Penticton RCMP support local students through crisis negotiation skills

April 12, 2026 - Penticton, British Columbia
From: Penticton RCMP

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The Penticton RCMP continue to build strong community connections through education and youth engagement, recently partnering with a local high school law class to share real-world communication and negotiation skills.

Staff Sergeant Bob Vatamaniuk and Sergeant Paul Bentham, with the Southeast District Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), attended a grade 12 law class after students expressed curiosity about police crisis negotiation and decision-making during high-stress situations.

During the session, the crisis negotiators introduced students to core negotiation principles centered on honest communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Rather than focusing on complex police scenarios, the officers used everyday situations students face, including disagreements with parents over household expectations.

Students learned practical strategies such as:

• speaking in a calm and even voice
• labeling emotions during conflict
• validating another person’s experience
• remaining emotionally regulated during difficult conversations

These techniques form the foundation of crisis negotiation used by police officers, while also serving as tools students, teachers, and families can apply in daily life.

The lesson quickly moved from theory to practice. Students returned the following day eager to share with their class how they applied the strategies at home. One student successfully negotiated a later curfew after approaching the conversation using the communication techniques discussed in class.

Teacher, Mr. Fitton, praised the impact of the presentation. “The strategies shared by S/Sgt. Vatamaniuck and Sgt. Bentham weren’t just effective. They were transformative. My students learned how to take actionable steps to be better friends, students, teammates, and listeners.”

Penticton RCMP members regularly participate in community outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening relationships, promoting positive communication, and supporting youth development. By sharing crisis negotiation skills outside policing environments, officers hope to equip young people with lifelong tools for resolving conflict safely and respectfully.

The Penticton RCMP would like to thank S/Sgt. Vatamaniuck and Sgt. Bentham for their leadership in crisis negotiation and commitment to supporting local youth. 
 

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