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Psychological Aspects of Crisis Negotiation
While there are many books on crisis negotiation, most of the current literature focuses on the history and mechanics of this dynamic process, leaving out critical elements that are required for a successful encounter with a hostage-taker or other malfeasant. Psychological Aspects of Crisis Negotiation, Second Edition explores the methods and strategies for confronting the nine types of subjects typically encountered in hostage/suicide sieges by correctional staff and law enforcement crisis negotiators.
Drawn from articles published by Thomas Strentz while serving at the FBI Academy* along with written versions of lectures developed and delivered since his retirement, the book highlights psychological dynamics of negotiations as they apply to the negotiator, the hostage, and the subject. It discusses the predictors of surrender versus the need for a tactical intervention and examines the phases of a hostage crisis and the changing focus as the crisis develops. Referencing historical events such as The Bay of Pigs invasion and the Challenger and Columbia incidents, the book demonstrates how faulty group decision making can spell tragedy.
Enhanced with case studies to put the material into context, this second edition also includes new chapters on the first responder, hostage survival, and the Islamic belief system and culture. Steeped in sage advice from a national expert, this volume arms those tasked with confronting dangerous offenders with the knowledge and tools they need to subvert disaster and ensure the preservation of human life.
*Articles were reviewed by the Academy Editorial/Review Board and approved by the Bureau for publication.
- GenresCrime
367 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 16, 2018
The author brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this book, which covers a wide range of aspects of this important subject.
The reason for my 3-star rating is the extremely poor copy editing, type-setting and proof-reading, which is very disappointing in a book from a reputable publisher. Examples include:
• A paragraph that occurs twice (with just a single word change) on the same page;
• Headings in a smaller font than the surrounding text;
• Large amounts of repetition between (and sometimes within) chapters;
• Typographical errors.
With proper editing, the book could have been made considerably smaller and easier to follow. After reading the (overlong) acknowledgements section and introduction, I realised that many of the chapters have previously been published as standalone articles. This explains (but does not excuse) the repetition of material between chapters. More extensive re-organisation of the presentation of the material and greater use of cross-referencing would have made the book considerably more satisfactory for the reader who wishes to reader the whole book from cover to cover, as well as reducing the total length.
I understand that much of the material contained here is drawn from training courses delivered by the author. That probably explains the constant repetition of certain mantras, which I appreciate is good pedagogic practice when delivering training, but which is intensely irritating on the written page. I lost count of the number of times that I was told to behave as if I were being paid by the hour, not by the job and instructed to put your badge in your pocket!
Finally, some of the autobiographical content of this book would be more appropriate to a memoir than a serious text book. It is useful to know that the author has personal experience of the types of scenario being discussed, but his home background and other aspects of his life outside of his professional role are irrelevant.
Despite its many literary shortcomings, this book contains much useful information and insight. It will be an invaluable reference tool on my office shelf.
The reason for my 3-star rating is the extremely poor copy editing, type-setting and proof-reading, which is very disappointing in a book from a reputable publisher. Examples include:
• A paragraph that occurs twice (with just a single word change) on the same page;
• Headings in a smaller font than the surrounding text;
• Large amounts of repetition between (and sometimes within) chapters;
• Typographical errors.
With proper editing, the book could have been made considerably smaller and easier to follow. After reading the (overlong) acknowledgements section and introduction, I realised that many of the chapters have previously been published as standalone articles. This explains (but does not excuse) the repetition of material between chapters. More extensive re-organisation of the presentation of the material and greater use of cross-referencing would have made the book considerably more satisfactory for the reader who wishes to reader the whole book from cover to cover, as well as reducing the total length.
I understand that much of the material contained here is drawn from training courses delivered by the author. That probably explains the constant repetition of certain mantras, which I appreciate is good pedagogic practice when delivering training, but which is intensely irritating on the written page. I lost count of the number of times that I was told to behave as if I were being paid by the hour, not by the job and instructed to put your badge in your pocket!
Finally, some of the autobiographical content of this book would be more appropriate to a memoir than a serious text book. It is useful to know that the author has personal experience of the types of scenario being discussed, but his home background and other aspects of his life outside of his professional role are irrelevant.
Despite its many literary shortcomings, this book contains much useful information and insight. It will be an invaluable reference tool on my office shelf.
July 28, 2023
excellent
I thoroughly appreciated reading this book even though I am not involved in law enforcement. Although being a hostage negotiator sounds like a glamorous job—and it is—it is also a very stressful job with lots of demands and expectations. Furthermore, negotiators need to be well versed in mental health issues.
I learned that time is a key alley and that active listening skills are pivotal in negotiations.
I thoroughly appreciated reading this book even though I am not involved in law enforcement. Although being a hostage negotiator sounds like a glamorous job—and it is—it is also a very stressful job with lots of demands and expectations. Furthermore, negotiators need to be well versed in mental health issues.
I learned that time is a key alley and that active listening skills are pivotal in negotiations.
November 15, 2012
I'm sure someone thinks this book is phenomenal, but unfortunately that someone was not me. as much as i tried, i could not get into this book and felt that it was far more dry than it needed to be. I just slogged through, and really wanted to like this text, but couldn't do it.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews