And because they are blind, their investigative skills, driving skills, and survival skills are all compromised. They may miss evidence at crime scenes, even though it may be in plain sight. They have traffic accidents, often hitting objects and other vehicles they simply didn't see. They are involved in controversial uses of force, based on observations made under mental conditions which will further impair their ability to see. Unfortunately, most cops don't realize they are afflicted and therefore won't do anything to correct their condition. Administrators, investigators, prosecutors, the media, and the public all buy into the myth that police officers are trained observers when nothing could be further from the truth. The condition, known as Perceptual Blindness, has been studied extensively in scientific circles for nearly a century and is only now finding practical applications in fields like police work. For a profession in which observation skill plays such a critical role, understanding this is extremely important. Perceptual Blindness affects everyone to varying degrees. It is a breakdown in the complex visual recognition cycle, and can manifest itself in several ways: 

Combined, these various elements of Perceptual Blindness affect police officers in every aspect of their daily duties, regardless of the assignment. The visual evidence shown in this class is compelling and frightening. Words can't do justice to the scope of the problem. This powerful presentation literally must be seen to be believed.