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Basic Hostage Negotiation
July 28, 2025 - August 1, 2025
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Peace Officers
Capital Area Council of Governments - Cedar Training Room
Venue Phone: 512-916-6000
Venue Website: https://www.capcog.org/
Venue Address:
Description:
Enter the classroom through the CAPCOG training entrance. This entrance is located under the metal awning near the main parking lot.
Walk down the long hallway to the room. Signs will be posted to help with direction.
The Basic Hostage Negotiation School is an intensive training program designed to equip law enforcement officers, crisis responders, and security personnel with the fundamental skills needed to resolve hostage situations safely and effectively. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to crisis communication, psychological principles, and negotiation tactics necessary for managing high-stakes incidents.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the psychology of hostage-takers and victims
- Learn active listening and rapport-building techniques
- Develop crisis communication skills to de-escalate volatile situations
- Apply negotiation strategies and tactical considerations
- Work effectively within a crisis response team
- Study real-world case scenarios and lessons learned
Course Structure:
The program consists of a mix of classroom instruction, role-playing exercises, and scenario-based training to provide hands-on experience in managing negotiations under pressure. Participants will engage in simulated hostage situations, practicing negotiation strategies in real-time while receiving feedback from experienced instructors.
Who Should Attend?
This course is ideal for law enforcement officers, SWAT team members, corrections officers, security professionals, and other first responders involved in crisis situations. No prior negotiation experience is required, making it suitable for both new and experienced personnel seeking to enhance their crisis management skills.
By the end of the training, participants will have a solid foundation in hostage negotiation techniques, improving their ability to defuse dangerous situations and save lives through effective communication.
Instructor: Senior Police Officer Dustin Lowe with Austin PD for over 22 years-
- Hostage Negotiation – 18 years as a Hostage Negotiator, with 10 years as a Team Leader (Team 4) and 6 years as the HN Training Cadre Lead.
- Crisis Intervention – 12 years as a CIT Officer on Patrol, specializing in mental health crisis response.
- De-Escalation & ICAT Training – APD Lead ICAT (Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics) Instructor and Coordinator, responsible for developing and implementing de-escalation strategies within the department.
TCOLE Hours: 40
Questions contact:
Tonya Domingo: 512-916-6160 or [email protected]