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National Association of Field Training Officers
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Dear NAFTO Membership,
The 2026 NAFTO National Conference brought together more than 200 Field Training Officers and public safety professionals from across the country for three days of learning, connection, and professional growth. Representing agencies of all sizes and regions, attendees came together with a shared commitment to improving the way we prepare, develop, and support the next generation of public safety professionals. Throughout the conference, participants explored the evolving role of the Field Training Officer and the influence FTOs have on officer performance, organizational culture, decision-making, and long-term resilience. Nationally recognized instructors challenged attendees to look beyond traditional approaches and consider how contemporary research, adult learning principles, and human performance can strengthen field training.
The 2026 program featured an engaging mix of keynote presentations, workshops, and breakout sessions addressing the challenges FTOs and training professionals face every day. Discussions explored topics such as cognitive load, effective adult learning, ethical decision-making, stress and performance, realistic training, trainee development, retention, communication, and strategies for building more effective and consistent FTO programs. But the value of the conference extended well beyond the classroom. The conversations between sessions, the sharing of experiences between agencies, and the relationships developed throughout the event reinforced what makes the NAFTO community unique. FTOs returned home with practical ideas, new resources, valuable connections, and a renewed commitment to the important work they do.
Most importantly, the 2026 conference reinforced a simple belief: stronger field training creates stronger professionals, stronger organizations, and stronger communities. When we invest in the people responsible for developing others, we invest in the future of public safety. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, supported, and contributed to making the 2026 NAFTO National Conference a success.
Warm regards,
NAFTO
The National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTO) is a non-profit educational and professional association concerned with apprenticeship training.
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.
Standardized Field Training Reduces Liability As It Relates To:
- Negligent Hiring
- Negligent Retention
- Negligent Assignment
- Negligent Entrustment
- Negligent Training
- Failure to Document
- Negligent Supervision
- Failure to Direct
- Due Process Issues
Apprenticeship Training
Whether FTO or PTO model, Apprenticeship training is used for Law Enforcement, Communications, Corrections and EMS.
Subject Matter Experts
Law enforcement, Communications, Corrections, EMS; We have subject matter experts to help your organization.
21st Century Policing
NAFTO is knowledgeable in regard to the recommendations made by the Task Force for 21st Century Policing.
Communication
NAFTO provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, techniques and program management and best practices.
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
Interested In Becoming A Sponsor?
Our annual conference cannot be possible without the support of our sponsors.
Contact
20987 N. John Wayne Pkwy
Suite#B104-189
Maricopa, AZ 85139
602.687.5977