O Brien, Andrea
Hailing 101 - From Non-Responder to Riot Control

Effective and timely negotiations are integral to the successful resolution of critical incidents involving law enforcement and corrections. Overall mission success requires communication, teamwork, seamless coordination, and optimal performance from all special team response elements. Negotiators are tasked with communicating with barricaded subjects, whether through one-way communication with a non-responder or two-way communication with the subject who is the focus of the incident. In other scenarios, negotiators may be called upon to provide "voice cover" to mask tactical movement or to make announcements for a search warrant service or crowd-control efforts.

This course provides insights and practical guidance for both new and seasoned negotiators across a variety of responsibilities and scenarios you may encounter in your duties, whether on patrol, in a jail or corrections setting, or as a member of a special team that extends beyond the scope of what we envision as normal two-way negotiations.

While "The Basics" form the foundation of our communication as negotiators, there is no one-size-fits-all. At the conclusion of this course, students will gain confidence and competence in selecting and applying the tactics and techniques discussed, based on the situation.

Disclaimer: Students are strongly encouraged to review their agency's current policies and operating procedures regarding Crisis or Hostage Negotiation Teams prior to attending this course.

Andrea O Brien - Bio
Retired Lieutenant Andi O'Brien's service began in 1999 as a civilian. After 9/11, her calling moved her to something bigger. In 2003, became a deputy sheriff. Her assignments included detention, crime scene investigator, field training officer, special operations, and the patrol division. In 2018, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 2023, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Throughout her tenure, one of her ancillary assignments was with the Hostage Negotiations Team, starting as a negotiator. Shortly after her promotion to Sergeant, she transitioned to Team Leader. In 2026, she retired as the Hostage Team Commander. Andi has served on the WSHNA Board since 2012, first as a District Representative and later on the Executive Board. She has coordinated multiple WSHNA Seminars. While with WSHNA, she has attended several NCNA (National Council of Negotiators Association) Meetings. She continues to develop case studies, educational blocks, and training for first responders, negotiators, and the families of first responders. She speaks nationally and internationally at conferences, courses, and agencies. In 2026, she retired from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office as the commander of the Hostage Negotiations Team.