Clara: From hostage negotiator to hostile environments

Clara: From hostage negotiator to hostile environments

From Inside Counter Terrorism Policing by Counter Terrorism Policing

March 12, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 6

About this episode

Clara shares her journey from dancer to hostage negotiator and her experiences in counter terrorism policing.

In this episode, meet Clara, one of our brilliant International CTP Liaison Officers who is based in a hostile location overseas.     After moving to London to be a dancer, a burglary inspired a complete change in direction, pirouetting from performing to policing. She’s had some fascinating roles, having worked as a homicide detective and a hostage negotiator, and offers a powerful insight into what it’s like on difficult days in the job.     She talks about the importance of international relationships in her current role, the diplomacy required, and the ‘pinch herself’ moments like getting through check-points in Chinooks.      Join us as we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like to work in one of the most secretive parts of Counter Terrorism Policing.    Could you do Clara’s job? We are always looking for people to join our team and our mission to protect the public from terrorism.      &nbsp…

People in this episode

Guest: Clara

Topics covered

  • hostage negotiation
  • counter terrorism
  • international relations
  • policing
  • diplomacy

Keywords

  • hostage negotiator
  • counter terrorism
  • policing
  • international relations
  • diplomacy
  • homicide detective
  • terror attacks

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Counter Terrorism Policing

Places: London, Chinooks

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