Negotiating in the skies of Hong Kong: The efficacy of the Behavioral Influence Stairway Model (BISM) in suicidal crisis situations

Publication date: Available online 16 August 2019Source: Aggression and Violent BehaviorAuthor(s): Gregory M. Vecchi, Gilbert K.H. Wong, Paul W.C. Wong, Mary Ann MarkeyAbstractLaw enforcement agencies often deal with dangerous, difficult, and disordered individuals by applying the theory and practice of tactical negotiation composed of a unique application of communication techniques aimed at obtaining voluntary compliance. Known as hostage or crisis negotiation, law enforcement tactical negotiation (LETN) has shown to be an effective technique for resolving barricaded hostage and crisis situations, kidnappings, and suicidal incidents. Over the years, there have been several models of LETN, however; most of them are based on the assumption that the person is rational and views the officer as credible; however, in situations where people are in crisis, emotions control their actions rather than reason. Therefore, being successful requires the officer to return the subject to a rational state of mind and establish trust. If either of these, elements are missing, then traditional negotiation will most likely fail in gaining voluntary compliance in a timely manner. This is especially true with suicidal persons who have exceeded their ability to cope with their situation and believe that no one will help them. The Behavioral Influence Stairway Model (BISM) operates on the premise that a state of personal crisis occurs when coping and social support mechanisms fail and that to end ...
Source: Aggression and Violent Behavior - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research