hostage negotiator
Kidnapping response specialist
A hostage negotiator is a person trained to communicate with hostage-takers during crises, working to secure the safe release of captives without violence.
Typically law enforcement professionals, they use psychological techniques to build rapport, de-escalate tension, and buy time: The hostage negotiator kept him talking for six hours.
The term extends figuratively to anyone mediating high-stakes disputes.
Reducing conflict intensity
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- empathySharing another's emotions
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
active listening · trust-building · patience · psychology · tone · reassurance · stalling · open-ended questions
Unresolved confrontation between opponents
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- SWATElite police squad
- tacticalStrategically planned
demands · ransom · kidnapper · captives · deadlock · perimeter · ultimatum · breach
Methods to achieve goals
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
- analysisMethodical study of parts
psychology · anticipation · preparation · risk assessment · profiling · behavioral analysis · pressure points · concessions
de-escalation
Reducing conflict intensity
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- empathySharing another's emotions
persuasion · active listening · trust-building · patience · psychology · tone · reassurance · stalling · open-ended questions · mirroring
standoff
Unresolved confrontation between opponents
tactical · demands · ransom · kidnapper · captives · deadlock · perimeter · ultimatum · breach · release
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- intelligenceMental ability, cognitive capacity
analysis · psychology · anticipation · preparation · risk assessment · profiling · behavioral analysis · pressure points · concessions · time management
- negotiatorsbargainer, dealmaker, mediator, arbitrator, haggler
- persuaderspersuader, orator, orators, public speaker, speechmaker
- FBI jobsspecial agent, field agent, deputy director, assistant director, counterintelligence agent
- Kidnappingkidnapping, captive, ransom note, kidnapper, abduction
- law enforcementFBI, police station, patrolmen, police officer, cop
- mediatorsmediator, mediators, arbitrator, arbitrators, conciliator
hostage negotiatorSWAT team
Specialized police for high-risk situations
sniper · tactical unit · shock troops · special forces · commando
hostage, negotiator, hostile, hostility, hostilities, hostages, negotiate, negotiation, negotiations