Officer Kjellin briefs Citizens Police Academy on hostage negotiations

Officer Kjellin educated attendees at the Citizens Police Academy tonight about the Southaven Police Department’s Hostage Negotiations Team, the department said in a Facebook post. Captain Phelps followed with a presentation on the department’s Crisis Intervention Team.

The Southaven Police Department, based in Southaven, Mississippi, said the hostage negotiations briefing covered a range of situations a negotiator may encounter in real-life incidents. Hostage negotiation teams typically focus on resolving high-risk situations through communication and negotiation rather than force.

Captain Phelps’ discussion highlighted the department’s Crisis Intervention Team. The post said officers and dispatchers receive training in de-escalation tactics to help individuals in crisis receive support and assistance instead of jail time, reflecting a growing emphasis on diversion to treatment for mental health calls.

The Citizens Police Academy gives residents an inside look at police operations and is intended to build community understanding and trust. Olive Garden – Southaven provided dinner for the event, the post said. We will provide more information as it becomes available.