Truth, Myths & the FBI: Behind the Badge with Jerri Williams

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, CFI interviews retired FBI agent Jerri Williams, who shares her extensive experience in law enforcement, particularly in communication and media relations. They discuss the importance of debunking myths about the FBI, the evolution of financial crimes, and the critical role of effective communication in interviews and crisis situations.

Jerri also reflects on her transition to media relations and the challenges of maintaining public safety while managing information dissemination. The conversation highlights the skills necessary for successful investigations and the nuances of portraying crime in fiction.

In this conversation, Jerri Williams shares her journey from being an FBI agent to becoming a successful author and podcaster. She discusses the challenges of writing fiction, the importance of balancing realism with entertainment, and the misconceptions surrounding the FBI in media. Jerri also highlights her experiences in podcasting, the evolution of her interview style, and her recent work as a consulting producer on a new TV show - Duster. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the significance of effective communication in both personal and professional contexts.

Check out Jerri's podcast: FBI Retired Case File Review

Duster - Newly released Max Original Series

Thank you to Axis Communications for supporting this episode!

Truths:

• Myths about the FBI often stem from media portrayals.
• Building rapport can turn suspects into informants.
• Interviews should be conversations, not interrogations.
• Crisis communication requires balancing accuracy and urgency.
• Financial crimes evolve with technology and trends.
• Public perception is shaped by how information is presented.
• The role of a spokesperson is to represent the organization, not personal views.
• Misconceptions can lead to prejudicial statements in media.
• Fiction writing requires creativity and attention to detail.
• Writing can be a painful process, but rewarding.
• Realism in fiction is crucial for engaging storytelling.
• Consistency in character development is key.
• Podcasting can be a powerful platform for authors.
• Evolving interview techniques can enhance storytelling.
• FBI myths in media can mislead the public.
• Collaboration between agencies can lead to successful outcomes.
• Female agents are often misrepresented in media.
• Developing informants is a critical part of FBI work.
• Effective communication is about understanding the listener.