The Crisis Negotiation Unit (C.N.U.) consists of police officers who work in various divisions within the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department.

These officers are specially trained to interact with people in crisis or during high-risk situations. The goal of the Crisis Negotiation Unit is to defuse potentially life-threatening situations through the use of proven verbal crisis management techniques.

The mission of the Crisis Negotiation Unit is to support the police department with a specialized negotiation capability to facilitate the police department’s response to critical incidents such as:

  • Hostage Situations
  • Barricade Situations
  • Violent, emotionally disturbed persons
  • Special Assignments as directed by the Chief of Police

The Crisis Negotiation Unit works closely with the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department S.W.A.T. Team. All members of the C.N.U. complete a basic 40-hourF.B.I.I Crisis Negotiation Course as well as an advanced negotiators course, and attend periodic training sessions held throughout the year to enhance their skills.