When does situational awareness typically decline?

Situational awareness is crucial for correctional officers, as it refers to the ability to perceive and understand what is happening in their environment in real-time. One of the key factors that can lead to a decline in situational awareness is when personal boundaries are overlooked. When personal boundaries are not respected, it can create a sense of discomfort or anxiety, which distracts an officer from paying full attention to their surroundings. This distraction can hinder their ability to maintain focus on their duties, jeopardizing safety and effective decision-making.

In contrast, during regular work hours, situational awareness may remain steady as officers are in their routine environment and focused on their responsibilities. A training environment is generally designed to enhance situational awareness through practice scenarios, and distractions in this context can often be managed or minimized to improve learning outcomes. Therefore, the decline in situational awareness associated with overlooking personal boundaries is particularly significant because it directly impacts an officer’s mental state and ability to assess situations effectively.