Critical Incident Negotiations Team

In 1987, the Lodi Police Department anticipated a possible need for several highly trained individuals in the area of negotiation techniques. This need laid the groundwork for what is today called the Critical Incident Negotiations Team (CINT). These specially-selected members of the department include police officers and communications dispatchers.

Purpose

The CINT works in conjunction with SWAT team members in situations that may involve barricaded persons or armed hostage takers. The team will make contact with the involved person in an attempt to resolve the problem by peaceful means eliminating the further chance of any person being injured. Situations where a team response may be necessary  include: 

• High-risk arrests
• Hostage situations
• Mentally unstable persons

The negotiators' abilities are utilized to try and reduce the threat of otherwise volatile situations and minimize suffering.

Training

Team members are trained in areas of intelligence gathering, threat evaluation, and problem resolution. The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Department of Justice both provide training for CINT members.