Preventing the use of force through police negotiation: Exploring the role and potential of the Norwegian Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Unit

Abstract

The aim of negotiation is to avoid violent intervention in situations and incidents where people are acting in a threatening manner. The use of negotiators has proved an effective response to critical incidents. Through participant observation and interviews, this study explores the Norwegian Crisis and Hostage Negotiation Unit (CHNU). CHNU is a separate unit, and three aspects differentiate it from similar units in other countries: its members have full-time positions; they go out on patrol; and all are trained to deal with every kind of negotiation, whether involving suicidal and mentally ill people, barricades, kidnappings, or terrorism. The way this agency is organized has resulted in a highly expert and successful negotiation team, and their contribution goes beyond preventing violent intervention. The article discusses the role of negotiation and argues that it should become part of the operational gold standard at a much earlier stage and be used more often as the first line of action during the mobilization of police resources.