The mission of the Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU) is to provide support to other elements of this agency in hostage/barricaded/suicidal subject(s) situations, through the deployment of specially trained officers skilled in Crisis Management and Hostage Negotiations. These specially trained officers will respond to incidents involving, or potentially involving, a high risk to the public, police officers, or suspects. The goal during these incidents is attaining a peaceful resolution through communication.

Another goal of the CNU is to provide an effective level of response by attending progressive external courses designed to enhance individual skill levels, and to attend professional seminars to exchange ideas on methodology and improved techniques.

Negotiators must attend a minimum of 40 hours in a qualified course before being used as a Primary or Coach in CNU callouts. Negotiators must coordinate training and operations with other agency units, especially SWAT. Characteristics and skills recommended by The National Council of Negotiation Association (NCNA) are paramount in the Charlotte County Sheriff Office negotiators.