The Douglas County Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team is committed to
resolving high-risk and crisis situations by minimizing risk to human life
through professional dialogue and minimal use of force.

The CNT is trained in resolving crisis situations peacefully.
CNT is often called to work with the
Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) on high-risk situations
where there is a likelihood that suspects are heavily armed and barricaded
and have hostages, or are suicidal or mentally unstable.

The  team includes one full-time psychologist who provides mental health
observations in regard to the mindset of individuals, as well as suggesting
possible appropriate dialogues and avenues of understanding to gain
compliance with an individual who, most often, is confronted with a situation
that is overwhelming and exceeds that person’s ability to cope.

The team continually trains with surrounding law enforcement
negotiation teams and receives formal training from agencies
such as the FBI to maintain its knowledge of the latest negotiation
processes, communication, de-escalation skills and aftercare
to individuals involved in crisis situations.