The Columbo Factor is used as a metaphor to consider alternative interviewing techniques compared with standard accusatory approaches. In addition, the Columbo Factor also considers the practical applicability to investigative processes. As a fictional reference to the classic 1970s American TV detective drama and its central character, Lt. Columbo, there is a real-world operational methodology. Transitional adaptability requires the investigator to significantly enhance his or her skills. Developing a unique style invites special effort to self-evolve as a credible and competent individual. One's personality is at the core of the adaptation. In short, the Columbo Factor challenges the inquirer, researcher, or sleuth, and so on, to be capable of thinking outside the proverbial box. The ability to "role-play", to be a good actor, and to think in a multidimensional manner, while adapting to a particular setting, is demanding. From this perspective, several competing and opposing interests are at work. For instance, in any given organization, the "Peter Principle" is always at work as incompetence affects every organization.

     Simply put, the "Peter Principle" is a management theory that suggests people eventually become incompetent in their careers. While there are exceptions, in general, a lack of personal motivation to continually improve contributes to skill decline. Thinking becomes stagnant. There are many ramifications to this concept. That is, by choice, unless they do something about it. Yet most people are satisfied with the status quo, a contrived consensus, and a fear of change. In the process, they fail to self-evolve to higher levels of maturity, exceptional competence, and intellectual capability. Many prefer a "one-size-fits-all" perspective, or "this is the way it's always been done", or a checklist from which deviation is frightening. Preconceived notions, nebulous conjecture, bias, and pseudoscientific beliefs enter the processes. And, other issues, like the adverse nature of politics, internal and external, to the organization. Likewise, "peer pressure" sneaks in, and misguided mimicry adds to the distractions. Being different and unique, asking questions, and insisting on creativity could potentially invite negativity.

     For some, the conceptual framework of the Columbo Factor might be a paradigm shift from contemporary practices. This depends on the particular setting or environment as well as other operational factors. More often than not, the somewhat two-dimensional thinking posture is accusatory rather than evidence-gathering. Two-dimensional (2D) thinking is a simplistic approach to most tasks that follows safe guidelines, templates, standardized profiles, and checklists. It's redundant, rule-laden, and rudimentary, with very limited consideration of alternatives. Sometimes referred to as "black or white" or "good vs evil" perspectives, other variables and possibilities are ignored. Even if there is evidence to the contrary, deviation from following a straight and narrow path is avoided. Preconceived notions and nebulous conjecture, absent evidentiary authenticity, contribute to flawed investigative processes. In this spectrum, the arrogance of ignorance thrives, particularly in academia as 2D is egregiously present.

     As a side note, a momentary departure: 2D thinking can be seen in academia in the domains of the liberal arts, sometimes called the humanities. Whatever the humane or humanistic intent, the liberal arts encompass what is occasionally referred to as the "social studies arena". In this sphere of alleged higher education, four fields of study stand out: criminology, psychology, sociology, and theology. These are primarily ideological adventures in various philosophical perspectives designated here as pseudoscience. There is no science to the metaphorical replications of persistent theoretical assertions. These areas of study, with little change from generation to generation, consistently perpetuate the regurgitation of "standard issue" 2D frameworks. Of all that, pseudoscience is not intended here to be condescending or divisive. On the contrary, what is meant is that philosophical conjecture is not well-founded in real science. And, to that point, real science in this discussion is fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and very strange manifestations of quantum mechanics. As reflected in many studies in real science on human behavior, the mysteries are never-ending and always fascinatingly complex.

     As such, in the realm of classical criminology, free will is an essential cornerstone. With special innate-perpetrated intent, maladaptation is a matter of choice across a spectrum of "cost-benefit" analysis, up or down, socio-economic-political strata. As an adventure in pseudoscience, speculation ponders the scope and extent of human behavior with a diversity of theoretical perspectives. In the allied field of academia, so-called studies in criminal justice are even more reliant on opinion-driven conjecture. Of particular note is that such studies are egregiously devoid of hardcore scientific training, education, and real-world application. Over 100 years ago, a pioneering police chief established a degree program for police officers. Not only that, but also the first operational forensic science crime lab. And 100-plus years later, forensic science is under closer scrutiny than ever regarding what some call "junk science". In this discourse, the word "pseudoscience" is used interchangeably.

     Further, a century later, after the professional model of policing was fostered, about 30% of the U.S. "police corps" have a four-year degree. Additionally, a smaller percentage have two-year degrees, and others have a master's degree in fields related to the "social studies arena". Overall, formal education and training are absent in the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.). From an operational standpoint, this can be problematic in that crime scene investigations rely heavily on the "forensic science", or sometimes called criminalistics. From there, the investigation extends to the spectrum of interactions with complainants, witnesses, victims, and suspects. Now, the investigator has crossed over into the "twilight zone", dealing with people, places, and properties. It gets complicated. Grasping deep introspection in one's evolving self-analysis within cognitive awareness of consciousness (designated "CnS") makes critical thinking profound (CrT). And this intricacy intersects with the dynamics of interpersonal communication skills (IPC). Three-dimensional thinking (3D) unfolds ventures beyond that. Enter the human stage play of never-ending performances, deceptive and otherwise, where personal investigative styles become important.

     With that, the point of special interest is that it is not something mystical or miraculous; it is a matter of personal interest. A keenly shrewd, skeptical, and logical inquirer makes a choice. One must want to self-evolve to a higher state of intellectual and technical ability. Since most law enforcement personnel are particularly gifted in the sciences, the savvy investigator wants to know more science. This is not referring to the problematic areas of "junk science" or pseudoscience so prevalent in forensic science applications. Instead, the focus is on the sciences that rigorously validate the critical evidence needed to prove or disprove a criminological issue. As such, the symbolic nature of the "Columbo Factor" represents a paradigm shift from the so-called ways of doing things like in the "old days". As a practical matter, the "Columbo Factor" is non-accusatory and focuses on the evidence. What does the evidence say, and what does it mean? It is about curiosity, creativity, and imagination. And on top of that, the average standard-issue criminal justice college degree is not designed to teach that kind of tradecraft.

     Although a 20th-century TV detective drama, the eccentricity metaphorically transcends the 21st century in practical replication of reality testing. The stages of subsequent innovation are successively connected to the rubric of moving from conscious awareness to critical thinking, with application of uniquely inventive interpersonal skills. In academia, for instance, and specifically in the liberal arts (aka the "social studies arena"), that kind of personal uniqueness is not particularly prevalent at any given moment. Neither professors nor students labor to any significant degree outside a 2D regurgitation of repetitive practices. Templates, checklists, rubrics, and so forth emphasize the same redundancy. Not much changes, and very little extraordinary deep thinking transpires. Manufactured consensus and contrived normalcy reinforce "standard operating procedures", or "one size fits all". Until someone decides to go down the rabbit hole and follow the white rabbit wearing the vest, thinking outside the box will remain a cliché.

     Very few are willing to leap outside the box and dare to lose sight of it. A lot of meetings, workshops, and other organizational nonsense mimic all kinds of cute and clever memes. Yet, when it comes to solving the complex equation of deadly human interactions, critical thinking is vital. It is a matter of survival. Transforming the detective-like antics of a make-believe story is challenging. Tireless effort is required to think in 3D frameworks and to approach the mysteries of 4D thinking. The latter is that which operates at a quantum level far outside the box. Here, then, the nature of "quantum mechanics" (QM) enters the picture. Beyond the fundamental physics of matter and light, QM in LEO tradecraft means dealing with the strange, macabre nature of people with a deeper understanding of it. Such notions imply that every day is a training day for renewed learning and training oneself. A flirtation with science and technology encourages the search for sources. Tools are only as good as their users. Alert to deception, social idiocy, and fabrication, the investigator is keenly aware that they are seeking qualified and competent collaborators. Getting outside the box for 4D analysis is about being the different one. Being different is about constant educational enrichment through increasingly challenging proactive learning.

     As a mirror of becoming a well-differentiated personality, it stands as a fulcrum of balancing personal belief with severe objectivity. In LEO tradecraft, the practice is to take what others say or propose and conduct thorough research into such conjecture. Accordingly, by contrast, some training venues argue for an aggressive approach to interpersonal skills. By creating adversarial relations and seeking confessions rather than information-gathering, the practice perpetuates complicity over evidence. These typical approaches, from one seminar after another, attempt manipulation rather than understanding. By predetermining the outcome before the solidity of solvability factors is established, confrontational behaviors can lead to flawed investigations. Studies indicate that 2D thinking is at work and is generally ineffective. Not only that, but the lawful and ethical behaviors involved are also degraded. On the other hand, as a practical, adaptable model, the "Columbo Factor" suggests an evidence-driven, victim-centered tactical approach. More than a pop-cultural curiosity, a non-accusatory inquiry encourages provability through forensic science applications, grounded in imaginative insight.

     In postmodern times, the very notion of creativity seems likely to be in decline. This comes with advancements in techno-gadgetry. Over-reliance on technology, especially the alleged use of AI (artificial intelligence), leads users to become lazy and uncreative. Of growing concern in many career groups and organizational structures is the notion of "dumbing down". This reflects the poor choices of letting an AI algorithm solve the problem without serious oversight and control. And, with so much pseudoscience in the various fields of forensic science, the investigator must remain vigilant at all times. Everything is called into question and put to the test. With a focus on details, the "Columbo Factor" suggests the development of personal style and calculated humility. Rather than egocentric self-serving validation, a humble countenance is practiced with genuine curiosity. Sometimes unscripted and avoiding a manual-driven rigidity, flexibility strives to be adaptable to different situations and people. A singular persona, enriched by self-teaching, engages others with an outgoing manner.

    A fluid sense of individuality allows the investigator to pivot quickly depending on the situation. He or she is not constricted or confined to a set of restrictive guidelines or templated protocols. Again, rigorous evidentiary pursuit is focused on the evidence trail reinforced by the primacy of logical, non-judgmental thinking. In terms of pseudoscience, the practitioner insists upon understanding where such claims are fact or fiction. Subjective, alleged "expert" interpretations should always be approached with a healthy dose of skepticism. The savvy investigator guards against rushing to conclusions based on the probability of subjective validation, thereby avoiding confirmation bias. An overarching protective conception is safeguarding constitutional rights, ensuring due process, and providing equal protection. In pursuit of the truth, finding the truth is not simply a mechanistic endeavor based on a template. Instead, unique style and professional persona are driven by the effectiveness of intellect, maturity, wit, empathy, and the courage to be different. Too many people want to be someone else.

     Regarding the “Columbo Factor”, or what might be referred to as the “Columbo Technique”, perhaps even a mythology, to emphasize the evidence. And, the evidence is about physical evidence in the materiality of “cause-effect” intentional perpetration. Taking the symbolic depiction to the real-world viability means adapting certain qualities to the search for evidentiary substantiation. As a non-accusatory technique, the operational methodology is a hunt for authenticity through relentless efforts. A particular requirement is that of gathering details of the seemingly most insignificant. But nothing is either simple or insignificant as complexity evades quick and easy determination. As to the approach by which bullying behavior is thought fair game, all too quickly, the fallacies of inference come to bear. To the unfortunate person who is innocently unaware, official preconceived notions spare no level of incompetence. By contrast, though, the "Columbo Factor", adaptable to the real-world, unveils the self-interests of resistant responders. For the pompous nature of the arrogant, foolishness comes to no avail.

     Regarding the experienced and mature inquirer in the real world, a developing technique of savoir-faire ensures that every day becomes a learning day. This implies know-how, confidence, style, a flair for tactics, and the ability to handle situations. They rigorously invest in self-improvement on a higher level, understanding that becoming a skilled actor in real-life situations requires essential skill-building. There is no simple template, standard set of guidelines, easy script, or boring checklist. It is far more personal than any manufactured constraints of artificial consensus. Such eccentricity involves developing a personal style and greatly expanding the competence and complexity of interpersonal communication skills. Each human interaction is customized to the story unfolding in a specific timeline. Method adapts to the moment. Savviness enhances acting ability relative to the situation. With a sharp, insightful sense of self, the inquirer aims to see beyond superficial façades of selfishness. Humility, rooted in deep personal maturity, aligns the persona with the context. Learning how to be dangerously competent is vital.

     Essentially, there is no miracle formula for evolving individual competencies. Neither is there the latest workshop, seminar, special gadgetry or gizmo, or trendy guru, that provides the ultimate answers.  It is a matter of individual self-evolving differentiation in personal transformation. Initiative, persistence, curiosity, imagination, creativity, adaptability, and a personalized devotion to critical thinking in pursuit of the facts are important aspects. Perfecting interpersonal communication skills is an ongoing process. Every day is an opportunity to improve technical and tactical ability. Of special emphasis are thorough research, effective planning, and detailed note-taking, reinforced by a non-judgmental attitude. With that comes consistent professionalism and a strong sense of ethics. Evidence-driven endeavors focus on gathering factual information guided by well-founded logic based on rational deduction. In Leo tradecraft, those efforts keep vigilance of the importance of being victim-centered. And, despite personal selfishness, political interference, academic and social media stupidity, and community divisiveness, the investigator remains relentlessly persistent in pursuit of the evidence.