This seminar offers negotiators several tools to assist with monitoring and improving rapport development. Whether in training or practice, every primary negotiator has felt the awkwardness of trying to maintain conversation while reading notes passed by the coach. Similarly, every coach likely has felt the frustration of trying to write and pass a note before the conversation changes topics. The tools suggested in this presentation can help negotiation teams reduce or eliminate the need for notes by offering alternative suggestions for monitoring the conversation.

Sgt. Charles Crosby is a 15-year veteran of the Orlando (FL) Police. As an officer, he spent time in the patrol, neighborhood bike, and field training units. He served as an active field trainer for four years and continues to serve as an instructor for intra-agency training of various types, including vehicle operations, fair and impartial policing, and mental health first aid. As a supervisor, he has worked in patrol, the mounted unit, and the criminal investigations division, and is currently the supervisor of the Special Victims Unit.

In addition to his primary assignments, Sgt. Crosby has served on the Crisis Negotiation Team for 11 years and is currently a team leader and training coordinator. He is also an active Intelligence Liaison Officer for the Central Florida Fusion Center, a certified Crisis Intervention Officer, and a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team.

Sgt. Crosby holds a BA in History and an MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He also earned a certificate in Public Safety Leadership Development. He has completed both the FBI's National Crisis Negotiation Course and the Counter Terrorism Negotiating and Crisis Negotiator Coordinator courses hosted by Police Scotland.