10/28/2026
Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team Conducts Joint Training Exercise
On October 7, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team conducted a joint, reality-based training exercise as part of its annual training requirements. The exercise incorporated specialized technical equipment, role players, the team’s Negotiation Operations Center command vehicle, and members of the Sheriff’s Office Drone Team to simulate real-world crisis scenarios and strengthen inter-team coordination.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team is a specialized unit trained to manage high-stress, volatile situations with the goal of de-escalating incidents and achieving peaceful resolutions while prioritizing the safety of everyone involved.
Crisis negotiation requires a combination of technical expertise, psychological insight, effective communication, and emotional resilience. Team members frequently collaborate with the Ulster County Emergency Response Team and mental health professionals to resolve critical incidents safely and peacefully.
The team consists of 12 certified crisis negotiators who have completed the FBI Crisis Negotiation Course and are trained to respond to a wide range of critical incidents. Regular training exercises help maintain these skills and ensure the team remains prepared to respond when called upon.
Following the training exercise, the team formally recognized Deputy Cabrera for his actions on July 24, 2026, when he assisted the Town of Ulster Police Department during an incident involving a male threatening to jump from the Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge. Through effective communication, Deputy Cabrera was able to establish a rapport with the individual and persuade him to climb back over the railing to safety. In recognition of his actions and the successful resolution of the incident, the team presented Deputy Cabrera with a plaque honoring his efforts.
The Crisis Negotiation Team is one of several specialized assignments available to members of the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office offers a variety of opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and service to the community.
Interested in a career with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office? Contact our Recruitment Team at [email protected] to learn more about career opportunities and how you can serve your community.
