Overview & Duties
The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) is a specialized unit whose purpose is to bring a peaceful conclusion to hostage incidents, barricaded persons, suicides and other incidents. The CNT may also assist SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) in high risk warrant service, dignitary protection and specialized operations. The CNT acts quickly and decisively, but with a well thought out, purposeful strategy.
Working under the direction of the Operations Captain, the CNT is led by a patrol sergeant who supervises seven volunteer team members who work full time at the department. The team is only activated during an emergency.
Education & Training
Negotiators receive at least 40 hours of education during the initial crisis negotiation training. They are required to obtain a minimum of 40 additional training hours of negotiation related in-service classes annually. Team members train together at least four hours each month.