HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION UNIT

Knoxville Police Department Negotiator Coordinator
Lt. Dusty Lane
KPD Headquarters
800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave
Knoxville, TN 37915
865-215-7000
plane@cityofknoxville.org

The Crisis Negotiations Unit is responsible for responding to incidents that require officers trained in crisis intervention and negotiation techniques, which would include suicidal persons, barricaded suspects and hostage situations. The Negotiations Unit responded to nine incidents in 2006. Five bridge jumpers, three barricaded suspects from crimes and one barricade attempted suicide.

The Unit participated in 80 hours of training during the monthly training days. The training consisted of classes, case studies, equipment proficiency and scenario based training. Four new negotiators were added to the squad: Officers Jeff Day, James Burrell, Thomas Epps and David Ogle completed the 40-hour FBI Basic Negotiations School. Officers on the Crisis Negotiations Unit attended the Midwest Negotiations Conference in Columbus Ohio and the FBI's Special Topics Class (Advanced Negotiations) held in Kingston, TN.