While the Field Training Program is designed to support learning and growth, there are times when disciplinary action may be necessary. FTOs must be prepared to identify when corrective coaching is no longer effective, and when formal discipline or escalation is required.
This section outlines how to handle disciplinary situations fairly, professionally, and consistently.
The S.A.S.P. uses a progressive discipline model, meaning corrective action should escalate only if lesser interventions fail.
Step 1: Verbal Warning & Coaching
First-time or minor issues (e.g., missed callout, minor SOP slip)
Address the behavior immediately after the incident
Explain what went wrong, why it’s important, and how to correct it
Document the coaching in the Daily Observation Report (DOR)
Step 2: Written Counseling
For repeated minor offenses or first-time serious mistakes
Provide formal written feedback in the DOR and submit a short Counseling Report
Supervisor must be notified
Includes clear expectations for improvement and consequences of further issues
Step 3: Phase Suspension or Rewind
Cadet may be held back or re-entered into a previous phase of training
Used if they are not meeting expectations despite previous interventions
Must be approved by a Sergeant or higher
Step 4: Removal from the Program
Reserved for serious misconduct, repeated violations, or demonstrated inability to perform
Requires documentation from FTOs and approval from a command-level officer
Removal is not punishment — it is a quality control measure for the department
Some cadet behaviors may bypass earlier steps and require immediate supervisor involvement:
Gross negligence or serious safety violations
Insubordination or refusal to follow orders
Abuse of force or misuse of weapons
Disrespectful conduct toward fellow officers or civilians
Dishonesty (false reports, lying, or hiding mistakes)
Toxic behavior (harassment, trolling, or OOC issues)
In these cases, pause training immediately, contact a supervisor, and document the incident in full detail.
Whenever disciplinary action is taken:
Include a summary of the incident in your DOR
Log any verbal or written counseling
Use exact quotes when possible
Submit to the appropriate supervisor or training coordinator
Remain objective and professional — focus on actions, not emotions
Discipline in FTO is not about punishment — it's about ensuring only prepared, capable, and respectful individuals graduate into full Troopers. Every disciplinary step must be taken with fairness, documentation, and the goal of improvement.
Your job as an FTO is to lead, mentor, and protect the integrity of the department — even when that means making hard decisions.