
- Coordinating with tactical teams and command centers
Cultural Competency and Ethical Conduct
- Engaging in negotiations with sensitivity to cultural, social, and legal contexts

Learner Outcomes:

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate effective communication and de-escalation techniques during crisis situations
Analyze the psychological and emotional state of subjects to inform negotiation strategy
Apply structured negotiation models to safely resolve hostage or barricade incidents
Work collaboratively in a negotiation team with defined roles and responsibilities
Evaluate and respond to risks during critical incidents, prioritizing lives and safety
Produce detailed negotiation logs and reports for post-incident analysis and legal review
Conduct post-incident debriefings and psychological support processes for stakeholders

Location:

South Africa

Training Dates:

Each course starts every Monday of each week. Please book your training on a date that is a Monday.

Course Duration: 1 Day

Unit Standard: 115313

NQF Level: 4

Number of Credits: 2

Course Fees

Note: Please fill in the online application form on the left or bottom if this page to receive a quotation with detailed pricing from AATICD.

How to Apply:

To Apply Simply Fill in the Online Enquiries / Applications form on the Right Sidebar or Bottom of this website https://www.aaticd.co.za

NB: Terms and Conditions for Payment and Refunds

1.1. Full payment for the training workshop must be made at least 5 days before the scheduled workshop date.

1.2. Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or any other agreed-upon method.

1.3. A confirmation of payment will be issued upon receipt of funds.

1.4. Any form of Payment means that trainee / delegate / client receiving the training accepts the training and agrees to these terms and conditions.

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

2.1. Cancellations made 30 days or more before the workshop date will be eligible for a full refund, minus any administrative fees.

2.2. Cancellations made 15 to 29 days before the workshop date will be eligible for a 50% refund of the total payment.

2.3. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop date will not be eligible for a refund.

2.4. Participants who fail to attend the workshop without prior notice will not be eligible for a refund.

3. Rescheduling

3.1. If a participant wishes to reschedule, a request must be submitted at least 14 days in advance, subject to availability.

3.2. A rescheduling fee may apply.

4. Workshop Cancellation by the Organizer

4.1. AATICD reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the workshop due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to low enrolment, trainer unavailability, or force majeure events.

4.2. In the event of cancellation by AATICD, participants will be offered a full refund or the option to attend a rescheduled session.

4.3. AATICD is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by participants, such as travel or accommodation expenses.

5. Refund Processing

5.1. Approved refunds will be processed within 7 business days from the date of cancellation approval.

5.2. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method unless otherwise agreed.

6. Contact Information

For any questions regarding payments and refunds, please contact us at:

Email: apply@aaticd.co.za

Phone: +27 73 016 5042

By registering for the workshop, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

In-House Trainings are also available for 3 or more delegates for any duration. Please consult with our Administration for such In-House training bookings.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Crisis Negotiation
• Negotiating as a Team
• Effective Communication
• Pre-incident Planning
• Law Enforcement Response to a Crisis

Principles of Crisis Negotiation
• Information and Intelligence

Management Suicide
• Intervention for Law Enforcement Abnormal

Psychology for Crisis Negotiators
• This course meets the objectives of the crisis/hostage negotiation training as established internationally.