FTO Program
Field Training Officer Program
Field Training Officers (FTO) and Master Field Training Officers (MFTO) are a group of highly skilled Officers that have shown to be mentors within the department and their respective subdivisions. They teach department members how to perform their duties, and are responsible for educating new additions to the department. Each FTO is selected by the Chief of Personnel with final approval by the Chief of Department. The general guidelines below apply to all FTOs and MFTOs. Specific guidance for FTOs and MFTOs, depending on their department, is listed farther down in this document.
Section 1 - FTO and MFTO Overview
1.1 Approachability:
As an FTO / MFTO you must be friendly and knowledgeable. Do your best to answer questions, but don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Use your resources to figure out a solution.
When officers bring concerns to you, listen to them, and then alert Senior Department Staff, if necessary.
Ride-along / do scenes with new members to help them grow and learn from you. Helping others boosts their confidence and skill, and they will be as experienced as you in no time.
1.2 Coaching:
As noted above, FTOs and MFTOs educate the members of their department. With that in mind, make sure that you act as a role model. Be an example of the policies and procedures that you teach others.
If you have persistent concerns with a member’s performance, bring it up with the appropriate CoC.
1.3 Mannerisms:
Aside from approachability, FTOs and MFTOs must be fair and impartial. Keep in mind that conflicts of interest may arise if you judge the performance of your friends. Do not be afraid to ask for another FTO / MFTO to coach instead of you.
Communication is key. Member performance, issues, etc. are all vital pieces of information to pass along to your team.
Attention to detail is important when evaluating and coaching members. It applies to all facets of being an FTO / MFTO; accuracy is essential.
Self-discipline and humility are difficult traits, but very useful when they are acquired. Knowing when to be firm and when to be relaxed, admitting when you are wrong, and keeping yourself accountable are qualities of a good teacher.
Section 2 - Master Field Training Officer / Field Training Officer Duties:
2.1 FTO
The main duty of FTOs is to train and guide new officers after they complete Academy training. FTOs are subject-matter experts in departmental policy and procedure, and help new Officers gain practical knowledge though the new Officers ride-along portion of their training.
2.1.1 Guidelines for becoming an FTO:
Be LEO trained for at least 30 days.
Must not have any active disciplinary action.
Must not have had any LEO disciplinary issues in the last 30 days.
Be knowledgeable of policies, procedures, and SOPs -- and must reasonably apply them to situations when needed.
Must not have been denied in the past 30 days.
Show a drive to help others, and go above and beyond.
Have no behavioral issues. (lashing out, aggression, belittling, overstepping etc.)
Pass the interview.
Sit in, and participate in at least 1 ride-along (required, unless exempted) This can be done at any stage once approved to start the program.
2.2 MFTO
The main deference between FTOs and MFTOs is that MFTOs are State Police Academy Instructors. The main duty of MFTOs is to train and guide new Officers during the Academy training process. They are also the only trainers allowed to sign off a trainee on their final evaluation once they complete their FTO ride-along and are allowed to patrol on their own. MFTOs are subject-matter experts in departmental policy and procedure, and help train new Officers at the academy.
2.2.1 Guidelines for becoming an MFTO:
Must be selected by the Academy commander.
Be LEO trained for at least 60 days.
Must not have any active disciplinary action.
Must not have had any LEO disciplinary issues in the last 60 days.
Be knowledgeable of policies, procedures, and SOPs -- and must reasonably apply them to situations when needed..
Show a drive to help others, and go above and beyond.
Have no behavioral issues. (lashing out, aggression, belittling, overstepping etc.)
Pass the interview.
Sit in, and participate in at least 1 Academy training session (required, unless exempted) This can be done at any stage once approved to start the program.
2.3 Ride-Along Program:
Ride-alongs are the backbone of the FTO program. During ride-alongs, allow the member to take the lead. Correct them as needed, and be prepared to explain why some policies or procedures are used.
Be sure to communicate with the member you ride with / evaluate. As an FTO, you are expected to talk with your mentee, and guide them verbally through situations, if needed.
You may create verbal scenarios (problem-based learning) and have your mentee go through them with you (example: “You are dispatched to a residence for a domestic dispute. What do you do when you get on scene?”). Keep in mind, these are verbal scenarios; do not perform fake 911 calls while on duty as LEO.
Ensure you correct mentees before their actions evolve into major policy breaks. Be firm and fair, but do not allow a member to abuse power, use improper force, etc.
Keep in-game limitations in mind.
If necessary, contact Staff, or file feedback, should any situation become too much for you to handle.
2.4 Authority:
FTOs only act in an official capacity over new Officers in the FTO program, in order to guide them and prevent policy breaks.
You may be requested to meet with officers regarding policy / penal code questions. Your goal in such a situation is to answer the question and only give advice on how to proceed, if you are asked to do so. You may not tell other officers what to do. You may not take over calls that other officers are already handling.
If an FTO is found to be acting in a supervisory capacity / breaching these regulations, they may be subject to removal and permanent barring from becoming an FTO in the future.
2.5 Knowledge:
You are expected to know about LEO policies, procedure, the penal code, and general information about subdivisions. You are not expected to have all the answers. You are, however, expected to know where to find them, or who to get them from.
FTOs should know about their mentees’ performance, and be able to provide details when asked by Command. This information must match the submitted ride-along training forms.
2.6 Uniforms:
FTOs use the same uniform as the rest of the department or subdivision of which you are a member. Be sure to follow all departmental SOPs when it comes to your uniform.
Section 3 - Paperwork
All FTOs / MFTOs are required to fill out the training forms after each ride-along/scene. The form can be found here. Ensure your notes are accurate and thorough, so each member’s performance can be tracked for improvement.
File feedback for any issue that cannot be handled yourself, or by COC that is available.
Section 4 - Removal from FTO Program
FTOs / MFTOs may be removed at any point, if they fail to adhere to this document, the department’s policies and procedures, or the community’s policies. They may be removed by the department high command, or division command. If removed, they may be barred from becoming a FTO / MFTO in the future.