Crisis Cops Quotes

“That is why it is important to “talk yourself down,” to mentally go over the checklist of what to do on your arrival at the scene. A deliberate and conscious effort is necessary. Even though you may feel as if you are moving in slow motion, you will be acting and speaking very, very rapidly. Taking a few moments to pinpoint the location to which you are responding on a map before you start out will remove some degree of anxiety and concern. This will allow more total concentration on the incident of the moment.”
― Patrick R Doering, Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Hostage Negotiations in America

“There was a sign on the wall of the squad room in capital letters that read “GOYA KOD.” This acronym reminded detectives to “Get Off Your Ass, Knock On Doors.” Occasionally, but rarely, people might come to the police with information, but they tend to be more cooperative when interviewed at their residence or stores.”
― Patrick R Doering, Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Hostage Negotiations in America

“positive foreshadowing.” This means introducing statements throughout the negotiation such as, “When you come out,” or “When this is all over, we can talk one on one.”
― Patrick R Doering, Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Hostage Negotiations in America

“Law enforcement officers sometimes feel that no action in a crisis situation means we are not making progress and that we should do something to elicit a response—for example, to break a window or deploy gas. In fact, what’s most important to understand about the negotiation process is that sometimes we may talk for hours with no response, but that doesn’t always mean that the subject on the other end is not listening and that the process is not working, when indeed it may be. It’s a bit of a cliché, but in negotiating, patience really is a virtue.”
― Patrick R Doering, Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Hostage Negotiations in America

“Diogenes sums it up best: “We have two ears and only one tongue in order that we may hear more and speak less.”
― Patrick R Doering, Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Hostage Negotiations in America

“To be a good negotiator, you don’t do all of the talking; you must also be an excellent listener.”
― Patrick R Doering, Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Hostage Negotiations in America