Negotiators have long been highly respected for their calm demeanor and effective results in extremely tense and life threatening situations. No two incidents will be the same – one day a negotiator may be talking a suicidal person off of a ledge and the next they may be trying to free a family from an abusive father.

The most effective negotiators always have two characteristics: experience and an understanding of human psychology. Because of the very nature of police work, however, all officers need to be familiar with basic negotiation techniques. The first officer on scene may need to “delay” the subject of the negotiations until a more experienced negotiator arrives on scene. Even then, the initial officer may have built a rapport with the subject and will be kept as the point of contact through the whole ordeal.

Agencies that have officers assigned as a negotiator often look for several factors:

• Calm under pressure

• Personable

• Experience

• Educational background in psychology

Officers with a criminal justice degree, and a minor in psychology, are logical choices to fill these roles. Many officers and prospective officers even take criminal justice continuing education or certificate programs with concentrations in negotiation.

If you’re interested in a career as a police negotiator, take that first step by getting the education to back up your experience.