For a numbers of years intelligence gathering has been the foundation of my career. A case can be made or broken based on information gathered. Evaluating the information is critical. The source of the information, and motives behind the provision of this information, must be considered prior to contemplating its use. During an investigation, sharing intelligence with a client is done on a need to know basis. Let me explain why. Let’s say that Jeff is one of three suspects in an embezzlement case. During the investigation information comes to light that details a previous enquiry into his finances, specifically – he had been suspected of cheating on his taxes, and he had also declared bankruptcy for which he is currently discharged.
If this information has been shared with his employer, and it turns out that Jeff is no longer a suspect, what will his employer think of Jeff from that point on? If there is ever a theft in the office, or another case of embezzlement, will Jeff be suspected just because his boss had “the goods” on him? Jeff will be an inadvertent casualty of a sloppy investigation? Discretion and working only with facts pertinent to the case at hand are of utmost importance to any investigator.
Recently, I was made privy to some sensitive information that had not been officially released. Last week, during a meeting, I realized that this information had been leaked. One of the members of this meeting was only too willing to share, “the real story.” The other members in attendance had no previous knowledge. Eyes and ears were attuned. I began to say that this information was confidential and not yet released. Before I could finish my sentence, this individual had begun to share the real story.
I must have looked like a complete idiot because I covered my ears and said, “I don’t want to hear this.” They stopped speaking and all the attention focussed on me with my hands still covering my ears. I removed them and said, “I don’t want my opinion about this person, or the organization, to be tainted.” But it was too late; the collateral damage had been done. Not because I heard the “story” – I hadn’t. I had stopped it just in time. The gossip was the direct hit; the innuendo was the collateral damage that stuck to everyone in the room. What bothers me most is that I was surrounded by Christians who seemed offended by the covering of my ears and my bold statement.
Once a word is spoken, it cannot be unspoken – just as a thought can’t be unthought - but a thoughtless word that’s spoken leaves the one who heard it broken.
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned,” Matt. 12:35-37.
