Critical Incidents, Peaceful Resolutions: FCPD’s Crisis Negotiation Team

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Fairfax County, VA- In the profession of law enforcement, one specialized unit often works silently behind the scenes, ensuring the safe resolution of high-stake situations. This unit is responsible for responding to hostage incidents, barricade situations, and high-risk warrant services. For over 40 years, our Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) has been an integral part of our department and continues to do exceptional work.

Who We Are:

CNT is comprised of twenty-four highly skilled and trained officers and detectives. These negotiators have undergone extensive training at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and continually strive to enhance their skills through external training and conferences, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives, strategies, and techniques used by professionals from various law enforcement agencies. Each quarter, CNT participates in training to maintain operational readiness and preparedness. The team also includes three crime analysts who are assigned to support teams by gathering historical and current information before negotiators arrive on scene and following up on details gathered during negotiations. CNT is an active participant in the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Crisis Negotiation Team Subcommittee, meeting quarterly to discuss and implement best practices within the region.

What We Do:

The primary objective of a negotiator is to establish communication and rapport with individuals or groups involved in critical incidents. Negotiators employ various techniques during these critical incidents, such as de-escalation, active listening, empathy, and effective communication skills. CNT works closely with our SWAT, Technical Response Unit (TRU), and Mobile Crisis Clinicians to help develop a strategy that prioritizes the safety of all individuals involved in critical incidents.

The FCPD’s Crisis Negotiation Team remains committed to its mission of fostering communication, ensuring safety, and resolving critical incidents peacefully.

Are you interested in making a difference and becoming a member of our Crisis Negotiation Team? Start your FCPD career here.

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