Lance Burdett

Specialist speaker in negotiation, communications, resilience and safety

With over 20 years of policing experience, 13 of those as a crisis negotiator, Lance combines advanced communication techniques, safety awareness, and personal resilience support practices for everyday use to keep ourselves safe.

After a successful career in the construction industry, Lance spent 22 years with the NZ Police, becoming the lead crisis negotiator. He qualified in NZ, Australia, and with the FBI.  He was described by senior police as “The most qualified and highly skilled negotiator within NZ Police”, having trained and operated with the elite tactical teams of Police, Corrections, Fire, emergency responders, the Military, and FBI.

Qualifying as a Personal Protection Officer, Lance oversaw the safe protection of the NZ Prime Minister, international dignitaries, and people on the witness protection programme.  He was the principal security officer for NZ athletes at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games and the 2012 London Olympics.

As a commissioned officer, he directed the immediate response to the full range of critical incidents and was a senior detective leading teams on complex criminal cases including homicides.

 Responsible for recruitment and training at the Police Emergency 111 call centres, Lance developed and delivered coaching programmes on handling emotional conversations and personal resilience.

Lance has a Master of Arts Degree, majoring in Terrorism, Safety and Security. He has a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies, a Diploma in Policing and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management.

Lance published the bestselling book – Behind the Tape, Life on the Police Frontline – detailing highlights of his police career as well as personal anecdotes of depression and suicide. His second book – Dark Side of the Brain, Adapting to Adversity – quickly became another bestseller with a focus on wellbeing. He has been contracted to author a third book on managing anxiety in young people.

Lance is a regular media guest and provides inspirational keynote presentations as well as coaching workshops.

Testimonials:

"One of the best speakers we have had. His presentation was right on subject and the audience were enthralled" - NZ Collision Repair Assn