Building Trust and Saving Lives: Insights From Crisis Negotiator Mentor Geno Dorough

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Few things have the same impact as an effective mentor. Many moons ago, a man named Geno Dorough taught a class on Barricaded Individuals, and set the life of Pat Doering – The Crisis Cop, on a course for training crisis negotiators around the globe.

Who is this man? What in the world did Pat learn from him? What stories, perspectives and deep down truths have and continue to power this gentleman’s sway on the lives of so many?

You’ll find it all and more inside this episode of The Crisis Cop Podcast as Pat’s original mentor, Geno Dorough, visits in-studio to share everything with you…

Be sure to Like Subscribe and Share this episode of The Crisis Cop Podcast on The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network via WhatCopsWatch.Com…

 

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The Detailed Shownotes for This Episode of The Crisis Cop Podcast:

Looking for the detailed links, information and references used inside this episode? Read on below to find them all and remember to reach out to ask if there’s something else you’d like to see from this episode!

 

Timestamps for This Episode of The Crisis Cop Podcast:

00:00 “Prioritizing Negotiation and Life Preservation”

08:11 “Sharing Negotiation Knowledge and Insight”

13:00 Challenges in Leadership and Crisis Philosophy

17:30 “Guide to Law Enforcement Communication”

22:35 Managing Armed Suicidal Situations Tactfully

28:19 “Tragic End to Volatile Standoff”

34:40 “Challenges and Sacrifices of Officers”

40:45 “Serious Commitments and Sacrifices Needed”

44:53 Balancing Negotiations and Internal Crises

51:09 “Practicing Empathy and Respect in Law Enforcement”

57:19 “Impact and Joy of Mentorship”

01:01:07 “Passion and Connection in Training”

 

Questions Answered Inside This Episode of Cops and Robbers Talk:

  1. Mentorship & Influence: How did mentorship (or the lack thereof) shape Geno Dorough – Retired Crisis Negotiator’s approach to crisis negotiation, and how did he later become a mentor himself?
  2. Negotiation Philosophy: What is the “4 Rs” philosophy discussed in the episode, and how can it be applied to both emotional and physical barriers in crisis negotiation?
  3. Communication Skills: How does the difference between verbal and nonverbal communication affect outcomes during barricaded or crisis situations?
  4. Emotional Impact: The episode touches on the emotional toll crisis negotiation can have. How do negotiators cope with traumatic incidents, and what resources are available today compared to earlier years?
  5. Legacy & Lessons: What does Geno Dorough – Retired Crisis Negotiator hope his legacy in the field will be, and how does passing on knowledge help shape the next generation of negotiators?
  6. Changing Practices: How have responses to suicidal individuals changed over time, and what are the implications for law enforcement and community safety?
  7. Training & Professionalism: Why is it important for all officers (not just negotiators) to receive training on communication and emotional management, and what impact does this have on the public’s perception of police?
  8. Tactical vs. Negotiation: How did Geno Dorough – Retired Crisis Negotiator’s unique experience as both a tactical officer and negotiator help bridge the gap between these teams, and why is congruence in messaging crucial?
  9. Barriers & Time: Why is “taking time” emphasized repeatedly in the episode, and what risks are involved when law enforcement rushes a crisis situation?
  10. Personal Reflection: Geno Dorough and Pat Doering – CrisisCop.Com share personal stories about balancing their commitment to crisis negotiation with personal life. How do negotiators manage the demands of the job, and what advice do they offer to those considering this line of work?

 

Links from this Episode:

— Get All of Pat’s Books via Amazon Now!

   – Crisis Cops: The Evolution of Crisis Negotiation in America

     – Crisis Cop 2: More Stories from the Front Lines of Crisis Negotiation

     – Calming the Chaos: My Life as a Crisis Negotiator in the St. Louis Area

  1. 2GuysTalking Podcast Network
  • Books & Training Materials
    • Compliance Surrender by Geno Dorough – Retired Crisis Negotiator: The foundational book on negotiation tactics – find it on Amazon or inquire to the hosts for a fair price.
    • Pat Doering – CrisisCop.Com’s newest negotiation book: For more content and practical advice, reach out via the podcast or website.

    Relevant Techniques & Philosophies

    • The “Four Rs” of Negotiation: Recognize, Respect, Reduce, and Remove barriers – as discussed by Geno Dorough – Retired Crisis Negotiator
    • Active Listening Skills: Essential for both negotiations and day-to-day policing – and featured throughout the episode.
    • Professional Communication in Law Enforcement: Why avoiding yelling and profanity matters for de-escalation and public image.

    Topics Covered in This Episode

    • The evolution of crisis negotiation in police work and CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training.
    • Handling emotionally charged situations, and the effects of PTSD in law enforcement.
    • Building trust and rapport—even through difficult or traumatic incidents.
    • Why mentorship matters: Advice for new negotiators from Pat Doering – CrisisCop.Com and Geno Dorough – Retired Crisis Negotiator.
    • The importance of preserving dignity and respecting emotional barriers during crisis calls.

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The Host of this Program:

Pat Doering - Host of The Crisis Cop Podcast - Crisis Negotiator, Police Officer, Writer, Father - Go Behind the BadgePat Doering

Pat Doering began his career as a police officer in 1996 and has served as a Police Hostage Negotiator since 2004. He has received formal negotiation training from the FBI, the London Metropolitan Police (Scotland Yard), and the Negotiation Program at Harvard University. As a graduate of the FBI National Academy (Class 248), Pat continues to provide guidance, formal training, and leadership mentoring worldwide.

In 2024, Pat retired from his law enforcement career but remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of Crisis Negotiators. He conducts live, on-site training events and online workshops designed to sharpen the skills of those interested in crisis negotiation.

“My goal is to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career in high-stakes situations. My speeches will help you become a better communicator and listener. I am committed to teaching and training the future of crisis negotiations.”

— Pat Doering on Facebook
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— Crisis Cop on the Web
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The Guest Featured Inside this Program:

Crisis Negotiator Geno Dorough - a Guest on The Crisis Cop Podcast via WhatCopsWatch.Com & 2GuysTalkingGeno Dorough:

Geno Dorough is a retired St. Louis County Police Department crisis negotiator with a distinguished career spanning three decades in law enforcement. Starting his journey in 1973, Geno initially worked on patrol before serving in specialized units such as undercover narcotics and sex crimes. His path took a pivotal turn in 1985 when, upon joining the department’s tactical unit, he was asked to become a crisis negotiator—a role he initially hesitated to accept but ultimately helped define for his agency.

Over the next 15 years, Geno became a cornerstone of St. Louis County’s crisis response, participating in nearly 300 armed barricade incidents. What set him apart was his dual assignment—functioning not only as a negotiator but also as a tactical team member and helicopter pilot, giving him unique insights into both sides of high-stakes incidents. This experience shaped his influential philosophy emphasizing the preservation of life through communication, respect, and the thoughtful use of time.

Geno was also instrumental in advancing crisis negotiation training. He became a sought-after instructor for agencies locally and across the Midwest, developing courses and authoring the foundational book “Compliance Surrender,” which remains a resource for negotiators. During the emergence of crisis intervention teams (CIT), he took on a leading role, teaching communication and de-escalation to officers throughout Missouri and Illinois, and partnering with the FBI and corporate entities on workplace violence prevention.

Beyond his operational and instructional work, Geno believes strongly in mentorship and legacy. He has inspired countless officers—including future leaders—to adopt a communication-first approach and stay mindful of the emotional toll that crisis work can take. His advocacy for empathy, professionalism, and ongoing training continues to impact the law enforcement negotiation community, earning him recognition as both a legend and mentor in the profession.

 

The Producer of this Program:

Mike Wilkerson - Co-host of The WhatCopsWatch.Com Podcast - Go Behind the BadgeMike Wilkerson:

Mike Wilkerson Is the PodFather of St. Louis, and has been hosting, producing, concepting and enhancing podcasts since 2005. As a professional content creator, Mike has been making and documenting every mistake in the Podcasting industry so you won’t have to when you’re ready to begin. With thousands of of hours of business, marketing and life experience behind and in front of the mic and keyboard, he has created a vibrant and always-growing business tapestry via The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network.

As a perpetual student, Mike continues to foster interests in Crisis Negotiator Training, Firearms Instruction and helping people to find the next step in their career with an active interest in hunting light bulb moments.

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