The mission of the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) is to preserve life during critical incidents by resolving conflict without the use of force. This team initiates a constructive dialog with suicidal persons, barricaded criminal suspects and people in hostage situations. CNT utilizes active listening skills to achieve a nonviolent resolution.
CNT members are assigned to other full-time duties within the Police Department and perform their CNT duties in addition to their regular assignments. CNT is on call 24 hours a day all year. All CNT members receive an initial certification after attending a 40-hour Crisis Negotiation Course taught by the FBI. The team trains each month for 6 hours. Each quarter CNT trains with SETT. CNT also trains with neighboring jurisdictions each year.
The team is another tool for law enforcement to peacefully resolve potentially dangerous and sometimes deadly situations without injury or death.