Retired Detective Jim Trainum explains the harm of focusing on a single or limited police or prosecutorial theory and seeking only evidence that confirms that particular theory.
The fact that someone considers only one part of a problem or situation, or holds a single opinion rather than having a more general understanding
disapproving
Cambridge Dictionary
If you say that someone has tunnel vision, you disapprove of them because they are concentrating completely on achieving a particular aim, and do not notice or consider all the different aspects of what they are doing.
[disapproval]
Collins Cobuild Dictionary
An inability to see or understand all the aspects of a situation, an argument, etc. instead of just one part of it
(disapproving)
Oxford Dictionary
When the Mind Sees Only One Path, Justice Suffers
English
Dutch
English
Tunnel vision is one of the most dangerous flaws in any investigation. It occurs when law enforcement, prosecutors, or other officials become fixated on a single suspect or theory, ignoring contradictory evidence and alternative possibilities. Instead of seeking the truth, they focus on proving what they already believe to be true.
History is filled with cases where tunnel vision led to wrongful convictions, destroying innocent lives while allowing the real perpetrators to walk free. This narrow-minded approach to justice is not just a failure – it is a deliberate blindness that turns investigations into prosecutions and assumptions into “facts.”
When those in power refuse to see beyond their initial conclusions, justice is no longer about truth – it becomes a game of confirmation bias. The consequences can be devastating, not only for the wrongly accused but for society as a whole.
It is crucial to recognize tunnel vision when it happens and challenge a system that prioritizes conviction over truth. Because justice should never be blinded by assumption.
Dutch
Wanneer de geest slechts één pad ziet, lijdt de gerechtigheid
Tunnelvisie is een van de gevaarlijkste gebreken in elk onderzoek. Het treedt op wanneer wetshandhavers, aanklagers of andere autoriteiten zich blindstaren op één verdachte of theorie, terwijl ze tegenstrijdig bewijs en andere mogelijkheden negeren. In plaats van de waarheid te zoeken, richten ze zich op het bewijzen van wat ze al geloven.
De geschiedenis staat vol met zaken waarin tunnelvisie leidde tot onterechte veroordelingen, waarbij onschuldige levens werden verwoest en de echte daders vrijuit gingen. Deze kortzichtige benadering van gerechtigheid is niet zomaar een fout – het is een bewuste blindheid die onderzoeken verandert in vervolgingen en aannames in “feiten.”
Wanneer machthebbers weigeren verder te kijken dan hun eerste conclusies, gaat gerechtigheid niet langer over de waarheid – het wordt een spel van bevestigingsbias. De gevolgen kunnen verwoestend zijn, niet alleen voor de onterecht beschuldigden, maar voor de samenleving als geheel.
Het is essentieel om tunnelvisie te herkennen en een systeem uit te dagen dat veroordeling boven waarheid stelt. Want gerechtigheid mag nooit verblind worden door aannames.
Tunnel vision is a term used to describe a narrowed or limited perspective, often resulting in a myopic or biased view of a situation or problem. The key points of tunnel vision can include:
Narrow focus: Tunnel vision involves a limited or narrow focus on a particular aspect of a situation or problem, while ignoring or disregarding other relevant information or perspectives. This can result in a one-sided or incomplete understanding of the situation.
Lack of perspective: Tunnel vision can cause a person to lose sight of the bigger picture or fail to consider the broader context or long-term consequences of their actions or decisions. This can lead to shortsightedness and an inability to see the potential implications of their choices.
Biased perception: Tunnel vision can be influenced by personal biases, preconceived notions, or emotional attachments, which can distort one’s perception of reality. This can lead to a skewed or distorted understanding of a situation, as the person may only see what confirms their existing beliefs or expectations.
Limited problem-solving: Tunnel vision can inhibit creative problem-solving and hinder the ability to explore multiple perspectives or consider alternative solutions. It can lead to a rigid or inflexible mindset, where the person may only consider a single course of action or solution, even if it may not be the most optimal or effective approach.
Reduced adaptability: Tunnel vision can make it difficult to adapt to changing circumstances or new information, as the person may be resistant to incorporating new perspectives or revising their initial assumptions. This can lead to missed opportunities or failure to adapt to changing situations.
Potential negative consequences: Tunnel vision can have negative consequences, such as making poor decisions, missing important details, or overlooking potential risks or challenges. It can also lead to conflicts or misunderstandings with others who may have different perspectives.
It’s important to be aware of the limitations of tunnel vision and strive to maintain an open, balanced, and inclusive perspective when evaluating situations or making decisions. Seeking input from others, considering multiple perspectives, and being willing to revise and update one’s views can help mitigate the effects of tunnel vision and lead to better decision-making and problem-solving outcomes.
1 Miscarriages of Justice ~Dowaliby Case~ Tunnel Vision – Part 1 of (3)
23 aug 2010
2 Miscarriages of Justice ~Dowaliby Case~ Tunnel Vision – Part 2 of (3)
3 Miscarriages of Justice ~Dowaliby Case~ Tunnel Vision – Part 3 of (3)
“Tunnel vision” is a term used to describe a cognitive bias where a person’s focus narrows to a single point, and they become unable to see or consider other factors that may be relevant. Some key points to keep in mind about “tunnel vision” include:
Narrow focus: “Tunnel vision” can cause people to focus only on a specific goal or outcome, and ignore other important details.
Limited perspective: Individuals with “tunnel vision” may fail to consider alternative viewpoints, leading to narrow-mindedness and inflexibility.
Loss of peripheral vision: Those with “tunnel vision” may be unable to see or consider other relevant factors that are not directly related to their current focus.
Risk of errors: Tunnel vision can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making, particularly if important information is overlooked.
Causes: Tunnel vision can result from a range of factors, including stress, fatigue, cognitive overload, and cognitive biases.
Management: It is important to recognize the signs of “tunnel vision” and take steps to manage it, such as taking breaks, seeking alternative perspectives, and practicing mindfulness and self-awareness.
4 Human Factors in Wrongful Convictions: Tunnel Vision
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A beautiful young girl called Stephanie Crow was tragically lost to a sensless murder. The police unsure about who to suspect, and how the murderer gained entry into the victims house then decided to focus on the family.
However this is not just a miscarriage of justice it is a travesty of justice by the sheer incompetence, and shocking cold indifference of the police.
Michael Crowe was only a child when the police decided to railroad him for the murder of his sister. This case went so far off the tracks that Michaels friends were dragged into the police station and charged with murder.
Meanwhile the real killers clothes covered in Stephanies blood along with eye witness accounts in the locality of the murder that shows a disturbing modus operandie that involved stalking young girls, all evidence that should have been focused on lay neglected, and forgotton as police were determined to build a strong case against Michael Crowe. This story reveal’s how the Police can be shockingly incompetent, and yet are free to prosecute in any way they please.
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