The mental disturbances portrayed in this study were paranoid schizophrenia, psychotic depression, antisocial personality, or inadequate personality. A total of 75 subjects participated in the study, 25 in each of the three groups. The questionnaire administered to each group contained four scenarios, each relating to one of the four mental disorders. The correct answer to each scenario was taken from the guidelines which the authors have used and found to be most productive in dealing with hostage situations. The incorrect responses were actions that have been shown to bring about a negative or nonproductive response with the particular type of hostage-taker portrayed. Results indicate that the trained hostage negotiators scored more correct responses than either of the other two groups. The line officers scored the next highest in correct responses. These findings support a policy of using mental health professionals in an advisory role on the negotiation team rather than as a direct negotiator, unless the mental health professional has had specific training in hostage negotiation. Implications are drawn for future research. 1 table and 9 references