What type of mindset can lead to complacency among law enforcement officers?

A complacent mindset among law enforcement officers is primarily characterized by perceptual laziness. This refers to a tendency to become disengaged or to overlook critical details and potential threats in their environment. When officers fall into this mindset, they may stop actively analyzing their surroundings or remain passive in their approach to duties. This can compromise their effectiveness, leading to missed opportunities to identify risks or respond appropriately to situations.

In contrast, a proactive mindset encourages officers to remain alert and engaged, actively seeking out information and potential issues before they become problematic. Perceptual preparedness helps officers anticipate and prepare for potential challenges, ensuring they are ready to act when necessary. Hypervigilance, while also being an extreme state of heightened awareness, is typically associated with increased anxiety and can lead to burnout if sustained for too long. However, it does not inherently encourage complacency.