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Hostage Negotiation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Participate in special assignments including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Community Involvement Unit (CIU), Field Training Officers, Canine Unit and related ...

New

Participate in special assignments including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Community Involvement Unit (CIU), Field Training Officers, Canine Unit and related ...

Police Officer (Lateral)

Albany, CA · On-site

$111K - $149K/yr

Participates in specialty units including hostage negotiation teams, tactical response team, and other related police specialty units. Completes and submits reports and documentation of work ...

Participate in special assignments including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Community Involvement Unit (CIU), Field Training Officers, Canine Unit and related ...

New

$5/hr

SWAT Traffic Narcotics Detectives K-9 Marine Patrol UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Child Abuse School Resource Deputy Hostage Negotiation Bomb Technician Computer Forensics All members who have ...

Police Officer - Entry Level

Bothell, WA · On-site

$101K - $131K/yr

ALERT Team (Riot Control), Crime Analysis, Detectives, Field Training Officers, Firearms Instructors and Armorers, Hostage Negotiation Team and Training Instructors, Narcotic K-9 Officer, School ...

Patrol Officer

Mankato, MN · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Experience as an FTO, investigator, tactical team operator, instructor, supervisor, hostage negotiator, or other specialty assignment is desirable. Any new Police Officer accepting incentive payments ...

Police Officer - Lateral

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$102K - $124K/yr

... Hostage Negotiation, FTO, Traffic Motorcycle Officers, SRO, Gang Enforcement Team, Investigations and SWAT. There are also opportunities for career advancement and department funded training ...

Showing results 21-40

Hostage Negotiation information

What is a hostage negotiator?

Hostage negotiators are specially trained law enforcement professionals who communicate with individuals holding hostages or threatening violence, with the primary goal of resolving the situation peacefully. They use psychological techniques, active listening, and crisis communication strategies to persuade the subject to release hostages and surrender. Hostage negotiators often work as part of a larger tactical team, coordinating closely with other police units. Their work requires calm under pressure, empathy, and the ability to build rapport quickly with distressed or volatile individuals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in hostage negotiation roles?

Hostage negotiators often face high-pressure situations where emotions run high and stakes are extremely serious. One common challenge is maintaining clear, calm communication while building trust with individuals in crisis, all while working against the clock. Negotiators must also collaborate closely with law enforcement teams, mental health professionals, and command units to devise effective strategies. Adapting to rapidly evolving situations and remaining composed under stress are essential skills for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hostage negotiator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hostage Negotiator, you need expertise in crisis intervention, active listening, and conflict resolution, often supported by law enforcement experience and specialized negotiation training. Familiarity with communication technology, psychological assessment tools, and protocols such as the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) guidelines is crucial. Emotional intelligence, composure under extreme pressure, and persuasive communication are essential soft skills for building rapport and diffusing tense situations. These abilities are vital for ensuring the safe resolution of high-stakes incidents and protecting the lives of hostages and others involved.

What is the difference between Hostage Negotiation vs Crisis Negotiator?

AspectHostage NegotiationCrisis Negotiator
CredentialsLaw enforcement or FBI training, negotiation certificationsLaw enforcement, FBI, or specialized crisis response training
Work EnvironmentHigh-stakes, tense situations involving hostagesVarious emergencies, including suicides, barricades, or public safety crises
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, FBI, government agenciesLaw enforcement, emergency services, government agencies

Both roles involve negotiation skills and law enforcement training, but hostage negotiation specifically focuses on resolving hostage situations, while crisis negotiators handle a broader range of emergencies. The skills and credentials overlap significantly, making them closely related roles within law enforcement agencies.

How much do hostage negotiators get paid?

Hostage negotiators, often law enforcement officers or specialized crisis negotiators, typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and agency. Higher salaries are common in larger cities or federal agencies, and the role requires specialized training and skills in communication and crisis management.

How often do hostage negotiators work?

Hostage negotiators typically work in shifts that can include day, evening, or overnight hours, often on a rotating schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage. They may be called in as needed for crisis situations, which means their work hours can be unpredictable and may involve long or irregular shifts depending on incident demands.

What skills does a hostage negotiation need?

Hostage negotiation requires strong communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills to de-escalate situations and build rapport. Negotiators must remain calm under pressure, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and often have training in crisis management and conflict resolution. Physical and mental resilience are also important to handle high-stress environments effectively.
More about Hostage Negotiation jobs

What cities are hiring for Hostage Negotiation jobs?

Cities with the most Hostage Negotiation job openings:

What states have the most Hostage Negotiation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hostage Negotiation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hostage Negotiation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Now Hiring!!! Deputy Sheriff - Patrol Officer

Lincoln County

Troy, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary

Under general supervision, performs a wide variety of duties involved the enforcement of laws and the prevention of crimes; controls traffic flow and enforces state and local traffic regulations; issues citations; participates in and conducts a variety of criminal investigations; makes arrests; provides support and assistance to special crime prevention and law enforcement programs; and performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of  law enforcement services and activities.


Principal Accountabilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Patrol designated areas of the County in car, by foot, or other means to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and enforce traffic and other laws and ordinances; protect real and personal property by providing security checks of residential, business, and public premises; maintain awareness of and remains alert for wanted suspects, known criminals, stolen vehicles, missing persons, traffic violators, and crimes in progress; issue warnings and citations.
  • Respond to calls for the protection of life and property, the enforcement of laws and ordinances, general public service calls, and complaints including those involving automobile accidents, traffic hazards, misdemeanor and felony incidents, domestic disturbances, property control, civil complaints, and related incidents; investigate complaints and takes appropriate action, which may include the use of deadly or nondeadly force; use sound judgment under adverse, stressful conditions.
  • Conduct investigations at scenes of incidents to which they are summoned or incidents observed; determine what, if any, crime has been committed; identify, collect, preserve, process, and book evidence; locate and interview victims and witnesses; identify and interrogate suspects.
  • Work in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office to obtain and file criminal complaints on arrested
  • Prepare and serve search and arrest warrants; apprehend and arrest offenders for crimes committed under federal, state, and local laws and codes; control and mitigate people under the influence of drugs or alcohol or other potentially hostile situations.
  • Serve as liaison and public relations officer to the public; establish and preserve good relationships with the public; answer questions from the public concerning local and state laws, procedures, and activities of the department; make presentations before a variety of public groups to promote crime prevention activities and to enhance public understanding of Police activities.
  • Contact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses; may respond to requests for assistance from agencies outside the County for mutual aid in the suppression of civil disturbances, apprehension of criminals, or other related requests.
  • Participate in continuous training to enhance law enforcement skills including firearms proficiency, defensive driving, apprehension and arrest techniques, investigative, and general law enforcement.
  • Performa a variety of administrative and other types of duties in support of law enforcement services, programs, and activities; attend meetings; maintain and calibrate specialized equipment including preliminary alcohol screening devices.
  • Initiate and complete reports, legal documents, and other required paperwork; prepare a variety of reports including those on activities, operations, arrests made, and unusual incidents observed; prepare investigative reports and case information.
  • Testify in courts and at hearings; prepare and present case evidence; respond to mandatory court calls during irregular hours.
  • Direct traffic at fires, special events, and other emergency situations; provide traffic and crowd control at events; provide security at any county functions.
  • Enforce parking regulations; issue citations; towing of vehicles that are in violation of
  • Sign off on citations and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Participate in special assignments including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), Equestrian Unit, Canine Unit, and related assignments; provide guidance and training to Explorers.
  • When assigned as a Field Training Officer, train new recruits and lateral police officers; document trainee progress and prepare evaluations; serve as acting field supervisor as assigned.
  • When assigned as School Resource Officer, serve as law enforcement officer, law related counselor, and law related instructor at assigned school; create a positive role model for students; serve as liaison between students and law enforcement; investigate crimes that occur within the school and on school property; provide information and assistance to school staff and administration, parents, and students regarding law enforcement and community problems; make group presentations; attend committee meetings; maintain program statistics and reports.
  • When assigned to traffic, patrol assigned areas on a police vehicle; perform a full range of traffic enforcement duties; observe, monitor, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions; assist and advise motorist; use radar to detect speed; issue citations and warnings; investigate traffic accidents.


Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondences. Ability to speak effectively before groups of citizens and/or employees of this organization.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.


Supervisory Responsibilities

  • There are no supervisory responsibilities in this position.


Travel

  • Travel requirements will vary with the assignment.


Experience & Education

  • Prefer minimum one (1) year experience in Corrections, Law Enforcement, or other related
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Possess a valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's
  • Must successfully complete all components of the Deputy Sheriff’s Testing
  • CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS - Valid Missouri Motor Vehicle Operator's License; birth certificate (minimum age of 21 years), Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A certification or out of state equivalent or the ability to obtain Missouri P.O.S.T. Class A certification by Missouri P.O.S.T. guidelines. Maintain qualifications in accordance with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office policy and Missouri P.O.S.T. guidelines.
  • Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license


Physical Requirements/Working Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or run. Must have the ability to lift and drag a minimum of 100 pounds. Deputy is required to wear a duty rig which weighs on average between 20-25 pounds and is preferred to wear a bullet proof vest weighing on average 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.


Benefits

  • 14 paid holidays
  • Receive 8 hours vacation and 4 hours personal time per month
  • Potential for overtime or comp time
  • CERF Retirement
  • Paid health/dental/vision insurance for employees
    • Option health/dental/vision insurance available for family/dependents at employee's expense
  • Required uniforms and equipment provided.
  • Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • County provided Life and AD&D insurance
  • Optional additional voluntary life insurance


Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.