What should you avoid when observing?

Tunnel vision refers to the tendency of an observer to focus narrowly on a specific detail or aspect of a situation while neglecting the broader context or other important factors. This can be particularly detrimental in law enforcement scenarios, where situational awareness is crucial for safety and effective decision-making.

When an officer experiences tunnel vision, they may miss critical information that could affect their response, such as the behavior of other individuals present, potential threats, or evolving circumstances. Maintaining a wide field of vision and staying aware of all elements in the environment allows an officer to make informed judgments and ensures that they are prepared for any changes in the situation.

In contrast, being loud, talking to dispatch, and making assumptions may have their own implications in specific contexts, but they do not inherently restrict the officer’s overall awareness in the same fundamental way that tunnel vision does. Therefore, avoiding tunnel vision is essential for comprehensive observation and effective law enforcement.