Negotiate and Win: Proven Strategies from the NYPDs Top Hostage Negotiator

As a general rule, professional criminals tend to be the easiest people to deal with. They know the drill and have very clear and identifiable goals—usually getting out of the situation with a minimum of hassle. Someone who robs a bank and then gets trapped inside usually will be able to recognize how hopeless his or her situation is and will eventually begin dealing with the negotiator on a more or less rational basis.

At the other extreme, terrorists rarely are willing to deal with you on a rational basis. Many are motivated by religion or politics, or a little of both. In many cases, death is not the worst thing that could happen to them. Our strategy for dealing with them usually involves hoping that their resolve fades as time goes on. Self-preservation, fortunately, is a strong biological instinct.