Crisis Negotiations Team

The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) works in parallel with the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). The CNT teams were, in the past, called hostage negotiations teams. As their skills proved useful when dealing with barricaded and suicidal subjects, their role has expanded to cover all crisis situations. Crisis negotiators also assist people and officers who have been subjected to violent or traumatic events. The Crisis Negotiation Team strives to resolve situations in a way that minimizes harm.

The Kernersville Police Department CNT Consists of 6 members:

Roles of each member

Team Coordinator

The Team Coordinator advises the Incident Commander and SWAT Commander on developments during a crisis negotiation situation. They are assigned to a command post at a crisis incident where they advise the CNT Team Leader on tactics. In addition to their duties, they are required to conduct 8 hours of training per month.

Team Leader

The Team Leader selects the location of the Negotiation Operation Center (NOC) at a crisis incident, and assigns negotiators their specific duties at a scene. They also assist the Team Coordinator with training.

Primary Negotiator

The Primary Negotiator engages the subject in conversation and tries to obtain information from the subject. They assess and monitor the subject’s emotional state and work to save the lives of all involved.

Secondary Negotiator

The Secondary Negotiator relays outside information to the Primary Negotiator. They act as the communication link between the other team members and the Primary Negotiator. The Secondary Negotiator is available to relieve the Primary Negotiator if necessary.

Scribe

The Scribe records all pertinent information concerning individuals involved in the crisis.  They write the information on a large white board which is in constant view of the Primary and Secondary Negotiators to assist with decision making and allow them a clear view of all the variables involved.

Intelligence Officer

The intelligence officer is responsible for gathering information about the individuals involved in a crisis. This includes researching identities of the hostage takers, hostages, victims, witnesses, and family members of those involved.