Crisis Negotiation Seminar

Greetings from Chief Rick Hanson

It's my privilege to welcome you to the 17th annual Calgary Negotiation Seminar. The Calgary Police Service is once again pleased to be co-sponsoring this event with our close partners, the Southern Alberta District RCMP.

I've heard crisis negotiators described as having black belts in dialog. I couldn't agree more. I have the greatest of respect for those who can subdue a situation through communication and patience.

We know from personal experience in Calgary, that our negotiators have successfully resolved crisis situations by prolonging discussions long enough to prevent major tragedies. In each case, negotiators were vital elements in the Service's response, allowing other resources to ready themselves.

The skills of a negotiator have never before been so important.

My sincerest thanks to all of the presenters who are sharing their experiences and expertise, and to you, the negotiators, for everything you do every day.

Thank you.

Rick Hanson
CHIEF OF POLICE
CALGARY POLICE SERVICE

MESSAGE OF SUPERINTENDENT RANDY McGINNIS
RCMP SOUTHERN ALBERTA DISTRICT

It gives me great pleasure to welcome delegates and presenters to Southern Alberta and the 17th Annual Calgary Negotiation Seminar.

Thanks to the tireless work of the organizing committee, this conference continues to attract participants across north America and is an unparalleled opportunity to explore good practices, consider innovative approaches and establish new friendships.

I have a great deal of personal admiration for the men and women that work as Negotiators, Tactical Officers and Incident Commanders. Incident after incident, the public relies on your professionalism to confront violence with determination and good judgement. A number of our members still perform these duties above and beyond their work in other units. I would encourage you all to take the time, and if need be, seek assistance, in insuring your personal mental health is maintained. Please do not overlook the affect that your duties have on the most important people in your life, your families, as your families have also made tremendous sacrifices along the way and they all deserve our thanks

The longevity and success of this particular event speaks volumes about the close working relationship between the RCMP and the Calgary Police Service, and reminds us that our capacity to meet the expectations of the public will rely on the willingness of our agencies and our individual members to share expertise and work towards a common goal of safe homes and safe communities.

Sincerely,

R. MCGINNIS, Superintendent
District Commander
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Southern Alberta
"K" Division