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Negotiators

The Negotiation Unit was established in the late 1970s following the Sydney Hilton bombing. The Commonwealth realised that a more coordinated approach to combating terrorism was required and facilitated the formation of specialist negotiation units in each State and Territory.

Negotiators undergo an intensive selection and training process. They need to be good communicators, have an understanding of "what makes people tick" and above all they must have the ability to remain calm in a crisis. After completing training in Tasmania, negotiators have the opportunity to attend more advanced training on the mainland and overseas.

Work within the Negotiation Unit is part-time and members come from many different areas throughout the State. If negotiators are needed then they can quickly be on site with the necessary equipment.

Depending on the circumstances a negotiation team can operate from a car, a house or in the open using equipment ranging from the ubiquitous bullhorn to the state-of-the-art communication facilities housed in our van.

Negotiators may be called on to deal with all sorts of situations from suicide intervention through to violent incidents involving the taking of hostages. A psychologist or psychiatrist is often called upon to assist the negotiators.