The psychiatric forensic nurse assigned to a hostage negotiation tactical team is deployed along with the team when a man takes several hostages. The nurse's role within the team would include which tasks? Select all that apply

Question

a. Negotiating directly with the perpetrator
b. Directing strategies for police deployment
c. Training officers in communication skills
d. Assessing the mental status of the perpetrator
e. Serving as a liaison to mental health agencies
f. Suggesting negotiation techniques to a negotiator

Answer 1

C, D, E, F
The forensic nurse assigned to a hostage tactical team serves to assist the team and provide them with clinical information and assessments consistent with her training and experience. This nurse does not negotiate with the perpetrator or direct the actions of the police officers. Assistance can include assessing the perpetrator, assisting the freed hostages, educating police officers on mental health–related topics, assessing the stress level of the negotiator, suggesting techniques that might be appropriate (particularly when the perpetrator is mentally compromised), and serving as a go-between with local mental health agencies.