Listen carefully to what others tell you; their words may tell you more than they intended.

There are a number of ways you can word a Statement. Your comments will always be rooted in all your knowledge. This means your statement could include information you did not intend to share. You often aren’t aware you are giving out additional information. Equally problematic, you sometimes give others more information than what they realize. The key is to listen to what people are saying and to know what to look for in their statement.

Recently WZZM13 in Grand Rapids Michigan aired a story about a reserve deputy Officer in the small town of Grant who has been performing duties beyond the scope of a Reserve Officer. You can see Investigative Reporter, David Bailey’s story here.

To make sure we are in compliance, this statement says that they believe they are in compliance and are verifying that they are, and have been, correct.

When David asked how can drivers know the guy pulling them over is real? The manager then responded, “We are working with our attorney to come into compliance to make sure that this department and the taxpayers are protected.”

The words come into compliance, acknowledges they are not now in compliance. Yet his previous statement said they were, and have been, in compliance.

David then asks the Police Chief what would happen if the person whom the reserved Officer Stopped Runs from him. His response was, “He’d have to stop at the city limits, and call…” 

Stop what? Stop chasing up to the city line? He’d have to be in motion in order for him to then stop.

The reporter then asked him what would happen if the stop was within the city limits and would he chase the driver. The Chief responded No, no, no.

He stated that the reserve officer would not engage in a chase; yet he just said they’d have to stop [chasing] if the driver ran from him.

People’s words will betray them. For this reason, be vigilant about every word communicated. When I am analyzing a statement, I do not interpret. This is because people mean exactly what they say.

Below I’ve highlighted some areas of this interview that are examples of how words can betray you.

Initially, both the City Manager and the Chief of Police sing the praises of the officer’s dedication to working off the clock. They both mentioned it. This indicates budgets are a high priority for the city of Grant.

David asked the manager if he is certain the reserve officer is operating within the confines of the law. His response was, “We are working with an attorney right now to make sure we are in compliance with Michigan law, and also Federal law when it comes to this situation.”

 “To make sure we are in compliance”, this statement says that they believe they are currently in compliance and are verifying that they are, and have been, correct.

When David asked how can drivers know the guy pulling them over is real? The manager then responded, “We are working with our attorney to come into compliance to make sure that this department and the taxpayers are protected.”

The words come into compliance, acknowledges they are not now currently in compliance. Yet his previous statement said they were, and have been, in compliance.

Next, David asked the Police Chief what would happen if the person whom the reserve officer stopped runs from him. The Chief’s response was, “He’d have to stop at the city limits, and call…” 

Stop what? Stop chasing at the city limits? He’d have to be in motion in order for him to then stop.

When asked what would happen if the traffic stop was within the city limits  – would he chase the driver? The Chief responded No… no, no.

He just stated that the reserve officer would not engage in a chase; yet moments earlier he said they’d have to stop [chasing] at the city limits if the driver ran from him.  

People’s words will betray them. For this reason, be vigilant about every word communicated. When I am analyzing a statement, I do not interpret. This is because people mean exactly what they say.