Publisher Summary This chapter provides the definition of team and explains how a team can be build to manage crisis incidents. The chapter helps in understanding the function needed at any crisis incident. It also helps in understanding how the principles of redundancy and clarity of communications aid in managing a crisis incident. The police response to a hostage incident is a multifaceted response, requiring the coordination and cooperation of patrol, the tactical team, the negotiating team, and department supervisors. The incident may involve the participation of units such as criminal investigation, public relations, and other specialized units within the department. The key to this police response is prior planning, preparation, and training. Of these, training is the most important. Prior to an incident, the department as a unit should participate in exercises designed to simulate hostage incidents so that when an actual event occurs, planning and preparation will be in place. The department should prepare for the pressures and intervention of non-police factors at an incident. City officials, politicians, and other parties may respond with the police department. If not prepared, these outside parties may hinder the negotiation effort. Clearly delineated policy and procedure statements may preclude the interference of these parties at an incident.