Prediction of violence is central to hostage negotiations and is an essential part of what both clinicians and police officers do, but should not be the province of the mental health advisory alone. The role of the mental health advisor serving as a consultant or a team member is that of trainer, coach, observer of process, monitor, liaison with mental health resources, intelligence gatherer, post-incident debriefer, and researcher. A hostage incident includes a beginning phase, a middle phase, and a terminal phase. The mental health advisory must be prepared to answer questions regarding psychological profiles of the hostage-taker; the characteristics of the situation; and the suggested negotiation strategies, approaches, and directions during each phase of the incident. The answers to these questions will help the negotiator and team leader as they formulate and implement strategies to advance the negotiations. 13 references