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Researcher, Crisis Negotiator, Law Enforcement, Columbia University

ACADEMIC
I earned my Ph.D. while conducting research on the ability to build rapport and trust while displaying professionalism in conflict situations. I also have a MS in Negotiation. I have been published in peer-reviewed journals and also serve as an ad hoc reviewer. In the 2013/2014 academic year I was a Research Fellow at Columbia University conducting research on crisis negotiation with a sub-emphasis on negotiations during terrorist incidents.

PROFESSIONAL
I have more than 12 years of law enforcement experience including patrol, public information, community relations, training, and the hostage negotiation team. I am trained as a crisis negotiator by both the FBI and NYPD. Additionally, I am a certified international mediator and trained arbitrator and ombudsman.

TEACHING AND TRAINING
I have developed and conducted training in de-escalation, crisis communication, and positive police-community relations that has been taught to more than 22,000 police officers. I have trained law enforcement personnel in crisis/hostage negotiation to departments across the world. I have also provided training in conflict resolution to both national and international professional audiences including the military, business executives, judges, attorneys, physicians, and other medical staff. I have given guest lectures at numerous universities and frequently present at professional and academic conferences as the keynote speaker and both plenary and workshop sessions.

Experience

  • 2005–present
    Mediator, private
  • 2003–present
    Detective, Law Enforcement (United States)
  • 2005–present
    Crisis Communication Trainer/Consultant, Independent
  • 2014–present
    Crisis Hostage Negotiator, Law Enforcement

Education

  • 2015 
    Law School, Griffith University, Doctorate
  • 2010 
    Werner Institute, Creighton University Law School, MS Negotiation & Dispute Resolution

Professional Memberships

  • Society for Terrorism Research
  • New York Association for Hostage Negotiators

Research Areas

  • Communication Studies (200101)
  • Litigation, Adjudication And Dispute Resolution (180123)
  • Organisational, Interpersonal And Intercultural Communication (200105)
  • Political Science (1606)
  • Communications And Media Policy (160503)

Honours

2013/14 Recipient of the NYPD Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly Scholarship