Field Training Officers

Selection Process

Field Training Officers are selected based on their experience, motivation, initiative and ability to be able to instruct other officers. Field Training Officers must undergo a selection process before being assigned to the Unit and then must successfully pass a certified Field Training Officer course prior to training any recruits.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Duties and Responsibilities of the Field Training Officer as they relate to the Recruit Officers:

• Role Model: As a role model, the Field Training Officer is expected to demonstrate the professional standards of law enforcement. Their performance serves as an example for the recruit officer to follow.
• Training Officer: As a training officer, the Field Training Officer is expected to provide post-academy, on-the-job instruction to recruit officers in the field.
• Evaluator/Counselor: As an evaluator, the Field Training Officer is expected to evaluate the performance of recruit officers. The evaluation is based upon observations of actual field experience and is completed in accordance with the Field Training and Evaluation Program guidelines. As a counselor, the Field Training Officer is expected to provide the recruit officer with constructive criticism and suggestions for improved performance.
• Leader/Limited Supervisor: As a leader and a supervisor, the Field Training Officer is expected to provide work direction and limited supervision to the recruit officer.
• Patrol Officer: In addition to his/her responsibilities as an FTO, the officer must also perform all of his/her duties that are regularly assigned to a patrol officer.