As a qualified negotiator, it is your responsibility to engage with criminals during major incidents. A skilled negotiator must remain calm, composed, and in full control of the interaction at all times. Lacking these qualities undermines your effectiveness and weakens your authority in the situation.
Through training, you will develop advanced strategies to influence behavior, steer conversations, and gain a tactical advantage. The objective is to draw the suspect into your mindset, shaping the direction of the negotiation to achieve the safest and most favorable outcome.
When to negotiate
MO-19 officers are often required in a variety of high-risk situations and are usually the first point of contact with suspects. However, if no MO-19 officers are available, a trained MPD Negotiator may step in to handle the initial negotiations. These negotiations should remain basic and controlled until a MO-19 officer arrives to take over.
When are negotiators required
Negotiators play a critical role in incidents such as bank robberies, store robberies, and hostage situations. In these scenarios, MO-19 officers are typically in command, but the direction of negotiations lies with the appointed negotiator. Regardless of rank, all officers on scene are expected to respect and follow the negotiator’s judgement, even if they personally disagree with the approach.
When you arrive at a scene, your first priority as a negotiator is to establish mutual respect. Avoid disrespecting the suspect or raising your voice—arguments or shouting matches only escalate tension and may put lives at risk.
Before formal negotiations begin, always provide the suspect with an opportunity to surrender peacefully. Offer a reduced fine and sentence if they agree to hand themselves in and release the hostage unharmed. If they refuse, then proceed with structured negotiations.
From the outset, it is vital to set a baseline of control. The suspect must understand that you are not intimidated by threats and that you remain in charge of the conversation. For example:
Suspect: “I want £1,000,000 for the hostage’s life.”
Negotiator: “That will not happen. I can offer you 10k, and nothing more.”
By immediately drawing this line, you remove the suspect’s sense of control and increase their urgency to resolve the situation. From there, you can guide the negotiations on terms that favor the Metropolitan Police and protect the lives of those involved.
Introducing yourself
When arriving on scene, it is essential that you introduce yourself clearly and professionally. All negotiators must follow the protocol below to ensure authority and control are established from the very beginning.
“I am [Rank + Name] from the Metropolitan Police, I am going to be negotiating with you for this officer`s / civilian`s life. Can you tell me why you have taken them hostage?”
On arrival, your first task is to build a clear picture of the situation before beginning negotiations. The more you know, the better you can shape your approach and maintain control.
When preparing to negotiate, work through the following checklist:
Are the suspects armed ?
Are the suspects aggressive ?
Are there any hostages ?
Proof of life of the hostage ?
Once you have collected the necessary information, you can approach the situation with confidence and control. Keep in mind that suspects may provide false or misleading details, so it is crucial to discreetly verify information wherever possible.
Accurate intelligence allows you to plan your negotiations strategically, anticipate potential risks, and maintain authority throughout the incident.
Suspects will naturally try to manipulate the situation to their advantage. As a negotiator, it is essential that you keep your key strategies and priorities discreet. Never reveal your main moves or intentions too early—treat the negotiation like a chess game, where maintaining control and anticipating their actions gives you the upper hand.
There are certain demands that must never be conceded during a negotiation. These include:
Requiring officers to holster their weapons
Ordering officers to leave the scene
Forcing marksmen to reposition
Demanding MO-19 officers to withdraw
Making officers stand within the suspect’s direct line of sight
Preventing NPAS (air support) involvement
Giving in to the demands listed above means losing control of the situation. Such concessions weaken the defensive integrity of the scene and increase the risk to both officers and the public.
Effective negotiation can be a powerful tool, but it relies on constant communication with every officer on scene. Keeping all units informed ensures coordinated action, maintains safety, and allows you to guide the incident toward a successful resolution.
As the negotiator, you have a wide range of resources at your disposal to help manage and resolve the situation effectively. These include:
NPAS units (air support for observation and intelligence)
MO-19 and marksmen units (specialist armed support)
Response teams (rapid intervention and containment)
Interceptors (mobile units for perimeter control and pursuit)
Once you assume the role of negotiator, the entire police force is available to support you. It is crucial to use these resources strategically, coordinating each unit to maintain control, protect lives, and guide the negotiation toward a successful outcome.
Basic Rules
As the negotiator, you cannot be harmed by suspects until negotiations are officially concluded. Keep in mind that suspects may indicate the end of negotiations through roleplay rather than explicitly stating it.
Throughout the negotiation, maintain professionalism and control. You are responsible for overseeing the scene and keeping all units informed of negotiation terms and any critical information, such as suspect movements or vehicle activity.
You have full authority over the operation, including how police resources on scene are deployed. Your judgement is key to guiding the situation safely and effectively.
Once negotiations have concluded:
Search the hostages before allowing them to leave. They may only exit once you grant permission.
Do not clamp vehicles after negotiations are finalised; always allow safe passage for vehicles.
Before breaching the building or engaging with the suspect, you must clearly announce that negotiations are being called off.
When planning the breach:
Maintain a ratio of 1 non-lethal weapon for every 3 lethal weapons to balance force and control.
If the hostage is harmed, negotiations should be immediately called off and the breach initiated.
If a clear opportunity arises to save the hostage’s life, you may call off negotiations—for example, if the hostage is unsupervised while the robbers are distracted.
Once negotiations are ended, they cannot be restarted. The suspect has demonstrated that they are unwilling to negotiate in good faith for the hostage’s safety.
Ensure that the breach structure is followed:
MO officers lead the breach.
Divisional Command follows.
Shotguns come next.
Pistols are only used if there are insufficient personnel to complete the breach effectively.
Following these procedures ensures a coordinated, controlled, and safe response while prioritizing the life of the hostage.
Negotiation offers
During negotiations, certain rules must always be followed to maintain professionalism and safety:
No government-issued resources: You may never give suspects police weapons, vehicles, or helicopters.
No illegal items: Negotiators cannot supply the suspect with anything illegal.
Control demands: Do not automatically grant every request. Ensure demands are reasonable. For example, if a suspect asks you to sing a song, you can politely refuse.
Keep promises: Anything you commit to during negotiations must be carried out.
Clarify free passage: When granting free passage, clearly define its limits. For example, if passage is granted to a vehicle, it ends once the engine is started.
Financial negotiations: Always aim to secure a settlement below the maximum amount, but recognize that if the suspect insists on the full amount, they are entitled to it.
By following these guidelines, negotiators maintain control, ensure fairness, and protect both officers and hostages.
Maximum Price of hostage:
Civilian 15k
NHS and Police 35k
Silver Command 100k
Gold Command 150k
How to call off negotiations
“The time is [Time], Negotiations have been called off MET Police place your hands in the air or you will get shot”
Unrealistic demands: Requests such as free passage to a plane or helicopter, or extreme sums of money.
Use of firearms: Any discharge or threat involving a weapon.
Harm to hostages: Physical abuse, such as shaving a hostage’s head, or any threats to their wellbeing.
Threats to officers or hostages: Direct intimidation or menacing behavior.
Aiming weapons at officers: Immediate concern if a suspect points a weapon at law enforcement (do not delay or only warn if aimed at the hostage).
Refusal to negotiate: Some suspects may initially refuse communication. This may eventually lead to calling off negotiations, but do not rush the decision—allow time to attempt engagement.
Hostage taken inside a police station: Action is at the negotiator’s discretion, based on risk assessment.
Three warnings issued: If the suspect has ignored multiple warnings, escalation may be required.
Harm to hostages or officers: Any physical injury, such as shooting or striking a hostage or officer.
Negotiator taken hostage: Immediate priority to preserve life and regain control of the situation.