Crisis Intervention / Negotiations Unit

The Longview Police Department places its highest value on the safeguarding of human life. The Crisis Intervention Negotiations Unit (CINU) is the ultimate projection of that value.

The department’s Crisis Intervention Negotiations Unit is under the command of Sgt. Aaron Clinton. The Unit is activated when any person in crisis is in a position to prevent police action by threats of injury to himself and/or others. This includes suicidal persons, hostage-takers, and barricaded suspects.

All members of the Unit have received at least 40 hours of basic negotiation training. The basic training includes instruction in psychological profiles of offenders, negotiation tactics, administrative procedures for negotiators, intelligence gathering, and roles of team members. Advanced training can address any other subject related to negotiations that requires specialized training. The Unit has been trained in such specialized areas as negotiating with terrorists, specialized equipment operation, and critical incident stress debriefing.

During 2008-2009 the Unit responded to several barricaded persons, raids, and the serving of warrants. CINU also assists other agencies in conducting their investigations. LPD SWAT along with the CINU teams were intricately involved in the successful location of subject that shot and killed Trooper J. Burns in April, 2008. The Unit has acquired new equipment that puts it on the cutting edge of technology. The capabilities of the equipment and tactics used in its deployment are confidential, but the insight of the Chief of Police and City administration in approving the purchase of the equipment has shown their commitment to the safety of the citizens of the City.

All Longview Police Department's Crisis Investigators and Negotiators are licensed through the Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators.