The research used the nominal group technique to identify and evaluate trends and future events that could influence the future components of these teams. The eight participants noted and ranked 10 likely trends, including changes in technology, levels of funding for law enforcement training, levels of mental health funding, crime rates, and changes in methods of training. The participants also noted likely future events, including an incident in which the media contributed to the death of a police officer, the bankruptcy of a small government due to lawsuits from a hostage incident, and the elimination of funding for welfare and mental health. These findings and an analysis of policy issues were used to develop three strategies for the development of a hostage negotiating team for the Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Department, the sole law enforcement provider for the rapid transit in the San Francisco Bay area. Findings indicated that a regionalized, multiagency team concept would probably receive the greatest acceptance from public entities, police agencies, and communities. 10 references