Field Training Officer School 2019

The Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) acts as the transition from basic training to the streets for the newly hired officer. It provides for the initial formal and informal training specifics of the day-to-day police operations. The FTEP also introduces the trainee to the internal operation of an agency including the agency’s policies and procedures. For the agency, the FTEP is also part of the hiring process.

Imperative to this program is the Field Training Officer (FTO).

The Field Training Officer Certification Course (FTOCC) is designed for the officer, who is seeking Council certification as a Field Training Officer. This course, although developed from the FTO San Jose (CA) Model, is Vermont oriented.

Subjects included in this course:

• History and development of FTEPs;
• The FTEP process;
• The role of the FTO;
• Leadership models;
• FTO liability issues;
• Ethics and being a FTO;
• Standardized evaluative procedures and forms;
• The adult learning model; and
• Vermont’s FTO certification process;

Practical exercises will be utilized to fine-tune important demonstrative areas.

Pre-requisites:

The officer seeking to become a FTO must:

• Be a certified police officer,
• Have a minimum of TWO YEARS experience following certification
• Have approval by the agency head,
• A strong desire to teach new officers, and
• Have the attributes of a successful FTO, which includes being professional, knowledgeable, committed, ethical, and fair.