December 7, 2026 - About the Workshop
Back by popular demand, this workshop is a repeat presentation of the June 1 session.
The Unlocking Solutions for Successful Crisis Resolution workshop will feature experienced presenters delivering a mix of historical case studies and topical presentations to further strengthen crisis negotiations teams in an easily accessible virtual format. Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and expertise.
Note: This workshop has limited seats. Each student must register for the workshop individually. Attendees will need a computer or tablet with webcam and microphone capabilities in order to participate in this interactive workshop.
Workshop Schedule
Dec. 7, 2026
Case Study: The True Story Behind the Movie “The Negotiator”
1000 – 1200 EASTERN TIME
Presented by Patrick Doering
This presentation is a historical case study in reference to the 1980s Saint Louis City Police Departments pension fund scandal which resulted in a Saint Louis City Police Officer taking a Police Commissioner hostage. This event inspired the Movie “The Negotiator.” The study has been a three-year project involving interviews with the hostage taker, the on-scene commander, four negotiators, a sniper, the hostage’s sons, and the newspaper reporter who covered the story. Research included police reports, newspaper accounts, and TV broadcasts.
This presentation will address the following:
- Negotiating with one of your own
- Importance of debriefing
- Train with other teams in your region
- Trust in the negotiation process
- Seek out the “old timers”
Bridging the Gap
1200 – 1400 EASTERN TIME
Presented by Sean Pollock
This presentation examines the role that support units including SWAT, Communication Centers and Community Support Groups play in resolving critical incidents and supporting Crisis Negotiation Teams in their operational role. Information sharing, respective responsibilities, realistic training and transitions will be covered.
Learning from Legends: The History of Negotiations
1500 – 1700 EASTERN TIME
Presented by Patrick Doering
This presentation takes a deep dive into the history of police negotiations. The presenter conducted extensive interviews with over 20 groundbreaking negotiators from the 1970s and 1980s. He will share the lessons they learned throughout their careers and some of the incidents they were involved with. Participants will come away with a better understanding of the early struggles these individuals faced and the knowledge they gained along the way.
Leadership on Your Crisis Negotiation Team
1700 – 1900 EASTERN TIME
Presented by Sean Pollock
This presentation is an overview of what is required to support the Commander's Mission during critical incidents and speaks to the difference between a Team Leader and the Negotiations Liaison working with Tactical Command. Elements of decision-making, post-incident debriefs, and team member well-being will also be covered in this presentation.
Meet Our Distinguished Presenters
Pat Doering
Patrick Doering retired after a 28.5 year career with the Lake St. Louis (MO) Police Department. He was a Crisis/Hostage Negotiator for 20 of those years and spent the last three years as the Commander of the St. Charles County Regional Crisis Negotiation Team. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the FBI National Crisis Negotiation Course, and the London Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard) National Negotiators course. Patrick is the former President and co-founder of the Missouri Association of Crisis Negotiators. He has presented case studies at several negotiation conferences across the country. He is currently the Crisis Negotiation Section Chair for the National Tactical Officers Association.
Sean Pollock
Inspector Sean Pollock is a retired member of the Winnipeg Police Service, having completed 24 years of service. During the course of his career, he has worked in patrol, community support, specialized investigations, traffic, and spent time at the training division. He was promoted to Inspector in 2022 and commanded both the Operational Support Division, overseeing all special operations portfolios for the Winnipeg Police Service, as well as the Records and Reports Management Division. Inspector Pollock joined the Crisis Negotiation Unit in 2011 and was deployed to a variety of crisis incidents, including suicidal individuals, barricaded subjects, and high-risk warrants. He is a qualified Critical Incident Commander and was an adjunct faculty member with the Canadian Police College until the time of his retirement. Inspector Pollock is a member of the instructing cadre for the National Tactical Officers Association as well as a consultant for public and private organizations relative to conflict resolution and crisis communication. He was awarded the Excellence in Law Enforcement Award by the Province of Manitoba as well as the Exemplary Service Award by the Governor General of Canada. Inspector Pollock is the author of "Answering the Call - Lessons Learned as a Crisis Negotiator."
Join Us for the Upcoming Workshop
Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your crisis negotiations skills and network with industry leaders. Register today to secure your spot at the NTOA workshop.
Registration fees: $201 members | $256 non-members.