Awareness is a choice.
Awareness is a choice. We can choose to keep our awareness at a disengaged level or learn to hone that awareness to recognize and react to concerning circumstances. In some cases, it’s intuitive, such as when we drive defensively to avoid an accident. At this point, we’re “information gathering” by paying attention to our environment, detecting potential hazards, and taking steps to avoid them. In other cases, we’re so “tuned in” to our own interests that we unconsciously become “tuned out” to our surroundings, especially when focused on distractions such as cell phones. Even though it only takes seconds for someone to realize that a dangerous situation is unfolding and to react, it’s enough time for someone with criminal intent to catch a victim off-guard.
The good news is that we can learn how to become more situationally aware in order to recognize what’s going on around us and staying vigilant to any changes or threats. Situational awareness consists of perceiving information, properly comprehending it, and predicting the future state. To be safe, I should be actively observing what’s occurring around me, not just what’s in front of me, so I can make better choices on how to react.
In many CPPS training programs, we refer to “hard” and “soft” targets. A hard target, or a confident, aware, and capable persona, can make you an undesirable target and increase your personal safety. A soft target has a lack of awareness or protective measures and is at risk to existing threats. For example, victims of crime are often chosen because they are perceived as soft targets. Body language plays an important role in how we’re viewed by others. Do you know what steps to take if you’re being stalked or surveilled? Is someone behind you keeping pace or staring intently? Do they stop abruptly when you do? This is where a purposed focus and heighted situational awareness can help defeat the threat.
Situational awareness exists on four levels, first of which is total unawareness; think of the woman who walked into a shopping center fountain while texting on her cell phone. Second is a relaxed awareness, as we practice with defensive driving. Third is when our attention is triggered by an event and we begin thinking through our defense or exit strategy. For example, a fire alarm sounds. And fourth is when we’re ready to defend our life, such as in an active shooter situation. Bear in mind that weather warnings, accidents, and minor mishaps all require a certain level of cognitive engagement. In order to analyze the circumstances, predict how they may unfold, and choose a response strategy, we must first notice the situation.
Maintaining a heightened situational awareness is especially important when in public venues, which may have limited security safeguards in place. Begin by making good choices, such as a choosing a parking area that is well-lit and highly visible. Also, limiting what you carry by using a backpack or bag with a shoulder strap will keep your hands free to fend off an attack. Choose seating in coffee shops or restaurants that provide a view of the entire room, especially the entrance. And identify two exits in theaters, concerts, or any public venue in the event the primary entrance is compromised.
As a well-known American humorist once said, “I’m going to stop putting things off starting tomorrow.” Some things are just too important to postpone. Remember, awareness is a choice.
by Margi Strub