What psychological factor may contribute to an officer's hesitation to use force?

Perceptual distortion refers to the way a person's perception of situations and stimuli can be altered by psychological factors, which can significantly impact decision-making in high-pressure environments. In the context of use of force, an officer may experience heightened stress or anxiety during a confrontation, leading to a distorted perception of the threat level or the behavior of the subject. This distortion can create hesitation, as the officer may misinterpret the situation or feel unsure about the appropriateness of using force.

Factors like optimism may encourage a more positive outlook in challenging situations, emotional resilience reflects an officer's capacity to cope with stress, and physical exhaustion impacts physical performance, but do not inherently cause the distorted perception that can directly lead to hesitation in the use of force. Therefore, understanding how perceptual distortion can hinder an officer's ability to assess threats accurately is crucial in training and preparing for real-life encounters.