The concept of a person in crisis threatening to jump off a bridge, a building, an overpass or a cell tower is as old as suicide itself. This unique and highly specialized crisis negotiation course takes a fresh approach to an age-old crisis. CSM’s High Element Negotiation Course is intended to provide crisis negotiators with specialized skills for mitigating threats involving high elements.
An overview of High Element Negotiation will begin with the logistical difficulties of dealing with a “jumper”, methods of communication, the importance of isolating the crisis, and the role of drugs and alcohol as it pertains to the “jumper.” You will gain an understanding of the ‘Rescue Dynamic’ experienced by responders and its effects on officer safety.

You will participate in an in-depth discussion about the non-verbal interpretation of a crisis. Topics will include non-verbal characteristics of a person with suicidal intent as well as factors indicating the immediacy of suicidal intent.

Communicating with an emotionally disturbed person presents unique challenges. We will help you navigate your way through receptive and expressive aphasia, delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia with effective techniques for communication.

Suicidal people sometimes chose methods of dying that place others at risk. The decision to use force as a means to resolve a suicidal crisis is a difficult one. We will explore the risk associated with a suicidal crisis as well as action criteria for using force as a means of resolution. We will discuss the inevitable pressure on law enforcement to restore normal activity and the effect it has on decision making.

Fire and rescue personnel have their own rescue doctrine when it comes to dealing with a “jumper.” A procedurally-focused discussion will help you better understand the role of fire and rescue as it pertains to crisis negotiation and clarify where the crisis phase ends and the rescue phase begins.

What role does the tactical team play when dealing with a “jumper”? At what point do we determine we are going to use non-lethal or lethal force to resolve a suicidal crisis? What methods are acceptable for a tactical resolution? You will get the answers to these questions and more during an overview of the tactical response.

Lastly, we will learn the legal risks associated with negotiating a high-element crisis.
The course culminates with challenging high-element negotiation opportunities. Students will apply communication techniques discussed in lecture and will have an opportunity to negotiation from extreme heights.

PREREQUISITES: You must be a sworn member of law enforcement or corrections, a non-law enforcement member of a crisis negotiation team, a mental health professional or a clergy member supporting law enforcement activities and have completed CSM’s Crisis Hostage Negotiations – Level I (Basic) course, or an equivalent 40-hour crisis negotiation course, prior to attending this class. Requests for exceptions must be submitted and approved by the course director.

This course alone does not meet state and federal training requirements for crisis-hostage negotiator certification however, is intended as an advanced/ refresher for previously trained and experienced negotiators.

TOPICS INCLUDE:
Introduction to High Element Negotiation
Interpreting the Crisis
Crisis Communication with the Emotionally Disturbed
Managing the Suicidal Crisis
Working with Rescue Responders
Tactical Overview of the High Element Crisis
Managing Legal Risk

NOTES: Practical exercises will take place outside regardless of weather conditions and will require negotiation from extreme heights.
This course is available as a mobile training course however, requires the host agancy to coordinate fire academy training facilities.

(CEH:12-hours Technical Skill; 6-hours Interpersonal Perspectives; 2-hours Legal Studies & 4-hours Skill Development.)

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