Phase 1 Begins… (This entire phase should be done Off Duty)

The first phase should start with classroom-style training. Begin by having the Cadet read through the SDS to provide a basic understanding of department operations and what to expect during training.

After they review the SDS, go through the first section of the Cadet Training Sheet, covering the following in detail:

DSSD Chain of Command (CoC)

• Overview of ranks and responsibilities.

Specialist Departments

• SEU, Moto, ASU, SWAT, CID, etc.

Professionalism

• Both On Duty and Off Duty expectations.

Priority of Calls

• Understanding response hierarchies.

Correct Radio Usage

• The 3 C's: Clear, Concise, Correct.

Legal Essentials

• Miranda Rights

• Probable Cause vs. Reasonable Suspicion

Introduction to MDT

• Creating and managing profiles.

After covering these topics, answer any questions the Cadet has.

Tour of the Sheriff’s Department HQ

• Give a detailed tour of the building.

• Show them where to clock on/off.

• Introduce them to vending machines. (Open pockets near vending machines to get drinks.)

• Cover cells and booking procedures (including how to take mugshots).

Gear Up!

1. Start with the uniform:

   • Take them to the locker room to review clothing options and lockers.

   • Advise them to leave gear in their locker when going Off Duty.

2. Get their loadout from the armory:

   • Radio

   • Glock w/ Ammo

   • Taser w/ Cartridges

   • Baton (optional)

   • Armor

   • Shotgun (optional; available in cruiser trunks)

   • Bandages

   • Flashlight

   • Evidence Bags

3. Familiarize them with their gear:

   • Teach them Police Key Binds ("Muscles").

   • Let them fire their weapons in the shooting range.

   • Demonstrate the taser and have them experience what it feels like to be tasered (great time to explain Use of Force policies).

Vehicle Training

4. Time to Mount Up!

   • Head to the garage.

   • Have them pull out a Crown Vic and set it up.

   • Show them vehicle extras and how to set up Radar.

   • Pull out a second vehicle for traffic stop training.

5. Practice Pursuits & Traffic Stops (Use sparsely populated areas like Zancudo or the docks.)

✅ Mark Off Progress in the Cadet Training Sheet!

Phase 2 – At Least 5 Hours of Ride-Alongs

📝 Note: We understand that schedules don't always align. Cadets are required to ride along with FTOs for credit, but if no FTO is available, they may ride with any Deputy Sheriff or above. This flexibility should be considered when completing the checklist.

✅ Cadets Who Excel: If a Cadet shows exceptional performance, the required 5 hours can be waived, but an FTS must approve an early evaluation.

During Phase 2

Cadets begin riding along with FTOs. Remember: Cadets under your guidance are your responsibility.

🔹 Ensure Cadets Have Their Gear Ready (Food, water, ammo, taser cartridges, armor, racing harness, etc.). 🔹 Remind Them to Buckle Up (Always use a harness in high-speed scenarios.). 🔹 Lead by Example (They will mimic your behavior—so stay professional!). 🔹 Test Their Understanding (Ask questions, use the checklist, and quiz them frequently.). 🔹 Let Them Take Over Comms (Use their callsign +1 when responding to everything.). 🔹 Evaluate Their Driving _(If needed, practice in Zancudo, LSIA, or the docks.). 🔹 Use Mock Pursuits & Situations _(If real-world scenarios aren’t available, set up training exercises.).

🚨 Final Phase 2 Reminder: Once you believe the Cadet is ready for Phase 3, ensure the appropriate parties approve their advancement. Update the Cadet Training Sheet!

Phase 3 – At Least 5 Hours of Solo Patrol

✅ Your role as an FTO doesn’t end here! Keep an eye on how P3 Cadets perform on Solo Patrol.

🔹 Respectfully Correct Mistakes (If errors occur, provide constructive guidance.). 🔹 Recognize Exceptional Cadets (If someone excels, notify leadership and encourage them to request an evaluation.). 🔹 Encourage Practice Scenarios _(If a Cadet is unsure about something, offer mock exercises.).

Once a Cadet has completed 5 hours of solo patrol, recommend requesting an evaluation.

Final Evaluation – Performed by an FTS

✅ Must be a Corporal or Above (Refer to the FTO Roster). The final evaluation consists of:

1. A series of questions about SOPs, department policies, and protocols.

2. A short ride-along where they demonstrate their knowledge.

To ensure Cadets are prepared for this final step, constantly quiz them on SOPs during Phase 3.