McDougall, Gary
Suicide 101: A Negotiator's Perspective

In the field of crisis negotiations, we are often tasked with crisis intervention in relation to a suicidal subject. While the proven skills we employ in other negotiation arenas will serve us well in these situations, there are strategies unique to the suicidal subject that are worthy of discussion. In this presentation, we will examine the incident assessment process as well as a number of predictable patterns that often arise in these scenarios. These patterns include imitation of method, location and timing of the suicidal behavior. In addition, we will examine the relationship that sometimes occurs between suicidal and homicidal ideology. Discussion will also include an exploration of the value and risks associated with "grabbing the potential jumper" and other situations in which the negotiator takes unilateral action. Additionally, we will discuss strategies for managing external influences and ways in which the negotiation team can create circumstances to allow the subject to "surrender" with dignity while saving face.

Gary McDougall - Bio
Gary McDougall is a retired police officer who served with the Calgary, Canada Police Service, retiring in 2006. Gary was a member of the Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team and served as a Team Leader and Training coordinator. Upon retiring in 2006, Gary formed a company called Conflict Solutions. He provides training in several disciplines, including practical negotiation skills, conflict management, demanding clients, ethics in the workplace, and workplace violence issues. Gary is also a member of the Canadian Speakers Bureau and a Lead Instructor for the NTOA. Gary is a graduate of the FBI Hostage Negotiators Training School and has also served as an Instructor at the FBI Training Academy, assisting in training new FBI Hostage Negotiators.