Modern day hostage (crisis) negotiation: The evolution of an art form within the policing arena

This article explores the role of hostage (crisis) negotiation in the 21st century by reviewing literature on hostage negotiation historically, the dynamics of crisis situations typically encountered by hostage negotiators, the models existing to conceptualize crisis negotiation, and the strategies utilized by negotiators to successfully resolve crisis situations. The article then suggests possible advancements or directions for further research within the field of hostage negotiation, with particular reference to the requirement for cross-cultural comparison of techniques and strategies utilized by negotiators internationally to provide a better understanding of the cultural uniqueness/understanding of crisis negotiators operating within different countries. The article also suggests a shift in the focus of research looking at techniques and strategies which result in successful resolution of crisis situations onto the identification of negotiator characteristics and traits which govern effective negotiation and ability to cope with the pressures instilled by the role.