Behind the Tape: Gripping, real-life stories from New Zealand's top police crisis negotiator

by Lance Burdett, Nicola McCloy (contributor)

Lance Burdett was in the police force for 22 years, in a variety of high-level roles: head of negotiation team; running 111 centre; intelligence management; protection squad and emergency responders. He worked on some of NZ's most high profile cases such as the Jan Molenaar case where Lance was flown in to head the negotiation team, and the George Baker prison hostage negotiation with the man who murdered Liam Ashley.

His daily police life included frequent suicide interventions in high-profile locations, which were common call-outs for the negotiation team. Lance talks about the different negotiation styles and challenges involved.

He was involved in Australia/NZ anti-terrorism training, and played the role of terrorist over several days on site. His story shows how quickly you can become indoctrinated and 'hate' your 'enemies'. Lance also underwent FBI training in Washington where he found that NZ's negotiation skills held up well.

Behind the Tape tells what it's really like to be a cop: the fear, the excitement, the stress, the everyday drama, the skills developed, the lives saved, the lives lost. It's gritty, tough and confronting.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

256 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very rarely read non-fic but I picked this up on a whim. A very easy to read memoir which I flew through. It was very interesting to read situations from the other side of the tv screen.

[Andrea Windleburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and v insightful. Should’ve read on leave rather than days off bc a bit much reading work related stuff on rest days

[Olwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book could almost be titled 'how to manage difficult conversations with high stakes'. The author is clearly well qualified to teach these skills, having spent most of his career doing just that. Beyond that, though, it was enlightening to read what goes on in policing from the perspective of the police.

Well worth taking the time to read. I've heard the author will release another book soon; looking forward to it.

[Lisa Burrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book , its very real and honest and addresses real issues not just behind the tape but also behind the uniform. Some of the stories are truly horrific , but they have been talked about and dealt with in the manner of a true professional. People like Lance Burdett make me very proud to be a kiwi.

[Amy Hitchman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives me more of an appreciation to the job within the police. I can appreciate the need for encouraging empathy and understanding towards a colleague because you never can know how someone may be affected within such a stressful job. An insightful and interesting read ☺️

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Great man with great skills. Sure he will be a huge loss to the police force but good on him in his new direction teaching others those same skills. A very good read!

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very average, some very good bits but I felt that Lance was taking credit personally for many team efforts.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot of interesting information in this book about NZ police procedure and negotiating techniques - particularly in the case of attempted suicides and hostage situations.

The author seemed to jump from job to job within the police force every year or two (which is probably why he didn't come across as a very good team player) and that meant nothing was discussed in depth. Parts of the book also felt like he was just advertising his consulting business.

Still, it was an interesting read overall and written in simple language making it a reasonably quick read.

[Jaycee Handa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provides an insightful glimpse into the world of being a police officer, shedding light on real-life events that one can easily search for online. The appendices offer excellent examples of effective negotiating techniques. As a whole, the book is a breeze to read and has truly fostered a deep sense of respect and appreciation for the challenges our dedicated emergency staff face on a daily basis.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - Lance writes really well - and is very honest - touching on how hard it is to be a police officer, and the good and bad about his career.

Having met and knowing Lance and one of his daughters - I could almost hear him reading this.

Great insight into the police, what they deal with, and the human side behind it.

[Nicola Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read on Lance’s journey through the Police force.

[Bruce Fincham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. Well written and a honest account of being in the NZ Police.

[Wendy Lovatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but the best part was the listening advice at the end of the book.

[Ethan Giacomel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping book, could barely put it down, the untold story of what policing does to your mental health