Implications for the selection and training of hostage negotiators, through an analysis of hostage negotiation data

Kennett, Robert James

Abstract

This thesis relates the empirical research to a broad background of globalisation and national policy relevant to this topic. It centres on identifying the implications for the selection and training of hostage negotiators and it seeks to achieve this by analysing deployment data and by exploring the experiences and perceptions of senior police officers involved in this field.

This thesis consists of seven chapters in all. The first chapter provides a brief introduction to the background of the research and places the subject into context. Furthermore, it signals the significance of this unique empirical study and its desired effect on current national policy. It raises the core questions with which this research will engage and finally describes the whole thesis.

The literature review is divided into two chapters. Chapter Two examines the literature relevant to this study. It will argue that there are many features of globalisation and some of these may be closely linked to modern terrorism. Initially, it seeks to orientate the reader to the various genres of terrorism; then various strands of globalisation will be discussed.

Chapter Three is also a literature review and tensions surrounding the various strands of globalisation are considered as potential catalysts for terrorism. This literature review will also consider the current policies that shape police educational provision and, in particular, the selection and training of police hostage negotiators.

The fourth chapter examines research methodologies, using both the quantitative and qualitative paradigms, and seeks to justify the rationale for the choice of research methods employed within this study. Also it illuminates issues pertinent to this research; in particular the difficulties faced by the researcher investigating subjects within the police environment and hostage negotiation in particular. Moreover, the key issues of gaining access to the service, ethical issues surrounding this research, collecting data and referencing policy within a sensitive environment will be examined.

Both the fifth and sixth chapters not only analyse but also present the research data - the fifth chapter presents the quantitative data and provides an analysis of this and the sixth chapter analyses qualitative data gathered nationally, exploring the experiences and views of senior police officers involved within this field.

Chapter Seven provides a review of the research questions and the data analysed. It will then provide conclusions on the research questions. Thereafter,· it will present a series of recommendations for the, improvement of the selection and training of hostage and crisis negotiators. Furthermore, it will consider the limitations of the study and finally it will suggest avenues for further investigation within the field.

Citation

Kennett, R. J. (2009). Implications for the selection and training of hostage negotiators, through an analysis of hostage negotiation data. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4219272

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 30, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4219272
• Additional Information: Centre for Educational Studies, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Apr 1, 2009