Ressler's work for hostage negotiation training has been the FBI's model since the 1970s. He has worked with law enforcement in Britain, France, Germany and other countries worldwide to develop similar programs. He is also a noted FBI psychological profiler. The Cuban-Americans showed great restraint. According to Ressler, in no way could the standoff between the family and the federal government be considered a hostage situation.
Negotiations have to be exhausted before the government escalates.
According to impartial mediators, negotiations were continuing. Force is a last resort. Reno has still not explained what time constraint demanded risking lives with force. Reno's deception was a dangerous precedent. Though negotiations were ongoing, Reno deceived the Miami family by sending in armed agents.