Field Training & Evaluation Program

The Longport Police Department's Field Training and Evaluation Program is designed to improve the field performance level of Longport Police Officers. The program accomplishes this goal in two (2) ways. First, as part of the overall LPD training process, the Field Training and Evaluation Program places maximum emphasis on police academy instruction through field experience. The program is designed to demonstrate to the recruit officer how to apply academic knowledge in a real-life field situation.

Second, as an evaluation and screening tool, the Field Training and Evaluation Program is one phase of the department's overall applicant screening process. It provides a measure of the field performance level of the recruit officer, which is used in the final decision regarding the retention or termination of their employment.

In developing the Field Training and Evaluation Program, the Longport Police Department has considered its responsibilities for proper field training. Legal issues involving negligent appointment and retention of officers as well as municipal liability for improper training have mandated that the department make every effort to training and retain only those individuals able to successfully perform as police officers. Additionally, the department's responsibility to the current police officers and citizens of Longport requires that only those recruit officers who can successfully perform in the field continue on as sworn police officers.

The Field Training and Evaluation Program has been developed and implemented to meet this responsibility. The Field Training and Evaluation Program is a 8 to 12-week program and commences after the new recruit has successfully completed and graduated a 20-week New Jersey Law Enforcement Academy and obtained a status from the Police Training Commission as "Certifiable". One of the main functions of this program is to place new recruits with specifically selected veteran officers who can train and properly evaluate their performance over a period of time. While the recruit is in the program, he/she will be scheduled for a variety of different shifts and work assignments.

Field Training Officers