Daily DC Item: Dismantling Of Hostage Negotiation Unit As An Action Movie Plot
When I read that the Chief of Metro Police was going to dismantle DC’s hostage negotiation unit I thought two things:
- The Negotiator was a really good movie. Samuel L. Jackson was a bad-ass. Kevin Spacey wasn’t that bad either.
- This sounds like a plot twist in any police/crime thriller:
INT. CHIEF LANIER'S OFFICE UNIT LEADER You called for me chief? CHIEF LANIER Yes, please come in. And close the door. UNIT LEADER (after closing door) What's up? CHIEF LANIER I got some bad news, I have to shut down your unit. Budget cuts. UNIT LEADER (without losing his cool) Well I think that's the wrong move Chief, we're out there saving lives every day! Remember that time that stand-off by The White House- that would of been a mess if it wasn't for us... CHIEF LANIER I know. I know. But the Mayor's been on me and I gotta produce some results, and right now frankly you are more of a risk to the department- you guys are cowboys out there- UNIT LEADER (a little more heated) Hey Chief you don't know what it's like to be out there in the heat of the battle, my group of men are the best group of talkers out there and we get the job done- CHIEF LANIER But at what cost? Frankly you and I know that you don't exactly play by the rules- remember how you negotiated that situation last week? We were lucky to bring that man back in one piece... UNIT LEADER Hey he was asking for it! Just give us one more chance... CHIEF LANIER Your chances are up. It's back to patrolling streets for you. UNIT LEADER I was born for this! I wasn't made for walking streets. I am a talker! This is a big mistake, if you are taking me off the unit then I don't want any part of this department! CHIEF LANIER What- are you quitting? Are you are quitter now? UNIT LEADER No I'm not a quitter, it is you who quit on the unit. CHIEF LANIER That's it, get out of my face- and leave your badge and gun. I'm sick of your antics! UNIT LEADER {slams his badge on the desk) I'd be glad too- good luck Chief. SCENE Now I'm not the best screenwriter and that's probably nothing close to what is happening at all but I can imagine...