Chatham-Kent Police are getting some specialized training today.
The force is hosting a Crisis Negotiators Course this week at the Bradley Convention Centre.
Canadian Critical Incident Inc. spokesperson Tom Hart says it isn’t Hollywood negotiation.
“Hollywood has the hostage taking situation, there have been those situations, you train for those circumstances rarely do they happen, that’s the reality.And that’s not a bad thing,” says Hart. “Crisis negotiation is all about resolving the crisis stabilizing the person and getting them treatment or in custody.”
About two dozen officers from Chatham-Kent and Niagara Region Police have been taking part in the week-long program, which included a scenario involving a suspect holed up in the Holiday Inn. The teams, which also included staff from the Canadian Mental Health Association were putting their communication, negotiation, and de-escalation skills to the test.
The training seminar wraps Friday. A large scale, life-like training exercise is being planned for the spring.