The ECPD's Crisis Negotiations Team is responsible for negotiation the safe surrender of subjects in crisis situations. Such situations could include negotiating with armed subjects, barricaded subjects, mentally ill and suicidal subjects.

All members receive mandated negotiations training as well as quarterly training with the Sheriff's Office or Richmond PD teams. They have also trained with the California Association of Hostage Negotiators.

The team consists of a Sergeant and four Officers. They are available to respond to incidents in El Cerrito or as part of a mutual aid response to assist other law enforcement agencies.