


NAFTO is proud to continue our partnership with the National Policing Institute and invites our members and Field Training Officers to take part in an upcoming focus group. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register soon. Insights gathered from these sessions will be used to strengthen and advance law enforcement training nationwide.
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Dear NAFTO Membership,
The 2025 NAFTO National Conference brought together over 200 Field Training Officers (FTOs) from across the country for an unforgettable three-day experience. With representation from agencies of all sizes and regions, the conference created a powerful space for collaboration, growth, and professional development. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about the evolving responsibilities of FTOs and the critical role they play in shaping officer culture, performance, and resilience.
This year’s theme centered on elevating the quality, consistency, and realism of field training. Through a carefully curated schedule of workshops, keynotes, and breakout sessions, nationally recognized instructors pushed attendees to move beyond outdated models and embrace contemporary, evidence-based training practices. Topics ranged from cognitive load and adult learning to ethical decision-making, stress exposure training, and strategies for improving trainee retention and performance.
Beyond the classroom, the conference fostered a strong sense of shared purpose. Attendees returned home not only with new tools and strategies, but with renewed energy for their mission. Whether it was a first-time conference-goer or a seasoned FTO, every participant contributed to the collective effort to professionalize and strengthen field training across the country. The 2025 NAFTO Conference reaffirmed our belief that when we invest in those who train others, we invest in the future of the profession.
Warm regards,
NAFTO
October 3, 2025• Announcements, Featured
Commonly referred to as the “Field Training Officer Concept”, apprenticeship training is used for law enforcement, communications, and corrections personnel. Educators, administrators and other criminal justice practitioners are also encouraged to participate.
NAFTO was created as a resource for law enforcement, corrections, and communications trainers throughout the United States and beyond. NAFTO encourages the exchange of ideas and communication in order to promote “Field Training Program” related issues, which are unique to apprenticeship training models.
Those who choose a career in law enforcement, communications, corrections, and EMS, do not have the skills necessary to simply show up and perform the job in a proficient manner. These career fields have a basic training requirement, such as an academy. This training is basic and provides the foundation of learning. However, it does not provide all the skills necessary to ensure candidates are ready to perform the duties required to do the job in a solo or proficient status.
Apprenticeship training, also known as “The Field Training Officer Concept” is necessary to provide training to new candidates. Field Training Officers known as FTO’s, are experienced officers who attend organized and established training that provides the skills necessary to evaluate and train career candidates.
NAFTO is a resource for Field Training Officers, agencies and departments for developing, and growing field training programs. NAFTO hosts an annual national training conference. This annual training conference features break-out sessions, guest speakers and more. Field training officers in various career fields exchange ideas and solutions for field training programs within their own organization.
Whether FTO or PTO model, Apprenticeship training is used for Law Enforcement, Communications, Corrections and EMS.
NAFTO is knowledgeable in regards to the recommendations made by the Task Force for 21st Century Policing.
Law enforcement, Communications, Corrections, EMS; We have subject matter experts to help your organization.
NAFTO provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, techniques and program management and best practices.
Our annual conference cannot be possible without the support of our sponsors.
I hope this message finds you well. As we move into the final stretch of the year, I want to thank you for the energy, dedication, and support you continue to bring to our association. Because of your commitment, we’ve not only overcome challenges but also reached new milestones together.
This year has been one of growth and momentum—marked by record-setting classes and a successful national conference last June. Those achievements are only the beginning. Looking ahead, our focus remains on strengthening member benefits, reaching more agencies that need quality training, and creating innovative ways to support your professional growth.
Opportunities for involvement are expanding. In 2025, we will launch four new committees—curriculum development, instructor development, finances, and conference planning. If you are interested in serving, I invite you to email me directly. Your participation will help shape the future of our work.
And speaking of the future—keep an eye out for exciting news about our 2026 national conference. Planning is already underway, and we can’t wait to share details with you soon.
Thank you for being an essential part of this community. The rest of this year holds great promise, and together we are building momentum that will carry us forward into 2025 and beyond.
Respectfully,
Dan Greene
Executive Director
director@nafto.org
October 3, 2025• Announcements, Featured
August 30, 2025• Featured
We encourage all members to take part in this important survey, as your input plays a vital role in shaping the future of law enforcement training and development. By sharing your experiences and perspectives, you help identify the needs, challenges, and opportunities that impact our profession every day. The results will guide the creation of meaningful programs, resources, and initiatives that directly benefit officers, agencies, and the communities we serve. Your voice matters—please take a few minutes to contribute to this effort and help strengthen the profession as a whole.
July 29, 2025• Announcements, Featured