title: The psychologist's role in hostage negotiations.
abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine the proper role of the psychologist who serves as a consultant to a hostage negotiation team. Mental health consultants can be beneficial to law enforcement during these times of crisis if they are aware of the appropriate role they play. This article discusses preferred characteristics of a mental health professional serving in this capacity and focuses on the various tasks required of a psychologist on the scene of a barricade.
authors.affiliation: Forensic and Law Enforcement Services, Dulaney Station Inc., Sheppard Pratt Health System, Timonium, MD, USA. cdebernardo@dulaneystation.org
authors.forename: Caren R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: DeBernardo
mesh_terms: D003419:Crisis Intervention; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services; D017008:Negotiating; D011329:Prisoners; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012380:Role