Crisis Negotiation Team

The Department's Crisis Negotiation Team, comprised of one Sergeant and six officers, responds to incidents involving hostages, suspects who have barricaded themselves in buildings, and other crisis situations. At the scene, the Crisis Negotiators and the S.W.A.T. team work together toward one ultimate goal--to conclude the incident without injury to hostages, officers, or suspects.

Each team member has received specialized training in the area of hostage negotiations from San Jose State University and the FBI.

CNT negotiators establish direct communication with the suspect, negotiating a possible surrender, and the release of any hostages. All CNT members are highly trained in communicating with persons involved in tense and potentially deadly situations. While most incidents are peacefully resolved within several hours, the Team is always prepared for longer operations, which can last for several days.