Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement, Corrections

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends who work in the criminal justice field and is about the importance of protecting sensitive information. 

Releasing sensitive information can be devastating, or even deadly, in some circumstances. 

It happens, and it shouldn’t. Information that is sensitive or confidential is handed or leaked out. 

A simple search of the headlines readily reveals situations where someone said, or released, something they should not have. 

Releasing sensitive information can be devastating, or even deadly, in some circumstances. 

In one recent case, the name of a robbery witness was released, and it subsequently got him killed. He was shot 10 times for doing the right thing. 

The suspects received documents directly from the court identifying him as the witness to the robbery. Sadly, the witness was the kind of Good Samaritan we all need.  

These situations are not isolated, but they are avoidable. 

Be familiar with your policy regarding the release of records and sensitive information. Then follow your policy. Know who should receive what types of information, and how they should receive it, if at all.   

The same goes for what you are sharing verbally. Think about what you are saying. Not only how it may affect a case, but ultimately, how it may affect the safety of others.  

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.