Over 50 officers representing 17 law enforcement agencies from across Tennessee took part in a full day of crisis negotiator training on Thursday afternoon. The training was hosted by the Knoxville Police Department’s Crisis Negotiation Unit at the KPD training academy.

The training, which KPD offered at no charge to participating agencies, consisted of classroom instruction that covered a wide range of topics designed to improve officer de-escalation and communication skills. Topics included active listening techniques, strategies to build and maintain rapport, and risk assessment.

Participating negotiators and negotiator teams then put those skills to the test through numerous real-life, role-playing scenarios designed to replicate the type of calls that prompt crisis negotiator response. That included scenarios with suicidal individuals, hostage situations, and those with barricaded suspects.

“We were proud to offer this training at no expense to our law enforcement partners across the region and state,” said Deputy Chief Susan Coker, who oversees the KPD’s training unit. “It is essential for officers to have the skills and know-how to safely resolve any number of crises they are confronted with in their community. The officers and teams who participated in today’s training will be able to take the de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies that were discussed and enhance what they are already doing, leading to safer outcomes.”

Participating agencies included the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Metro Nashville Police Department, Pigeon Forge Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson City Police Department, University of Tennessee Police Department, Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and FBI Knoxville.