How To Become A Hostage Negotiator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a hostage negotiator and how to become one

Updated April 25, 2024

4 min read

A hostage negotiator is a professional who deals with high-pressure situations. They act as a mediator between the hostage or suspect and the authorities. Their role involves gathering all necessary evidence and information for the prosecution of criminal offenses, training new officers in first response to a hostage situation, and acting as a crisis intervention specialist for hostage situations and suicidal callers. They also monitor access control, CCTV, facility, and duress alarm systems, conduct background investigations on new hires, and work in partnership with other HNT members and SWAT members in an effort to resolve critical incidents peacefully. They provide exceptional customer service to citizens looking for county services and accompany SWAT to call outs, standing by for any negotiations that may occur, hostage or crisis. They also determine and enforce applicable federal laws and regulations, internal policy and procedure, and district of Columbia code. They test and adjust communication and alarm systems, and report malfunctions to maintenance units.

How long does it takes to become a hostage negotiator?

It typically takes 1-2 years to become a hostage negotiator:

Year 1: Gaining the necessary work experience in relevant duties, skills, and fields.
Year 2: Completing on-site training, typically lasting 6-12 months.

During the first year, aspiring hostage negotiators will learn various skills and duties, such as communication, negotiation tactics, and crisis management. They will also gain experience in relevant fields, such as law enforcement or psychology.

In the second year, they will undergo on-site training, which typically lasts 6-12 months. During this time, they will learn more advanced negotiation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and teamwork skills. They may also receive on-the-job training, which can overlap with accumulating the necessary work experience.

Salary$73,365

Jobs Number451

Most Common SkillPatrol

Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree

Best StateNew York

Hostage Negotiator career paths

Hostage negotiators are skilled in communication and conflict resolution, making them excellent candidates for careers like field training officers, investigators, and security supervisors. Their expertise in negotiation and problem-solving also prepares them for roles such as case managers and directors of social services. In law enforcement, hostage negotiators can advance to positions like sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, while those interested in security can pursue roles as security directors or supervisors.

Key steps to become a hostage negotiator

Explore hostage negotiator education requirements

Most common hostage negotiator degrees

Bachelor's

51.9 %

Associate

20.4 %

Master's

14.8 %

Start to develop specific hostage negotiator skills

Hostage negotiators use their skills to instruct others in hostage situations, monitor access control systems, and enforce laws and regulations. They also provide exceptional customer service and determine and enforce applicable federal laws, internal policy, and procedure. They are trained by the FBI Hostage Negotiations Team and the FBI Crisis Interventions Team and are often distinguished for their service.

Skills	Percentages
Patrol	41.64%
Hostage Situations	35.91%
Crisis Intervention	11.89%
Critical Incidents	10.55%

Complete relevant hostage negotiator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hostage negotiators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hostage negotiator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hostage negotiator resumes.

Research hostage negotiator duties and responsibilities

Hostage negotiators compile evidence for prosecution, instruct officers in hostage response, and monitor access control and alarm systems. They work with other hostage negotiation team members and SWAT to resolve critical incidents peacefully and enforce federal laws and regulations. Some hostage negotiators also provide customer service and train with the FBI's hostage negotiations and crisis intervention teams.

Orchestrate the day to day demands, managing deficiencies/opportunities and prioritization of unit operations throughout specific target areas within NYC.
Provide substantial influence with design, layout and specifications for CCTV system implement on fleet of public transit buses.
Represent company in arbitration settlement negotiations that result in an agreement to obtain governmental approval for the sale of the business.
Develop instructor and student rubrics essential in obtaining CALEA accreditation.

Prepare your hostage negotiator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hostage negotiator resume.

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