ABSTRACT
The distinguishing characteristic of the new Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and crisis negotiation units can be seen from the realization that de-escalated by a disciplined and coordinated unit than by a collection of unorganized individuals. As the frequency of critical incidents involving hostages increased, law enforcement administrators realized that specially trained negotiation units were needed to supplement the SWAT units. The role of the crisis negotiation unit will remain to convince the criminal perpetrator of the futility of continued resistance while offering a face-saving way out of the self-imposed situation. Despite a common mission to serve and protect, many tactical units and several crisis negotiation units in large municipal police departments initially began their operations by viewing themselves in a vacuum, independent of the rest of the organization. An examination of print and electronic news media indicates that the frequency and magnitude of critical incidents requiring the mobilization of SWAT and crisis negotiation units are increasing.
