Field Training Officer Program

Description:

The FTO Program is intended to provide a standardized program to facilitate the officer's transition from the academic setting to the actual performance of general law enforcement duties within their agency/jurisdiction.

Prerequisites:

• Officers newly assigned as FTO or in the process to be assigned as a new FTO.

Core Competencies:

• Participants will be able to provide the technical and personal skills to individuals in order for them to function as evaluators and trainers or recruits who  have completed Basic Law Enforcement Training.

Course Objectives:

• Identify the significant components of the San Jose FTO model program.
• Evaluate and document a trainee's field performance.
• Provide constructive feedback to assist a trainee with improving performance.
• Identify liability issues.
• Identify and apply remedial training strategies to improve trainee performance. 
• Identify techniques to improve FTO interpersonal communication skills, maintain ethical standards and avoid civil liability while training.
• Complete the Daily Observation Report.
• Develop a scenario and additional training plans.

Instructional Methods:

• Lecture
• Group discussion
• Group participation in exercises
• Develop and participate in a scenario (peer evaluation)

Who Should Attend:

Law enforcement officers who are or will be assigned to provide field training to  new officers. The focus of this course is for patrol officers, not detention officers. This course may not be appropriate for officers from agencies that use the PTO Model or a similar model that does not use a rating scale for assessing recruit's daily performance.

Course Requirements:

• 100% attendance and participation