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 The mission of the Crisis Negotiation Unit
(CNU) is to provide support to other elements of the Department in
hostage/barricaded/suicidal subject(s) situations, through the
deployment of specially trained officers skilled in Crisis
Management and Hostage Negotiations. These specially trained
officers will respond to Incidents involving, or potentially
involving, a high risk to the public, police officers, or suspects.
Our goal during these incidents is attaining a peaceful resolution
through communication.
Another goal of the CNU is to provide an
effective level of response by attending progressive external
courses designed to enhance individual skill levels, and to attend
professional seminars to exchange ideas on methodology and improved
techniques.
Negotiators must attend a minimum of 40
hours in a qualified course before being used as a Primary or Coach
in CNU callouts. Negotiators must
coordinate training and operations with other Department units,
especially SWAT. Characteristics and skills recommended by
The National Council of Negotiation Association (NCNA) are paramount
in our Department negotiators:
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A volunteer.
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High level of self-control.
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Ability to remain calm under stress.
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Excellent interpersonal communication
skills.
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Calm and confident demeanor.
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Good listener
and interviewer.
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Work well in team concept.
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A minimum of two years as a sworn
Officer with the Melbourne Police Department.
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No unacceptable absences from regular
duties in the past annual evaluation.
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Each team member must maintain the
same level of performance and
skill level as part of their annual evaluation to remain in the
C.N.U.
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Recommendation by the Chain of
Command.
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Available 24 hours per day for
call-out.
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