Friday, January 23, 2026

Crisis Hostage Negotiator Newsletter - January 2026


Make sure to see the events at the bottom!

Police negotiator quells crisis with grad student's counseling wisdom


Ortiz began to train other officers across Arizona and the U.S. and wrote a self-published book, “Bringing Hope: One Police Officer’s Journey with Empathy in the Face of Service,” a fictionalized account of snippets from his own experiences.
READ MORE

Yale study finds veterans’ suicide risk tracks with social factors

“These findings underscore the importance of expanding suicide prevention efforts beyond crisis response and psychiatric treatment alone. Specifically, they point to the need for routine screening of social determinants of health, early identification of compounding social stressors, and integrated interventions that address housing stability, healthcare access, financial strain, and social connectedness alongside mental health care,” Pietrzak wrote.

How holographic negotiation can transform crisis response in policing


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Golden Gate Bridge deaths by suicide down 87% after installation of prevention nets, report says

KCPD Crisis Negotiation Team Finishes First In The Missouri Association of Crisis Negotiators Annual Challenge

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Hong Kong Police Negotiation Cadre Celebrates 50 Years with Symposium on Crisis Management and Future Innovations

Mr Chow added that with over 100 members, the PNC has consistently upheld the motto “Who Cares Wins” and has successfully resolved crises and saved lives through calm analysis, active listening, and strong teamwork. 

The thin line between saving a company and funding a crime

Ransomware negotiators dish on being in a ‘moral gray zone,’ unrestricted by accountability or industry wide rules of engagement.

“There’s no structured community of practice, no peer review, and no recognized body to certify or hold negotiators accountable,” Jon DiMaggio, principal at XFIL Cyber, told CyberScoop. “It’s one of the few areas of cybersecurity with no real standards, an unregulated tradecraft that still operates like the Wild West.”

I was a hostage negotiator for 10 years - this is what it taught me about parenting

Nicky Perfect spent over 30 years as a Metropolitan Police officer, including 10 years as an international hostage and crisis negotiator, in the elite New Scotland Yard Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit. 
Here are the three techniques from her high-pressure career which will help you stay calm and in control as a parent, she told the BBC's Parenting Download podcast...

NJ Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Designating U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day

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Video shows gunman firing on Stamford, Conn., police during deadly standoff

Gunman was wearing shirt with Nazi insignia, state marshal says...
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When every word matters: A look inside training with the BC RCMP’s Crisis Negotiation Team

“For people in these high-risk situations, it can be overwhelming to see things like the big armored trucks, the lights and the sirens, and what can feel like chaos...."

Supreme Court backs Montana police who entered a home without warrant for emergency

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with county police in Montana who entered the home of a man without a warrant because they feared he might be suicidal, rejecting an argument that the officers needed probable cause.

TRAININGS, CONFERENCES, & MORE


Australia Hostage Negotiation Debrief
Online Webinar
March, 2026
More information to follow next month

45th Annual Hostage Negotiation Seminar
Hosted by Baltimore County Police & Baltimore Field Office of the FBI

Narrative Psychology & Leadership (online)
Professional Certificate Program in partnership with Lipscomb University, College of Leadership and Public Service
Enhance your negotiator skills with other first responders, military, corrections, and medical/mental health professionals from across five different countries. limited spots available. 
Starts March 26.

5-Day Basic HNT Course
April 13-17
Atlantic City
Limited, discounted registration available, preference given first to NJ residents.
Email me for more information.
Certification through NYAHN, in partnership with AFSP-NJ.

New York Association of Hostage Negotiators Annual Conference
May 20-22, Buffalo, NY. 

NTOA Crisis Negotiations Conference
October 26-29
Chandler, AZ

New Jersey Crisis/Hostage Negotiator Conference
November 9-10, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ

Have an event? Let me know by emailing me. I'd like to be able to promote each of the association's conferences, I just need the info!
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