GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Aberrations: This occurs within the lens part of the eye, such as scratches or deformities from the eye being formed. These refractive errors can cause images to appear deformed, displaced, or not at all. Adaptation: This is a functional, cognitive, or behavioral component of the nervous system that solves a particular reproductive problem. Adoration: When used as a precise keyword, adoration refers to subordinates’ behaviors that show reverence and submissiveness to their leader. It is associated with proxemics. Adrenaline: A hormone released in the body during stressful situations. See Catecholamines. Amygdalae: Responsible for the processing of memory, decision -making, and emotional reactions. The amygdalae serve as our warning system for danger, our “Cherries and Berries” so to speak, for every stimulus received the amygdalae sends out 10,000 to 50,000 responses. Anchor Point: An area where only certain individuals frequent without reservation; individuals outside of the permitted group or sect have reservations about entering such areas. Anomaly: An anomaly is the presence, absence, or change of something that creates a deviation from the baseline. Atmospheric Shift: A sudden change to the “feel” of an area, usually indicating danger. Atmospheric shifts are associated with atmospherics. Atmospherics: One of the six layers of HTMBPR, atmospherics are concerned with the interpretation of environmental mood of an area, including the look, sound, taste, smell, and feel of a location. Automaticity: Learning a task to the point that it becomes essentially attention -free or “automatic” (i.e., practicing immediate action drills for a weapon malfunction repetitively, so it does not require thinking to apply them when under stress). See Muscle Memory. Autonomic: Acting or occurring involuntarily, within the human body these are functions such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. B.A.D. (B + A = D): This is the decision -making algorithm used by HTMBPR. An officer must first establish the baseline of the human terrain. Then, the officer proactively searches for anomalies. Once the officer comes to a cluster of three or more anomalies, the officer MUST make a decision. Baseline: This is a basis for comparison and a reference point against which other things can be evaluated. Baseline development starts with an initial set of critical observations, or data, used to establish the norm of person or place. Baselines are fluid and dynamic and culture MUST be factored into baseline development. Biometrics: One of the six layers of HTMBPR, biometrics are concerned with the interpretation of physiological reactions which are autonomic instinctive unlearned reactions to a stimulus. Blind Spots: This is a phenomenon that occurs because of the optic nerve bundle. In the retina of the eye, the optic disk is where all the nerves connect to the optic nerve. Because of this, there are no photoreceptors in this area (cones and rods) and therefore the light image that impacts that part of the eye does not register, causing a blind spot. Because the brain has to form a complete picture it will fill this blind spot in with the surrounding information. See Perceptual Fill. Bling: Slang term for extravagant or flashy jewelry, it is broadly used to describe ostentatious or expensive possessions that denote or indicate wealth or status. Symbols and iconography can also be incorporated into bling. Blushing: Developing a ruddy appearance, or red face, due to embarrassment, shame, or emotional upset. Blushing is a biometric cue. BMNT: The Beginning of Morning Nautical Twilight, which is the time when the Earth’s atmosphere is illuminated just prior to Sunrise, which causes Mesopic lighting conditions (see Mesopic Vision). BOLO: BOLO stands for the phrase “be on the lookout” which is a bulletin that usually includes details about a crime suspect, such as estimated age, race, height, and weight. They might also give vehicle and clothing descriptions to officers when these things are known and are applicable (also known as APB or All -Points Bulletin). Bottom-Up Processing: Perceiving stimuli through the sensory systems. In contrast to top -down processing, bottom -up processing is not affected by the brain’s preconceived expectations. Brain Stem: The brain stem (also Brainstem or Medulla Oblongata) regulates cardiac and respiratory functions for the body as well as the central nervous system. This central nervous system is key to maintaining consciousness, regulation of sleep, heart rate, breathing, blinking, and eating (also known as circadian rhythms). Catecholamines: Chemicals produced from the amino acid Tyrosine that prepares the body for the four “F”s. These chemicals or hormones consist of but are not limited to epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, nor -serotonin, adrenalin, cortisol, and dopamine. Cerebellum: The cerebellum is Latin for “little brain” or “mid -brain”, that is responsible for coordination, balance, and gross motor control. Cerebrum: The cerebrum is Latin for “brain” and it is the newest (evolutionarily) and largest part of the brain. It is where thought, decision -making, perception, thought, judgment, and imagination occurs. Cerebral Cortex: An evolved part of the human brain, responsible for conscious experience, perception, thought, and planning. Change Blindness: These are slow subtle changes in the environment that can often be missed. Humans are blind to change when their attention is focused, either visually or mentally (for example through top -down processing). Channelization: These are environmental features that funnel or guide movement through a geographical area. Channelization is associated with the geographics domain. Channel Capacity: The maximum data rate that can be attained or maintained by the brain; channel capacity for an average human being is typically 7 tasks ± 1 or 2, unless under stress, which it then drops to approximately 3 (i.e. Calling 911 or Stop/Drop/Roll). Chunking: A mental grouping; experts appear to process more information at a time because they use top-down processing and mental file -folders to chunk (cluster) bits of information together. Cognitive Bias: This is a systematic error in thinking that affects the judgments and decisions that people make. Cognitive Illusion: This occurs when the brain makes (incorrect) unconscious inferences. In general, they can only be overcome through experience and training. Cognitive Load: The load on the information -processing system, especially working memory. Since working memory is limited by size and duration, humans can only process a certain amount of information at a given time. Cognitive Reality: The act, process, or product of perceiving an event, entity, or state of affairs that has a quality or state of being real based on the observer’s perception. Combat Cocktail: When extremely high levels of catecholamines occur in central nervous system trauma due to a Non -standard Observation or extreme stress event. This can cause poor decision making or the inability to function (freeze) similar to effects of alcohol on the brain. See Catecholamine Toxicity. Common Tactical Picture: (also Common Operational Picture) An accurate and complete display of relevant tactical data that integrates tactical information from the multi -tactical data link network, ground network, intelligence network, and sensor networks.

Cone Cells: Eye cells located in the central portion of the retina, which is used for day-time vision (photopic vision), distinguishing color, and sharp contrast. Context and Relevance: The background, setting, or situation surrounding an event, and the meaning or importance of something in relation to the context. This is understood by comparing what is known against what is unknown and measuring that against the baseline. It is important to note that Culture is Context. Cooper’s Color Code: Cooper’s Color Code is a system for describing the levels of awareness. Cornea: The clear covering over the pupil; this portion of the eye bends most of the light rays to focus and it ensures that nothing enters the pupil. Cortisol: This catecholamine is a natural diuretic that is most commonly associated with the flight/flee response, or in combination with other catecholamines causing a “Combat Cocktail”. Counterinsurgency (COIN): Comprehensive civilian and military efforts taken to simultaneously defeat and contain insurgency and address its core grievances. Dead Space: This is space that is unobservable due to one’s perspective and location (i.e. the other side of a building or hilltop). The only way to capture this is to have an overhead view of the area, physically move to change perspective, and/or to have another individual positioned to relay information about that space. Demographic: An overt, population characteristic of a person, such as race, age, income, or educational attainment. Detailed Search: A visual search technique using the overlapping strip method to carefully scan from near to far. Direction: Referred to within Proxemics, this is a Kinesic cue or observation that suggests the authoritative order or command that manages or guides someone or something either overtly or covertly. (see M.A.D.E.). Dissemination (Intelligence Cycle): During this phase of the intelligence cycle, personnel collect information and communicate it to the command element. Divided Attention: Dividing one’s attentional processing between more than one task. Dopamine: This catecholamine is a “feel good” chemical that is induced as a reward to the brain that will cause repetitive behaviors. EENT: The End of Evening Nautical Twilight, which is the time when the Earth’s atmosphere is illuminated just after Sunset, which causes Mesopic lighting conditions (see Mesopic Vision). Effective & Efficient Communication: This is the process used to speed up communication by passing more accurate BOLO information, ensuring that information flows not just laterally but and down the chain of command, and by having redundant means of communication (P.A.C.E. plan). The three main parts are; “What do I know?”, “Who needs to know?” and “Have I told them yet?”. Emotion–Memory Link: See Memory–Emotion Link. Endorphins: Naturally occurring opium -like chemicals in the brain and nervous system that are released to relieve pain. Entourage: One or more people following in a beta position to another. Entourage is a proxemics cue. Ethical: The decision conforms to a standard of what is implied, established, sanctioned, or accepted as notions of right and wrong (this is associated with a group, family, community, organization, unit, or department). Explicit Bias: These biases reflect attitudes or beliefs that one endorses at a conscious level (common examples are prejudice and racism). Explicit Knowledge: Explicit knowledge can be written down, transmitted, and understood by others—basic facts and formulas. Flushing: Developing an extremely ruddy appearance across the face and body. Flushing is a biometric signal. Focus Lock: An observational challenge in which the observer becomes fixated on an object. To prevent this, it is important to maintain peripheral vision. Focused Attention: Attention directed solely to a specific stimulus. Four “F”s: The four main areas of concern for the Limbic System that drives human beings to feed, fight, fornicate, and/or flee. These “Four F’s” occur on an unconscious level and are autonomic or built-in. Fovea Centralis: This is a small depression in the retina located in the center of the macula where visual acuity is it’s best. This is where the center of the Functional Field of View is focused on the densely packed Cone cells. The sharp central vision used to read comes from this portion of the eye. Functional Field of View: The actual area of light information that our eyes and brains actually perceive is measured angularly. It is different from person to person, but on average, it is 6° for Males and 11° for Females. Geographic Profiles: The necessary or preferred landscape features associated with a particular person, group, or type of activity. Geographic profiles are related to the geographics layer. Geographics: One of the six layers of HTMBPR, geographics is the study of the physical geography, weather, and human terrain of an area, as well as the interpretation of the relationship or interaction between people and their physical surrounding (see Natural Lines of Drift, Habitual Areas, and Anchor Points). Geometries: One of the five law enforcement multipliers, geometries of fire, observation, and communication should be employed using a P.A.C.E. plan. Interlocking geometries ensure that personnel can cover the seams and gaps of their operational area. Good Shepherd: One of the five law enforcement multipliers, good shepherds, build trusted networks, with local allies, community leaders, local security forces, NGOs, and even within their own teams.

Guardian Angel: One of the five law enforcement multipliers, these are the alert officers (at least in buddy teams), placed in a covert position that protects their units: -using an ambush mentality, unseen by potential criminals/suspects, watching over their units. Habitual Area: An area where most individuals within a given group or sect would frequent without reservations. Habitual areas are related to geographics. Hard Target: A person, unit, or vehicle that is protected against attack. The opposite of a hard target is a soft target. Heuristics: One of the six layers of HTMBPR, heuristics are rapid methods of mentally imprinting, and labeling observed behaviors. They are “tactical shortcuts” for the brain. Hippocampus: This portion of the limbic system is responsible for the transfer of short-term memory to long-term memory, as well as spatial memory that enables navigation. Histamines: Natural body chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response. Histamines are related to the biometrics layer. Histamine Cross: Blushing in the face that indicates anger, embarrassment, or physical exertion. A histamine cross is a biometric indicator. HTMBPR: The process of identifying behavioral cues, synthesizing them into a meaningful pattern, and then making sense of that pattern, ideally, left-of-bang. Once a conclusion is made, using that decision to act, and then using the previously observed cues to substantiate those decisions using artifacts and evidence that coalign within a legal, moral, and ethical framework that works in conjunction with SOPs, TTPs, and UOF/EOF/Deadly Force continuums. HUMINT: “Human Intelligence,” it refers to gathering intelligence through interpersonal contact. HVI: High-value individual/s who garner some form of power, leadership, significance, or importance, whether formal or informal. See POI.

Hypothalamus: This portion of the Limbic System controls a variety of functions within the body. Most notably, it controls temperature regulation in which the brain uses to provide “warning through heat.” Iconography: The traditional or conventional images or symbols associated with a subject and especially a religious or legendary subject. Also, the imagery or symbolism of a depiction, design, works of art, an artist, or a body of art. Ideology: A person’s worldview, ideologies are the ideals, goals, and expectations that guide actions. Ideologies can be political, cultural, or religious. Implicit Bias: This is the bias in judgment and/or behavior that results from subtle cognitive processes that often operate at a level below conscious awareness and without intentional control. These biases are flexible and can change with one’s perspective, motive, or environment. Iris: This is a thin circular structure within the eye that is responsible for controlling the size and diameter of the pupil, which then controls the amount of light that is allowed into the eye to interact with the retina. It is a sphincter muscle that acts like the aperture of a camera. Isopraxism: The impulsive tendency to mirror the actions of others. See Mimicry. Kinesics: One of the six layers of HTMBPR, kinesics, involves interpretation of body language, gestures, paralanguage, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues. KOCOA: An acronym used to remember high priority terrain features: Key terrain features, Observation points, Cover, Concealment, Obstacles, and Avenues of approach. Law Enforcement Multipliers: A supporting means that significantly increase the relative effectiveness of an individual or unit while actual force ratios remain constant (see Tactical Cunning, Tactical Patience, Geometries, Guardian Angel, and Good Shepherd). Left -of -Bang: This is the ability to observe pre -event indicators PRIOR to a life -changing event taking place with enough time or distance to make proactive decisions. Legal: This is the letter of the law (federal, state, or municipal), including department policy & procedure, as well as the spirit of the law. Lexicon: Vocabulary of a person, language, or branch of knowledge. Limbic System: The limbic system is a complex set of structures that combine higher -level functions and primitive emotions within one system. The functions the parts of the limbic system are responsible for ultimately are geared for the survival of the body (see Four “F”s). Long-Term Memory: The theoretically unlimited information storage center of the brain. Macula: The small oval -shaped and pigmented spot in the center of the retina where the structures are specialized for high acuity central vision. MDCOA: Most Dangerous Course of Action, this is the most dangerous outcome based on observed cues and previously experienced similar conditions. Memory–Emotion Link: Associating an emotional response to something that is learned (i.e., a memory). Mental File-Folder: A set of knowledge and experience about something that is stored in memory. An organized cluster of pre -conceived ideas, associated behaviors, and contextual information. Formally called a schema. Mental Simulation: Also referred to as “Train the Brain.” The process of imagining how one’s predictions about a scene may play -out. Mimicry: When used as a precise keyword, mimicry refers to a person mirroring the body language or kinesics of another. It is associated with the proxemics layer of HTMBPR. See Isopraxism. Mnemonics: Mental tricks that aid memory and retention. Monocular Vision: Objects seen with only the left or right eye; monocular visions only sees in two dimensions. Moral: The principles of right and wrong based on one’s own perspective, beliefs, or upbringing that are taken into consideration. MPCOA: Most Probable Course of Action, this is the most likely outcome based on observed cues and previously experienced similar conditions. Muscle Memory: See Automaticity. Natural Lines of Drift: Referred to within Geographics, these are paths of least resistance or routes that are used repeatedly. They become observable and predictable pathways through obstacles that provide evidence of how animals or people interact within the geographic space. Negative Space: This refers to the space surrounding the subject or main focus of a picture, also known as the background. This is the absence of mass or empty space. When the eye and the brain use perceptual fill, it fills in using the associated negative space, which can be dangerous. Neuroplasticity: This is an umbrella term for the brain’s malleable ability to reorganize itself physically and functionally due to behavior, emotions, thinking, and environment. One can effectively “re -wire” their brain through the use of memory-emotion links, practice, and repetition. This is best accomplished by making new information “sticky.” Nomenclature: The devising or choosing of names for things, especially in a science or other discipline. Nystagmus: This is involuntary eye movement that is typically caused by the ingestion of alcohol or drugs. Nystagmus is a biometric cue. OBE: Overwhelmed by events. This occurs when a non -standard observation takes place, and a person is so shocked by the experience that they “freeze” and may also be subject to the effects of a Combat Cocktail. OODA -Loop: This is the decision cycle to observe, orient, decide, and act, developed by military strategist and Colonel John Boyd USAF. Over-watch: A tactical technique in which one element is located in a position of cover, so as to support another element by providing observation, cover fire, or other security protections. Pavlovian Effect: Also known as classical conditioning, this occurs when a conditioned stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus. Usually, the conditioned stimulus is a neutral stimulus, the unconditioned stimulus is biologically potent, and the unconditioned response to the unconditioned stimulus is an unlearned reflex response. After pairing is repeated (some learning may occur after only one pairing), a conditioned response is exhibited to the conditioned stimulus when the conditioned stimulus is presented alone (e.g., The behavior of children when the jingle of an ice cream truck or the sound of its engine is heard in the neighborhood). Perception: The cognitive process by which sensory information is organized and interpreted to produce a meaningful experience of the world. Also, the first level of situational awareness is called perception. See Situational Awareness. Perceptual Fill: Rather than perceiving holes in our vision, the human brain “fills -in” portions of the visual scene that are masked by the eye’s natural blind spot. (Also referred to as Visual Fill). Photopic Vision: This is a bright light or daylight condition where the cone cells have reached full adaptation. It usually takes about 5 minutes for the cone cells to become engaged. POI: Person of Interest, referred to within Proxemics using the M.A.D.E. acronym. Positive Space: This refers to the subject or focus of a picture, also known as the foreground, and the human eye is naturally attracted to it. This is anything that has mass or physically takes up space. People are inclined to look from positive space to positive space.

Precipitating Event: An action or activity that brings about a certain outcome; the cause. When identified before a critical event, precipitating events are pre -event indicators. Pre-Event Indicators: An observable cue that suggests a certain future event will occur. Pre-frontal Cortex (PFC): The pre -frontal cortex (also the frontal lobe or forebrain) is responsible for executive thought, problem -solving, processing complex thoughts, and causing emotions. Besides distinguishing between right and wrong or predicting future outcomes, the PFC regulates social filters and repression of socially inappropriate behaviors. Other executive functions include fine motor control, speech, and poly -phasic skills. Prototype: An original form or instance of something that serves as a typical example for items of the same category. Prototypical Matching: Regarding decision-making, a prototypical match is a “close enough” match based-on a prototype. Proxemic Push & Pull: Body language that either draws -in or pushes -away others. A proxemic push occurs when a person or group uses body language to create distance to another person. A proxemic pull occurs people use body language to invite others toward them. Both are associated with the proxemics domain. Proxemics: One of the six layers of HTMBPR, proxemics, involves the interpretations of spatial relationships in order to determine the dynamics of human interactions. Proxemics is the act of betraying affiliations through the dynamics of proximal space. Pupil: This is the “hole” in the eye that allows light to pass through the lens in the eye, which then strikes the retina to excite cells in the eye that transmit electrical impulses to the brain. Pupil Dilation: A physiological response in which the eye’s pupil varies in size. It can have a variety of causes, from reaction to light to narcotics use or observation of an attractive person/item. Pupil dilation is relative to the iris muscle, and it is associated with the biometrics layer. Retina: The area along the back of the eye that contains two types of light receptors (see cone cells & rod cells) for vision. Rhythm: A stimulus, such as a musical beat or footprint, that recurs at regular intervals. Nature has its own rhythm, but usually without regularity. Something in nature that is spaced at regular intervals will stand out as an anomaly from the natural state of the environment. Right-of-Bang: The time frame following a critical incident. Actions that occur right -of -bang are generally reactive. SOPs and TTPs are typically considered “Right-of-Bang.” Rod Cells: Eye cells located peripheral to the cone cells, which are used for night vision and peripheral vision; they do not see color but are attracted to motion. Rubble: Broken fragments of materials resulting from the decay or destruction of a building or buildings. Rule of Three: This “rule” reminds personnel that in most cases, a single cue is not enough evidence upon which to make a decision—unless that cue is substantial (e.g., an immediate threat to a person)—however, once three cues or anomalies have been detected, a decision must be made. Schema: See Mental File-Folder. Sclera: This part of the eye is commonly known as the “white of the eye.” The sclera aids humans with non -verbal communications and identification of the Functional Field of View. Scotopic Vision: This is low light, no light, or dim condition where the rod cells have reached full adaptation. It takes the average person approximately 30 minutes to reach nighttime adaption Second-Order Effects: The reaction to (or effects of) a first -order effect. The secondary or downstream outcome of an incident. Sense-Making: A process in which a person or team engages in an effort to understand perceived cues, interpret their relationships, and anticipate the trajectory of a situation. In other words, sense -making is the ongoing process of giving meaning to one’s experiences. Sensory Systems: The physiological systems used to perceive the world: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Sequencing: Sequencing occurs when the brain creates a grouping or anticipates a pattern based upon a sequence of observed cues; these perceived groupings or patterns may be accurate or inaccurate. Sequencing usually begins to take place in the seventh instance of a cue. Situational Awareness (SA): An individual’s overall understanding of the operational environment, including the time and location of key components, comprehension of their meaning, and a projection of their status in the near future. In other words, SA is an internal understanding and integration of the perceived stimuli. Social Camouflage: Things that are said or behaviors that are displayed in an effort to blend into the baseline or hide in plain sight (Keywords “Something I say or do to hide in plain sight”). Soft Target: See Hard Target. Sticky Messages: Simple, concrete, messages or “touchstones” that have an emotional appeal and include compelling storylines (see Neuroplasticity). Substantiating Evidence: Evidence that is inconclusive by itself, but when considered with other evidence, helps “build a case.” Sustained Observation: Expanding conscious energy to observe an area or people over time to develop the baseline. Tacit Knowledge: Knowledge gained through hands-on practical experience that cannot be written down or easily transmitted. See also Explicit Knowledge. Tactical Cunning: One of the five law enforcement multipliers, tactical cunning, is the art of “getting into the mind of your adversary,” anticipating how they view you and then employing clever and crafty way to out-think and out -adapt the adversary. Tactical Patience: One of the five law enforcement multipliers, tactical patience, is the manipulation of the operational tempo in order to obtain the most advantageous situation. Tactical Shortcut: See Heuristics. Template: A design or pattern that guides the design or construction of identical items. In other words, a template is an exact specification. Template Matching: In decision-making, a template match is an exact match of a person, place, or item. Theory of Close Enough: Because of the brain’s need to make order out of chaos, it will heuristically simplify its perceptions. This can be dangerous when limitations or issues occur, such as perceptual fill, “bad” heuristics, or biases occur that can cause an officer to make an inaccurate decision based on their cognitive reality. Third-Order Effects: The reaction to (or effective of) a second -order effect. The tertiary or far downstream outcome of an incident. See Second -Order Effects.

Top-Down Processing: The influence of contextual effects on what is perceived. Contextual effects can include emotions, expectations, motivation, culture, and experiences. Urban Masking: Items or artifacts that are used to disguise or mask a person, group, object, or activities in an environment. Actively attempting to blend into the baseline or hide in plain sight (Keywords “Something I use to hide in plain sight”). Working Memory: Also called “short -term memory,” working memory handles the interim processing of incoming information. Information in working memory is stored for only a few seconds unless it is rehearsed, and it is limited by the brain’s channel capacity.