City of Bloomington, Illinois
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Crisis Negotiations
The Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) is trained to manage high-stress, potentially life-threatening situations through communication, de-escalation, and conflict resolution. This unit is called upon to handle incidents such as hostage situations, barricaded suspects, those experiencing crisis.
Members of the Crisis Negotiation Unit are highly skilled in verbal communication techniques, using a calm and methodical approach to build rapport, establish trust, and encourage cooperation from individuals in crisis. By engaging directly with suspects or individuals in distress, negotiators aim to de-escalate tension, ensure safety, and guide the situation toward a peaceful resolution.
The CNU works closely with other specialized units, such as SWAT, to ensure coordinated and effective responses to critical incidents. While their primary focus is on communication and negotiation, the unit is trained to collaborate seamlessly with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and crisis intervention experts to address the underlying issues that contribute to these high-risk situations.
By focusing on peaceful resolutions and minimizing the use of force, the Crisis Negotiation Unit plays a vital role in enhancing public safety, protecting lives, and resolving conflicts in the most humane and effective way possible.