Hostage Negotiation Team
The DeSoto County Sheriff's Department Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) is comprised of several specially trained Deputies who are available to respond 24 hours a day to incidents involving barricaded subjects, hostage situations, and emotionally disturbed persons. Team members work very closely with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team in responding to critical incidents.
The goal of negotiators is to help bring about a peaceful resolution to critical incidents without the use of force in order to reduce injury and loss of life. Negotiators must complete very intensive training in order to be on the team and they undergo regular simulation training in communicating with people during high-stress situations.
