The Crisis Doesn’t Break Trust. Communication Does.

BELVEDERE'S BRIEF- Even the most experienced agencies stumble during a crisis. Too often, public safety leaders face scrutiny not just for what happened, but for how information was shared.

Here are a few common pitfalls I see:

1. Waiting too long to speak. Silence creates a vacuum for rumors.

2. Conflicting statements. Multiple voices without coordination confuse the public.

3. Overly legal or investigative language. If people can’t understand you, they won’t trust you.

4. Defensive or blaming tone. Transparency beats defensiveness every time.

The good news: these mistakes are preventable. Even small preparation like pre-approved messaging templates, a single point of coordination, and plain-language updates can dramatically improve public trust.