What is 'situational awareness' in policing?

Situational awareness in policing refers to the ability to perceive and understand one's surroundings, particularly in the context of identifying potential threats, dangers, or unusual activities. This skill is essential for officers as it enables them to assess situations quickly and accurately, facilitating timely and appropriate responses to incidents. It involves not only recognizing environmental cues but also interpreting them in relation to the context of a situation, including identifying people who may pose a risk, recognizing patterns of behavior, and acknowledging changes in the environment that could indicate escalating situations.

This capacity is vital for maintaining safety, both for the officer and the community, and it is a cornerstone of effective policing practices. While managing stress, memorizing laws, and controlling emotions are all important skills for police officers, they do not encapsulate the core concept of situational awareness, which is fundamentally about being proactive in observing and responding to immediate threats in the environment.