Crisis-Hostage Negotiations Course Planned At Saint Leo University

SAINT LEO, FL — Planning for the unexpected is critical today. Now, training will be available through the Saint Leo University’s Center for Alternative Pathway Programs and Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics, through the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Level 1 is the first of three successive courses that address the fundamental tasks of a successful crisis negotiator, and it will prepare those attending to work as part of a coordinated negotiating team and to handle situations including those involving hostage takers, barricaded subjects and potential suicide victims.

Designed for sworn law enforcement and corrections employees, non-law enforcement members of negotiations teams and mental health, social work and clergy members who support law enforcement in crisis situations, this course will take place Jan. 5 to Feb. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Crisis Systems Management LLC is presenting the course, and it is open to those in the United States as well as allied international countries. Saint Leo University students may take the course by applying for a waiver to attend.

The course meets most state, Department of Defense and federal training requirements for crisis-hostage negotiator certification, and the training is in accordance with guidelines established by the National Association of Negotiation Associations. It is approved as a full-credit basic course toward a 120-hour CSM Certificate of Proficiency.

“Our communities and environments are changing with a fluid economy, greater access to opioids, fragile supply chain, greater reliance on cyberspace and increase in reliance on unmanned systems,” said Michael Roach, director of F1RST.

“Although there is a need to stay aligned with these changes, the need to identify a crisis, make a timely decision and respond successfully still remain relevant today," Roach said. "Saint Leo University with F1RST and CSM recognizes the need that, although we may never know the next event in the future, we always understand that a crisis will occur. The crisis response class provides the framework and techniques to allow any law enforcement officials to succeed in an uncertain and complex environment.”

Find out more about the course at the Center for Alternative Pathways website.

Enroll here.