Purpose
The purpose of the Field Training and Evaluation Program is to train new officers so that each is prepared to function as a solo police officer at the conclusion of their training cycle. The training cycle consists of 24-26 weeks of intensive on-the-job training and daily performance evaluations. Training is conducted and staffed by field training officers (FTO's) and sergeants on a 24-hour basis.
Responsibilities
Field training officers have the dual responsibility of providing police service in their assigned districts, as well as conducting training and evaluations for new officers. Field training sergeants are responsible for the supervision of all personnel assigned to their shifts and for coordinating and supervising the on-the-job training of recruit officers. Lieutenant Michael Brown our Field Training Commander/Coordinator.
Training
FTO training includes, but is not limited to:
The new recruit will then be assigned to patrol FTOs and will complete 4 rotations of 6 week in patrol. The recruit will also train with FTOs in other divisions to receive a wider spectrum of training, including 2 weeks in the Traffic Division and 2 weeks in Detectives. Recruit Officers are required to meet specific performance standards in 30 categories before being certified for solo patrol duty. After completion of the FTO program, each officer is assigned to a patrol shift.
San Jose Model
The Lafayette Police Department uses the San Jose Model for Field Training Officers.