Police officers can also commit misconduct too. They can kill or injure people during protests like the George Floyd case. Despite being trained on situation awareness while on duty, police officers can also be a public safety issue. Any public misconduct is punishable by criminal law, and police officers do not operate above the law. 

However, they are hardly brought to justice, leaving victims to deal with their losses. In fact, since George Floyd’s death, 249 people have been killed, translating to 3 deaths per day. It means George Floyd’s protest has not brought the needed change. 

Whatever the situation, the police can use excessive force and weapons, causing personal injuries or death. That is why you should know your rights. 

Also, you should understand what constitutes police rights or what they are not allowed to do. A criminal defense lawyer will help fight for your rights. They can also offer aggressive representation to get compensation for any personal injury inflicted by police misconduct. 

Situational awareness dictates how police officers act while on duty. And the selected victims and witnesses can significantly determine the outcome of your criminal case. This article will examine situational awareness, victim selection, and their impact on criminal law.  

Situational Awareness  

Situational awareness refers to having a complete understanding of your surroundings to react to them appropriately. For law enforcement officers, maintaining situational awareness help them remain objective even while under pressure. It gives them a better grasp of the circumstances they are dealing with. 

So, whether it is a SWAT operation or a patrol run, police officers have tactical training on how to read and react to every scenario. And the ultimate goal of situational awareness is to enhance the safety of colleagues, the people they serve, and themselves. So, their tactical training on situational awareness should guarantee your security if you’re not a threat. 

As a result, any wrong decision police officers make that endangers you, and innocent loved ones can be deemed public misconduct. However, you must consider the legal technicalities before bringing it forward as a court case. And the only people best placed to understand these legal nuances are criminal defense lawyers. 

Why Situational Awareness Is Important 

But situational awareness applies to everyone and not only law enforcement officers. But police officers, it ensures police officers maintain personal and public safety. 

On the other hand, you should also be responsible for your actions. Every right and freedom you enjoy attracts responsibility too. You should ensure you are safe wherever you go and avoid places or circumstances that put your life at risk. 

Nonetheless, excessive force on innocent citizens by police officers is unacceptable. But,  it is permissible as a tactical approach if their colleague’s life is under threat. But, if you incur injury directly from a police officer without being a threat, it can be ground for filing a case. 

Victim Selection 

It is vital to understand why the offender targeted you. Victim selection makes it easier to establish that. It is the process of the offender marking you as a victim of their crime and not others. 

The offender always conducts careful planning before committing a crime. Most victims recall suspicious activity before a crime happens. And the offenders mark you based on your cues, especially your lack of situational awareness or vulnerability. So, abnormal posture, gaze, and other non-verbal cues can give you away as an easy target. 

Victim Selection Process

1. Target Selection

Offenders, ranging from kidnappers, rapists, and serial killers amongst others, have specific indicators they use to identify targets. Here are some of the indicators offenders may use:

• Victims with predictable behavior and the ability to control the situation 
• People that easily distracted by music or unaware of their surroundings 
• For burglary targets, homes with limited or no security are prime targets. 
• People with health conditions like seniors or people with mental health conditions. 

2. Surveillance 

The surveillance phase begins immediately after the target is identified. It can run for a couple of minutes to weeks or months depending on the complexity of the target. Surveillance is finalized once the behavioral patterns of the victim are established. As a result, the offenders will pick the easiest target location and get ready for the final act of crime. 

However, some offenders can be sloppy with their surveillance making them easily spottable. As a result, being aware of your surroundings alone can help avert some heinous criminal acts. For example, you can outrightly call a suspicious person out and see them panic and abandon their plans. 

Unfortunately, the complexity of modern surveillance methods can make it hard to notice. Some offenders deploy women, children, pets, and high-tech ones like drones and hacking. As a result, your situational awareness should go beyond physical environments to encompass your online space as well. 

3. Final Criminal Act

If you fail to notice any suspicious activities, then the final criminal act will materialize. Whether it is pickpocketing, kidnapping, burglary, or murder, it will happen as the offender had planned. At this stage, it may be too late to deter or stop the crime. 

Your best shot at crime deterrence is at the surveillance stage. You can inform those conducting surveillance that you know what they are doing. Alternatively, you can inform the police of the suspicious activities. 

Impact of Victimization and Getting A Criminal Defense Lawyer

In the unfortunate events that the crime occurs, you will have to bear with its grave impacts. The impact of victimization can range from physical, financial, social, emotional, and psychological. You will need medication and reparation for the damage done. 

In fact, most victims always find it difficult to come to terms with being a crime victim. As a result, they may even deny it did not happen. But, such denials can impact your mental health in the long run. That makes victims with existing mental health conditions highly vulnerable to crime. 

For proper medication and appropriate reparation, you should report criminal activities to relevant authorities. At the same time, you should engage your criminal defense lawyer to have a better legal representation. You don’t have to go through this low moment alone, your lawyer can be part of your friend and recovery pillar.

Take Away 

Being a victim of crime has grave impacts, including psychological effects. Offenders always carefully select their victims and only settle on the ones with high chances of success. They will settle for you if you are not aware of your surroundings. 

As a result, one way of avoiding being a crime victim is to have a strong awareness of your surroundings. Report any suspicious activities and weirdos before they cost you your peace of mind and life.