Most of us have had basic hostage negotiations training. What now? This presentation looks at exploring considerations where you put your basic negotiations training to task. Knowing your audience is paramount. You should understand cultural competence, from gender identity, race and ethnicity, to today's millennial generation. Explore the importance of being trauma-informed and how it can influence your tactics. Know your own communication style and capitalize on your strengths. Take best practices and customize them to make them your own. This seminar will help enhance your foundation of active listening skills and build a sturdier stairway to behavioral change.

Victor Torres retired from the Fort Wayne, IN Police Department in 2015. Victor served as a DARE Officer, Motorcycle Officer, Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Team Officer and trainer, and a Crisis Response Team member as a crisis negotiator. Victor's last assignment was in the Detective Bureau's homicide division. Victor has negotiated numerous barricaded, suicidal and hostage incidents with success. Victor currently works for Fort Wayne, Indiana Community Schools as a school resource officer. Since 2012 Victor has served as Board member and former Chair of the Board of Directors for Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana and remains on a Mental Health America subcommittee. Since 2009, Victor has served on the Board of Directors for Park Center Inc., Fort Wayne's leading mental health provider. Victor has also served on the Board of the Indiana Association of Hostage and Crisis Negotiators since 2012.