This book continues to build on the advancement of crisis response management with a comprehensive focus on negotiations in relation to critical incidents and hostage situations. The book is divided into 15 chapters. Chapter 1 highlights areas of historical development in hostage and crisis negotiations. Chapter 2 presents an understanding in the approach and process of crisis intervention. Chapter 3 outlines time as an invaluable tool to the negotiator and how to use time to one’s advantage. Chapter 4 discusses and provides a better understanding of the impact of stress on hostages, hostage takers, and negotiators and how to manage stress which is a constant in a hostage situation. Chapter 5 examines the definitions of hostages and victims of a crisis incident and the aftermath of being taken hostage. Chapter 6 describes the art or science in effective communication, especially in the position of a negotiator. Chapter 7 assists negotiators in understanding issues involving the negotiation with a wide range of emotionally disturbed individuals. Chapter 9 offers a definition of response teams, identifies issues related to incidents and teams, and describes the roles and structures of response teams. Chapter 10 covers hostage taking in prisons and the exploration of the differences within the corrections environment. Chapter 11 discusses the significance of knowledge in successful negotiation, specifically the gathering of intelligence information. Chapter 12 focuses on negotiations with special groups, such as juveniles, the elderly, and gangs. Chapter 13 discusses the critical equipment needed by both the negotiator and response team. Chapter 14 presents an overview of the critical need for tactical teams and other outside agency assistance to support the negotiating team at the hostage situation. The final chapter reviews the significance and impact of post-incident debriefings. Section references and discussion questions