After completing the law enforcement academy in 1995, I rode with veteran officers so I could learn how to do the job. The department did not have a Field Training Program. I only learned from veteran officers who were supposed to “teach” new officers.
Out of the three “veteran” officers I was learning from (rode with), only one actually taught me how to be a police officer; not to mention he was a very different teacher from the other two.
(more…)A recent question came to NAFTO in regards about lateral hires and the length of the FTO Period. The question was should the lateral hires complete the full FTO program for your agency or can their FTO training be abbreviated? (more…)
A good training officer will provide the tools needed to a new officer so they can build a successful career
By Joshua School, C1 Contributor
What group of people are the most influential in shaping officers at a correctional facility? Who works with new officers on a daily basis? Who do veteran officers turn to for professional advice? (more…)
Being a Field Training Officer is one of the most important assignments in each and every agency. Field Training Officers volunteer their services to their departments in order to share their knowledge and skills with the youth of law enforcement.
The Field Training Officer has first crack at developing the culture, attitude and work ethic of a young police officer. A role that must not be taken lightly! And most FTOs do not take it lightly. In fact, most FTOs take their responsibilities very seriously. In the year 2000 the National Institute of Ethics completed what was at the time the nation’s largest study of ethical standards inside law enforcement. They found that the Field Training Officer was the most frustrated officer in the department. (more…)
In my 23 years of law enforcement I have had the privilege of serving in many different specialty positions. I have been a detective, bicycle officer, Defensive tactics instructor, a TAC officer at the basic law enforcement academy, and a patrol sergeant to name a few. But the one specialty position I found to be the most rewarding was the role of the field training officer. I have worked for two different law enforcement agencies in my career and at both agencies I was an FTO. In fact after my 5 year assignment at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy was completed and I returned to my agency, I reapplied to be an FTO once the position came open. I had the pleasure of training 3 new officers before I was promoted to sergeant. (more…)
Just hours after posting our article last night, we found on Facebook that law enforcement had the 100th Line of Duty Death.
We think it would be good for you the following follow up article. It’s About Saving Lives, Not Just a Number.
In case you missed our first article, Below 100, you can read it here.
Be Safe
I usually don’t stop to write openly about my inner thoughts and emotions very often. But this may be good therapy? And yes, all active personalities in my head agree that this is a topic worth talking about.
I was driving into work this last Wednesday and turned on the radio to listen to my favorite afternoon sports show. Programming was different that day. I was listening to the annual fundraiser show this radio station and disc jockey run to raise funds for the 100 Club of Arizona. A very worthy organization, that help financially support the families of fallen officers and firefighters. (more…)
Recently, I read a Daily Observation Report (DOR) prepared by one of my FTOs. The following is an excerpt of the report: “We were on routine patrol when I ran a random license plate check of a nearby vehicle. The vehicle returned clear of stolen, but the male R/O had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. I then directed my student officer to pull up beside the vehicle in order to observe the driver. I observed the male driver fit the physicals listed by the DOL for the R/O and on the outstanding warrant. I directed my S/O to initiate a traffic stop. My S/O made several lame protests about “PC” and other trivial matters regarding the validity of the traffic stop. Realizing an override was necessary, I backhanded him in my standard method of correction. After only one “puppy-like” yelp, my S/O activated our patrol car’s overhead lights and stopped the car…” (Okay, I’m kidding) (more…)
Blue Knights with Lt. Dan Marcou
On patrol you are not looking for something, you are looking for everything.” A long-time Field Training Officer told this to every recruit he ever trained. He hoped to encourage them to be proactive and maintain a wide-open mind, during every contact. He did this because experience had taught him that one good cop can make a difference. (more…)
Officer Safety: Inside and Out
By Sgt. David J. Harris
As the FTO Coordinator for my agency, it has been quite some time since I had a Student Officer in my car. Recently that opportunity presented itself. I found myself recalling all of the skill sets required to an effective FTO. One thing that stood out to me is just how many things I need to know about the inside of the car-that has absolutely nothing to do with the Student Officer! (more…)
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602.687.5977
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