NZ Police’s Lead Crisis Negotiator - Lance Burdett on Mental Health Epidemic, Napier Siege & More!

This conversation needs to come with a strong warning- it covers a lot of disturbing things the guest has seen in his line of duty in the NZ Police.

Lance Burdett is a former police crisis negotiator, specializing in dealing with high-risk situations, including hostage negotiations, suicide interventions, and major criminal incidents.

After 2 decades with the police and suffering severe burnout, he transitioned into coaching and consultancy, focusing on mental resilience, stress management, and communication strategies.

Lance is also an in-demand speaker and author, known for his expertise in psychological well-being and de-escalation techniques.

This is part of the Lance Burdett story.

In this conversation we talk a lot about mental health- dealing with depression, understanding the inner voice, how to seek help and lots of practical tips from a man who has experienced depression himself and seen many others at their absolute lowest.

Then there is the stuff from his 20-year police career- being at the coal face in crisis situations, including the Napier siege and other high-pressure negotiations where, in his words, you deal with the dealing with the sad, the mad and the bad.

Running the 111-call center.

His recollections of working for Helen Clarke as her personal protection and much, much more.

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**The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guests and may not reflect the views of the show sponsors**

CHAPTERS

00:00 Who is Lance Burdett? 15:11 Navigating Depression and Seeking Help 27:06 Legacy and Compassion in Law Enforcement 46:15 Navigating Personal Relationships in High-Stress Jobs 58:46 The Art of Negotiation in Crisis Situations 01:11:53 Understanding Criminal Behaviour and Rehabilitation 01:24:45 Life After the Police: Reflections and Adjustments