We choose members based on the unique makeup of the team. Team balance regarding ethnic, racial, and gender characteristics is important. A hostage taker's unique psychological makeup determines which type of primary negotiator is more likely to be effective. Another aspect of the selection process and team maintenance is assessing the mental health of each potential team member. The mental health of each team member is extremely important.
Membership is very stressful.
Each time we practice, we know that at some future date, someone's life may be in the balance, whether an offender or employee. The strongest candidates are interviewed by the entire team and put through a hostage negotiation vignette. At this stage, current team members evaluate a candidate's communication skills, ability to think on their feet, and plain old common sense. New recruits receive 40 hours of certified crisis negotiator training, and current members receive re-certification training annually. Additionally, team members receive outside training and run through real time hostage scenarios.