EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - It's a situation of life and death. A crisis or hostage negotiator gaining the trust of someone who may want to harm others or themselves. Law enforcement are getting professional training. No bullets, and no serious injuries after deputies and police were called yesterday to a home on Allens Lane. Officers are training at C.K. Newsome Center for those types of situations. Crisis Hostage Negotiators are in training, practicing their skills like it's the real thing, but when guns are drawn, these officers are learning the right words that can save lives. "None of us want to be put in this situation," says Mike Sitzman. "None of us want any of the public to be put in this situation." That was the situation Wednesday when deputies say 48-year-old Kent Stephens initiated a standoff after allegedly claiming he had shot someone inside a home. It was a successful negotiation with a peaceful end. "We're always looking for a successful resolution between all parties," says Allan O'Keefe. O'Keefe is directing the week-long training course. Nearly two dozen law enforcement officers are taking part to someday help bring people in dangerous situations to safety. "It makes you feel really good," says O'Keefe. "It makes you appreciate the training that you've given these officers and then you watch them go out and apply stuff." Members of at least eight different law enforcement agencies are taking part in the training. EPD and some local businesses helped fund the course after funding it for it was eliminated in the sequester.
