Observation
Observation
The Observation domain tests attention to detail, systematic scanning, and detection of inconsistencies. You must notice specific features rather than rely on a quick first impression. Strong observers use a fixed pattern, categorize details, and compare what they see against a baseline.
Core rules
- Scan with a pattern: top-to-bottom, left-to-right, foreground-to-background, or head-to-toe for a person.
- Categorize details. For a person: height, build, hair, eyes, clothing, scars, tattoos, gait, voice. For a vehicle: make, model, color, year, plate, damage, stickers. For a scene: exits, hazards, weapons, people, objects.
- Note unusual or missing features first; they are distinctive and memorable.
- Compare current details with the original description and flag changes.
- Avoid guessing. If a detail cannot be determined, do not invent it.
- Do not let stereotypes fill gaps in the description.
Worked example
Dispatch describes a suspect as 5'10"–6'0", medium build, red hooded sweatshirt, black backpack, and a limp favoring the left leg. A stopped person matches height and build and wears a red sweatshirt, but has no backpack, walks without a limp, and carries a gym bag.
Reasoning: the details that most weaken the match are the missing backpack and the absence of the limp. Clothing can be changed or shared, and height/build ranges are broad, but gait and a distinctive carried item were specific descriptors. The gym bag does not automatically equal the backpack, so it does not resolve the discrepancy.
Traps that cost marks
Relying on first impression; overlooking edges of a scene; confusing similar details; letting later information contaminate memory; stereotyping; and failing to note what is absent.