What risk does an investigator face if they are complacent?

When an investigator becomes complacent, they may overlook critical safety protocols or fail to identify hazards in their environment. This lapse in attention can lead to injuries or exposure to hazardous materials, such as toxins that may be present at a fire scene. Being overly comfortable or relaxed in a potentially dangerous situation can diminish the investigator’s awareness and vigilance, increasing the risk of accidents.

While loss of evidence, failure to secure the scene, and overconfidence in findings are valid concerns in the field of fire investigation, they do not directly correlate with the immediate risks associated with complacency. These concerns typically arise from a lack of thoroughness or diligence rather than a physical risk to safety. Therefore, complacency specifically relates to the physical risks that can lead to injury or environmental exposure.