This edited collection offers a comprehensive examination of theory, research, and practice in crisis (hostage) negotiation from the perspectives of communication, law enforcement, psychology, sociology, and criminology. The volume identifies promising conceptual frameworks for the development of research on crisis negotiation. This book is also useful to crisis negotiation trainers and leaders in law enforcement who are searching for insight beyond anecdotal stories and who recognize the need for more rigorous application of behavioral science to the practice of crisis negotiation.

Mitchell R. Hammer is President of Hammer Consulting, LLC, a conflict and crisis resolution organization, and Professor Emeritus of International Peace and Conflict Resolution at The American University, The School of International Service, International Peace and Conflict Resolution. He is co-editor, with Randall G. Rogan and Clinton R. Van Zandt, of Dynamic Processes of Crisis Negotiation: Theory, Research and Practice (Praeger, 1997). Dr. Hammer frequently provides expert analysis for the media, including NBC News, CNN, USA Today, and the Washington Post.