MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. — Members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team took first place in the 2026 Best of the Best Crisis Negotiation Team competition, held Friday, Oct. 16, at TD Bank Park in Bridgewater, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The competition, sponsored by the Newark FBI Crisis Negotiation Team and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team, brought together five teams from across New Jersey to test their crisis response and negotiation skills.
The event provided an opportunity for participating teams to network, evaluate operational procedures and work through simulated emergency situations. Teams were presented with various crisis scenarios, established mock operations centers and collaborated to determine responses designed to achieve the safest possible outcomes for individuals at risk and the public.
The scenario-based exercises allowed participants to demonstrate their negotiation techniques, teamwork and decision-making skills while learning from other law enforcement agencies.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office personnel who participated included Lt. Kristi Bednarski, Detective Supervisor Kerri Griffin and Detectives Paul Papamarkos, Lamar Hagans, Thomas Giuliano, Dennis Subrizi and Sean Verbist.
Chief of Detectives Mark Castellano congratulated the team on its performance and first-place finish.
“We are very pleased with the success of the investigative members and their recent first place showing at the 2026 Best of the Best CNT competition. Their first-place finish is an example of their competence, commitment, and stalwart attitude. Congratulations!” Castellano said.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll also praised the team and thanked the agencies responsible for organizing the competition.
“I thank the Newark FBI and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for hosting this important, hands-on competition. By working through these mock scenarios, the MCPO CNT members can demonstrate their skills and experience, as well as learn from the other participating teams. I’m proud that our Team rose to the challenge!” Carroll said.
The annual competition provides participating crisis negotiation teams with an opportunity to strengthen their skills through practical exercises and collaboration with law enforcement personnel from across the state.
