Crisis Negotiations, Fourth Edition: Managing Critical Incidents and Hostage Situations in Law Enforcement and Corrections

by Michael J. McMains, Wayman C. Mullins

Crisis Managing Critical Incidents and Hostage Situations in Law Enforcement and Corrections, Fourth Edition, discusses the fundamentals of crisis management for crisis and hostage negotiators. It features the contributions of negotiators from all over the United States who share their experiences, lessons, successes, and failures. Much of the material in this book is also consistent with FBI teaching and practice.
The book first traces the history of crisis management. It then covers the elements of a crisis response team, the model of intervention in crisis/hostage negotiations, risk assessment in negotiations, communication in crisis negotiations, guidelines for negotiating with emotionally disturbed or mentally ill individuals, negotiating with suicidal persons, negotiating with special populations (e.g. juveniles, gang members, elderly), crisis negotiations in prisons and correctional facilities, and hostage dynamics. The book contains eleven chapters, each of which begins with an outline of learning objectives and concludes with discussion questions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Crime, School, Reference, Police

572 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One look at this book, and you know that it is a hybrid of a manual and a textbook... perhaps the textbook that is used alongside a manual for those in the police academy training to be members of the CRT.

It read like a textbook... glossing over everything possible in this area of interest... focusing in depth on absolutely nothing. It was worth the read if CRT is your thing... but not overly interesting and you do not gain the same in depth information that other books might give the reader.

[Kevin Stecyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding & Comprehensive Negotiation Text

Although not involved in law enforcement, I thoroughly enjoyed this book for the insights of negotiation principles, many of which can be used in general negotiations in day-to-day life. I also have a much deeper appreciation of the training and expertise of law enforcement negotiators.

Crisis negotiations are far more complex than most realize. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn.

[Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

While invaluable to aspiring crisis negotiators, 'twas largely unvaluable to me (sparing select stimulating nuggets throughout).

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any hostage negotiator. Begins with a short history of police negotiations and moves through processes and subject profiles. Ends with team formation and management.

[Sean]

Written by none other than Dad!