Central Negotiation
About
Our training is built on the same core principles used to resolve life-or-death situations—active listening, strategic influence, emotional intelligence, and disciplined communication. We adapt these skills to empower teams and leaders in procurement, contract management, HR operations, leadership development, and organizational conflict resolution. Whether negotiating high-value deals, handling sensitive employee matters, or strengthening internal collaboration, our programs provide the tools to maximize value while preserving relationships.
We also specialize in team-building workshops that blend negotiation psychology, communication dynamics, and scenario-based learning. These sessions help teams enhance cohesion, trust, and decision-making under pressure—skills essential for any high-performing organization.
Central Negotiations further offers advanced certification programs for Law Enforcement and Mental Health Clinicians, including Tactical Negotiations Training, Co-Response Crisis Negotiations and Integrating Communication Assessment and Tactics (ICAT). These courses combine real-world operational insight with evidence-based communication strategies to improve safety and outcomes during critical incidents.
At Central Negotiations, we believe negotiation is not just a skill—it’s an art of understanding people, navigating pressure, and creating opportunities. Our mission is to help you and your team master it.
Certificates are provided upon course completion.
Our services
Full Day Negotiation Training (Private Sector)
Grounded in the core elements of crisis negotiation—active listening, emotional intelligence, influence strategies, and structured communication—this program equips professionals to navigate high-stakes conversations with clarity and confidence. Participants will learn how to de-escalate tense interactions, manage internal and external conflicts, strengthen relationships with clients and partners, and secure favorable outcomes during complex negotiations.
A key feature of this training is its customization. Each session is tailored to the organization’s industry, personnel, internal dynamics, and negotiation challenges. Whether supporting procurement teams, HR departments, executives, sales teams, leadership groups, or cross-functional units, the curriculum is adapted to reflect real-world scenarios, organizational goals, and the specific communication demands of your environment.
By the end of the program, participants will leave with a refined toolkit of negotiation tactics applicable to contract discussions, workplace conflicts, client interactions, crisis situations, and high-pressure decision-making.
Tactical Negotiations Training (TNT)
Join us for a specialized two-day in person training for Law Enforcement, Mental Health Clinicians and Dispatchers. This course equips responders with the tools and skills necessary to de-escalate critical incidents. Tactical Negotiations Training emphasizes the following:
- Integration of negotiation techniques with tactical and physical response
options.
- Legal authorities and risk-based decision making during well being checks,
mental health and crisis events.
- De-escalation strategies for high-risk and emotionally disturbed subjects.
- Coordinated response between Law enforcement, Dispatchers and Mental
Health Clinicians.
- Interactive, scenario-based training using realistic crisis incidents.
Certificate provided upon completion.
Upcoming Classes:
February 25-26 (Marlborough Academy): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ftfd5h5
March 10-11 (Ashland PD): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/hnyvpwb
April 29-30 (Falmouth PD): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/c9sg52s
May 19-20 (New Bedford PD): https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bww6ehr
ICAT
Through scenario-based training, case studies, and hands-on exercises, participants will develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate challenging encounters while prioritizing safety and resolution.
Certificate provided upon completion.
Our Leadership Team
Justin Bonina
Justin graduated from the Massachusetts State Police Municipal Academy. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice as well as a Masters of Public Administration degree. Justin is a Patrol Sergeant in Massachusetts and is currently assigned as the Team Leader for the CEMLEC SWAT Hostage Negotiation Team. He has completed a Basic Crisis Negotiations course with the FBI as well as an Advanced Hostage Negotiations course. He has also completed a Mastery of Negotiations course at Harvard Business School. During his time with CEMLEC SWAT, he has successfully negotiated numerous armed barricades and active suicide attempts. Justin is a certified instructor for Integrating Communication Assessment and Tactics (ICAT), a certified ALICE instructor, as well as a certified Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) instructor. Justin has also worked as law enforcement instructor at the Center for Crisis Response and Behavior Health at William James College in Newton, MA where he has taught law enforcement and mental health clinicians de-escalation and negotiation tactics through scenario based training.
Bob Bonina
In 2011, Officer Bonina accepted the responsibility of Hostage Negotiations Team Leader. In this role, Officer Bonina assisted in establishing and training the Worcester House of Corrections Crisis Negotiations Team. Additionally, due to his experience with the Co-Response model, Officer Bonina advocated for mental health clinicians to be involved in SWAT callouts, and CEMLEC became the first team in the state to incorporate clinicians into the SWAT team. Officer Bonina remained active as the CEMLEC Negotiations Team Leader until his retirement. Since retiring from law enforcement, Officer Bonina has been a guest speaker and has facilitated scenario-based training in the Graduate Certificate Program offered by the Center for Crisis Response and Behavioral Health at William James College in Newton, MA.
Published Articles
SWAT SECRETS
Negotiate Like Lives Depend on It (4 Min. Read) Vol. 4
SWAT SECRETS
Build Trust Like a Pro (4 Min. Read) Vol. 5
SWAT SECRETS
DREAM, Don’t Dread: SWAT Secrets Finale (4 Min. Read) Vol. 6
Testimonials
"The D.R.E.A.M. framework will be highly beneficial for me in pre-planning my negotiations with clients."
Amazon Global Procurement Team
October 2025
"I never realized how similar the core principles of negotiations were between hostage negotiations and procurement negotiations."
Amazon Global Procurement Team
October 2025
"They were flawless, displaying a perfect combination of grace, confidence and composure that left everyone in the room captivated."
Chief of Police
November 2025
"Wonderful presentation. It's evident that you both are extremely passionate about negotiations which made it easy to stay engaged. This was professionally done and highly relatable."
Police Sgt
June 2025
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