Suicidal Subject in a Police Car
On July 31, 2016, Columbus Police officers conducted a traffic stop of an individual suspected of buying narcotics. The suspect had good warrants and was placed under arrest. The traffic stopped turned into a standoff when the suspect threatened harm to himself and the officer with a handgun. The suspect was able to commandeer the front seat of the cruiser and pleaded with officers to kill him utilizing the police radio.
The incident serves as both a case study and a small educational piece touching on the basic principles of the emotionality and rationality “teeter totter”, and the behavioral stairway. The topics are touched on only to show how the principles are integrated in this particular negotiation and help new negotiators see how they are put into practical application. (90% case study / 10% educational)