ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the social-psychological traits of successful negotiators. It identifies the traits of those who have effectively resolved dangerous situations without the loss of human life by talking rather than taking lives. Psychological selection criteria and the training of crisis negotiators has been discussed and researched. Crisis negotiators are more effective if they maintain the mindset and response of a team that is being paid by the hour. The primary job of the hostage negotiator was to assist the Special Weapons and Tactics team. The person considered by his or her peers and commanders to be an effective hostage/crisis negotiator has traits that are consistent with common sense. The preservation of human life must remain our primary objective for the successful resolution of hostage crises. To strengthen the performance of crisis negotiators they must be effectively, objectively, and systematically selected prior to their training.
