1501.00, Field Training and Evaluation Program
Refer:
• DIR 0020.00, Mission, Values, and Goals
• DIR 1500.00, Training
• Training Division Standard Operating Procedures:
o SOP 1-21, Instructional Design and Training Approval Process
o SOP 3-3, Procedures for Performance Summaries and Discipline Involving Probationary Officers
o SOP 3-4, Field Training Officer Selection, Standards, Certification, Recertification, and Decertification
o SOP 3-7, Field Training and Evaluation Program Meeting Guidelines
• Training Division Forms:
o Bi-Weekly Phase V Evaluation
o Weekly Phase I-IV Evaluation
o End of Phase Evaluation
o Field Training Officer Evaluation
o Field Training and Evaluation Program Standardized Evaluation Guidelines
Definitions:
• Bi-Weekly Evaluation: An evaluation of Phase V Recruits, based upon Field Training and Evaluation Program Standardized Evaluation Guidelines that is completed bi-weekly by the Field Training Officer (FTO), electronically or on the approved printed form.
• Director of Police Education: The non-sworn manager in the Training Division primarily responsible for the planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of the activities and personnel related to the Bureau’s education program. The Director of Police Education co-manages the Training Division and shares certain functions, as required in Training Division Standard Operating Procedures, with the Training Operations Manager.
• Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP): A comprehensive process designed to train police Recruits, in the most effective manner, to become police professionals.
• Field Training Conference: A meeting between the FTEP Coordinator and the assigned FTO designed to review a Recruit’s progress and to develop plans for correcting deficiencies.
• FTEP Coordinator: A Training Division officer who serves as the Operations Coordinator of the FTEP.
• FTEP Program Director: A Training Division lieutenant, or designee, who is responsible for the management of the FTEP program.
• FTEP Sergeant (or Supervisor): A Training Division sergeant or supervisor who is responsible for Recruit Officer training.
• FTEP Standardized Evaluation Guidelines: A Bureau form that captures the standards by which Recruit Officer performance is evaluated. Key areas include, but are not limited to, knowledge of applicable laws, ordinances, and Bureau policies; report-writing ability; safety; and field performance.
• Field Training Officer: A member who has successfully completed the Bureau’s FTO School and has maintained certification, including re-certification classes, as scheduled by the Training Division. The FTO is responsible for monitoring and documenting Recruit Officer’s performance and providing resources to assist in their FTEP completion.
• Recruit Officer (“Recruit”): A sworn member of the Bureau who has not completed the probationary period.
• Recruit Training Sergeant: A sergeant from each relief at each precinct designated as the coordinator of the FTEP for that relief.
• Training Operations Manager: The highest-ranking sworn member permanently assigned to the Training Division who is primarily responsible for managing training program assignments and training facility use. The Training Operations Manager co-manages the Training Division and shares certain functions, as required in Training Division SOPs, with the Director of Police Education.
• Training Phases: FTEP training stages that allow Recruit Officers to assume certain duties and require varying levels of monitoring by an FTO.
o Entry Phase: The preliminary training stage of FTEP, during which Recruit Officers work closely alongside their designated FTO and are assigned basic tasks, such as operating the radio and driving.
o Phase I: The first training stage of FTEP, during which Recruits continue to work closely with their designated FTO. Generally during this phase, Recruits are responsible for all driving duties, geographic orientation, and radio operation, and may manage common calls for service.
o Phase II: The second training stage of FTEP, during which Recruits assume more responsibility and begin multi-tasking in the field (e.g., driving, geographic orientation, and managing varied calls for service).
o Phase III: The third training stage of FTEP, during which Recruits begin periodically working without direct guidance and exercising independent judgment and control on all daily operations of patrol. Generally, FTOs will only provide post-situational critique during this stage.
o Phase IV: The fourth training stage of FTEP, during which Recruits work without direct guidance of their designated FTO and establish self-initiated activity goals.
o Phase V: The final training stage of FTEP, during which the Recruit works independently and is assigned standard patrol duties.
• Weekly Observation Report: An evaluation of Phase I-IV Recruits, based upon the Standardized Evaluation Guidelines, that is completed weekly by the FTO electronically or on the approved printed form.
Policy:
1. This directive establishes training procedures and program requirements for Bureau Recruits participating in FTEP.
2. The FTEP is designed to provide new officers with the skills and experience necessary to meet the performance standards established by the Bureau for sworn members.
3. The Bureau is committed to providing a FTEP that offers an extension of classroom learning and a platform for integrated learning. The Training Division uses a developmental process with problem-based instruction that equips Recruits with the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out their functions safely, effectively, and professionally.
Procedure:
1. Field Training
1.1. All field training shall be consistent with the Training Division’s annual training plan.
1.2. Recruit Officers.
1.2.1. Recruits shall complete field training assignments on a rotating basis between at least two precincts.
1.2.2. Recruits shall generally begin the Entry Phase upon completing the Basic Police Academy.
1.2.3. Recruits shall then incrementally advance to Phase V through a progressive, developmental learning process involving field training, observation, critique, evaluation, and review. The FTO shall give the Recruit additional responsibilities as their skills develop.
2. Field Training Officers.
2.1. The Training Division shall maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlining the standards and criteria for FTO selection, training, certification, and de-certification.
2.2. FTO Selection and Evaluation
2.2.1. The Training Division shall evaluate a prospective FTO’s record of professional conduct, work performance, and history of suitability as an instructor or trainer in accordance with Directive 1500.00, Training.
2.2.2. FTEP shall select FTOs based on key factors that are set forth in the Training Division SOP 3-4. These factors include, but are not limited to the following:
2.2.2.1. Tenure as a permanently appointed sworn member;
2.2.2.2. Discipline history;
2.2.2.3. Performance history;
2.2.2.4. Demonstrated maturity; and
2.2.2.5. Demonstrated knowledge and support of Bureau policies and procedures, tactics and training, values, mission, and goals.
2.2.3. All FTO candidates shall have and maintain a demonstrable record of professional conduct and suitable work performance.
2.2.3.1. Members who have been subject to disciplinary action, as detailed in Directive 1500.00, Training, shall be prohibited from serving as an FTO.
2.3. Field Training Officer Certification
2.3.1. All FTOs shall attend the required training to maintain their FTO certification in accordance with Directive 1500.00 Training.
2.3.2. The Training Operations Manager shall be responsible for the certification and re-certification of FTOs who have successfully completed FTO School.
2.3.2.1. The Training Operations Manager, or designee, shall notify Responsibility Unit (RU) Managers of pending FTO Schools.
2.3.3. RU Managers may request the suspension or de-certification of an FTO through the Training Operations Manager. The Training Operations Manager has the sole discretion to de-certify or suspend an FTO.
2.3.4. The FTEP Director or designee shall provide a current list of FTOs to the Internal Affairs (IA) Captain or designee. As FTOs are added, decertified, retire, or are otherwise removed, the FTEP Director shall ensure that IA has an updated list.
2.3.4.1. If a case involving an FTO is opened, the IA Captain or designee shall provide notification to the FTEP Director within one business day when there are allegations that, if true, would impact the FTO’s ability to effectively train a Recruit.
2.3.4.1.1. If the allegations are sustained and necessitate the removal of the FTO from the program, the IA Captain or designee must notify the FTEP Director within one business day of case closure.
2.4. Field Training Officer Training
2.4.1. The Training Division shall utilize a training needs assessment process that conforms with Training Division SOP 1-21, to design and deliver all FTO training,
2.4.2. All FTOs shall receive 40 hours of initial training and ongoing in-service training to maintain certification. The training captures the following key areas, which include, but are not limited to:
2.4.2.1. Management;
2.4.2.2. Intervention and counseling;
2.4.2.3. Scenarios;
2.4.2.4. Civil liability; and
2.4.2.5. Performance evaluation.
2.4.3. FTOs and Recruit Training Sergeants shall maintain, and demonstrate on a regular basis, their proficiency in adult learning and problem-based instructional strategies; practicing and teaching community-oriented policing; modeling the Bureau’s mission, vision, and goals; and effectively solving problems.
2.4.4. The Training Division shall maintain current documentation of FTOs’ evaluations and training.
3. Training Phases.
3.1. Projected Completion Timelines.
3.1.1. Entry Phase: Four weeks.
3.1.2. Phase I: Five weeks.
3.1.3. Phase II: Five weeks.
3.1.4. Phase III: Five weeks.
3.1.5. Phase IV: Five weeks at a minimum.
3.1.6. Phase V: The Recruit shall remain in Training Phase V until the completion of the probationary period.
3.1.7. The timelines listed for each phase, except Phase IV, are recommended schedules. The Bureau retains the right to modify those timelines and to terminate a recruit at any phase of the training process. Program advancement shall not automatically confer advancement to a permanent position until the recruit has successfully completed the probationary period.
3.2. Entry Phase through Phase IV.
3.2.1. FTEP shall assign the Recruit to ride with a certified FTO in all training phases.
3.2.2. FTEP shall not assign a Recruit to the same FTO for more than two consecutive training phases.
3.2.3. FTOs shall work with their Recruits to complete the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Field (DPSST) Training Manual. In-state Recruits making a lateral transition to the Bureau shall complete a Bureau-certified training manual in lieu of the DPSST Training Manual.
3.2.4. FTOs shall assess the Recruit’s daily activities and coordinate with the Recruit to discuss any problem areas and develop a plan of action to correct areas that need improvement.
3.2.5. The Recruit’s regularly assigned FTO will use FTEP Standardized Evaluation Guidelines to complete a Weekly Observation Report prior to the end of the week to document the Recruit’s performance for each day. The FTO will discuss the report with the Recruit, and both shall sign it.
3.2.5.1. If the FTO is unable to complete a Weekly Observation Report electronically, they shall send an original typed or handwritten document directly to the FTEP Coordinator.
3.2.5.2. The FTO shall forward a copy of all Weekly Observation Reports to the FTEP Coordinator.
3.2.6. In the unusual circumstance in which a Recruit is assigned to work with a member who is not a certified FTO (e.g., if the assigned FTO is on leave), a shift Sergeant or assigned FTO shall assign a suitable non-FTO member to monitor the Recruit.
3.2.6.1. The Sergeant or FTO shall not assign a non-FTO member a Recruit if the non-FTO member has been subject to disqualifying disciplinary action as described in Directive 1500.00, Training.
3.2.7. FTEP shall not require a non-FTO member to complete a Weekly Observation Report. Instead, the non-FTO member shall provide written documentation to the FTEP Coordinator, detailing their activities and the Recruit’s performance during the period the non-FTO member observed the Recruit. They shall provide such documentation for each week they are assigned to a recruit. The documentation should not cover periods longer than one week.
3.2.7.1. The assigned non-FTO member shall review the documentation with the Recruit, who shall, in turn, acknowledge the review with their signature.
3.2.7.2. The assigned non-FTO member shall then send the documentation to the FTEP Coordinator and the assigned FTO.
3.2.8. Missions.
3.2.8.1. Phase III and IV Recruits may work missions in a uniform capacity with their FTO; however, this work is only permitted on straight or adjusted time (i.e., no overtime).
3.3. Phase V.
3.3.1. Recruits who have successfully completed all previous training phases and consistently met the acceptable performance standards, as defined in FTEP Standardized Evaluation Guidelines, shall advance to Phase V training status.
3.3.2. Phase V continues until completion of the probationary period, unless the Recruit’s performance reflects serious deficiencies, in which case the Training Operations Manager, or a designee, shall review the Recruit’s performance to determine an appropriate course of action.
3.3.3. During this final phase of field training, Recruits will still have an assigned FTO to closely monitor their performance; however, Recruits are permitted to work independent of direct supervision. Using FTEP Standardized Evaluation Guidelines, the FTO shall complete a Bi-Weekly Phase V Evaluation Form electronically to document the Recruit’s performance.
3.3.3.1. The FTO shall discuss the evaluation with the Recruit, who shall, in turn, acknowledge the review with their signature.
3.3.4. An FTO may only be assigned to monitor the performance of a maximum of two Phase V Recruits at a time.
3.3.5. As staffing permits, the Bureau shall assign Recruits to a district in reasonable proximity to their assigned FTO’s district to facilitate mentoring and monitoring of the Recruit(s).
3.3.6. An FTO who is assigned to mentor a Phase V Recruit shall not be assigned a Recruit participating in another Training Phase.
3.3.7. Missions.
3.3.7.1. Phase V Recruits may work missions in a uniform capacity only. This work is permitted on straight or adjusted time, and overtime.
3.4. Precinct Sergeants who are responsible for Recruits in training shall:
3.4.1. Maintain a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures contained in this directive.
3.4.2. Facilitate the assignment of Recruits to FTOs.
3.4.3. Ensure that Recruits are assigned the same shift and days off as their FTOs.
3.4.4. Ensure that FTOs complete and submit the Weekly Observation Reports for Phases I-IV Recruits to the FTEP Coordinator.
3.4.5. Ensure that FTOs complete and submit Bi-Weekly evaluations for Phase V Recruits to the FTEP Coordinator.
3.4.6. Notify the Training Division in writing of any performance deficiencies with either Recruits or FTOs, and work with the Training Division to address the deficiencies.
3.4.7. Notify the FTEP Sergeant in writing of any personnel changes for the position of Recruit Training Sergeant or Scheduling Sergeant at the RU.
3.4.8. Not reassign a Recruit without consulting with and receiving approval from the FTEP Director, or their designee.
4. Program Advancement.
4.1. Prior to the completion of each training phase, the Recruit’s assigned FTO shall complete the “End of Phase Evaluation” form and indicate their recommendation for advancement to the next training phase or retention in the current training phase. After the FTO discusses the evaluation with the Recruit, both members will sign the form.
4.1.1. The FTO shall forward a copy of the form to the FTEP Coordinator.
4.2. For Training Phases I-IV, the FTEP Sergeant and FTEP Coordinator must review and approve the evaluation prior to the Recruit’s advancement to the next training phase.
4.2.1. If the reviews are in conflict, the FTEP Director shall determine whether to advance the Recruit to the next phase.
4.3. No recruit shall be considered for advancement to Phase IV until the Recruit has successfully completed the Bureau’s Advanced Academy.
4.4. Prior to advancement to Phase V, the FTEP Director, FTEP Sergeant, and FTEP Coordinator shall review the evaluation for approval.
4.4.1. The FTEP Coordinator shall provide written notification of the Recruit’s advancement to both the Recruit and their RU Manager.
4.4.2. Recruits are prohibited from working independently prior to this notification.
4.5. No Recruit shall be considered for advancement to Phase V until the Recruit has completed both the mandatory five-week observation period in Phase IV, and the DPSST Field Training Manual.
5. Field Training Officer Notifications.
5.1. FTOs shall be responsible for notifying the FTEP Coordinator when:
5.1.1. Their Recruit has been involved in a significant incident (e.g., collision, pursuit, serious use of force, etc.);
5.1.2. Their Recruit is absent for more than one week;
5.1.3. Their Recruit is not meeting training timelines;
5.1.4. The FTO changes precincts, shifts, or days off;
5.1.5. The FTO has an approved leave (e.g., vacation, FMLA, military leave, etc.) of more than one (1) week;
5.1.6. The FTO is notified that they are the subject of an IA Investigation; and/or
5.1.7. The FTO has been promoted or transferred from a uniform patrol assignment.
6. Field Training Conferences.
6.1. The FTEP Coordinator shall schedule Field Training Conferences upon receipt of End of Phase Evaluations (e.g., Entry Phase through Phase III). The FTEP Coordinator shall schedule additional Field Training Conferences, as needed, to evaluate and discuss the Recruit’s performance.
6.2. The FTO should be prepared to discuss their Recruit’s field training performance and to provide recommendations for future training.
7. Probationary Performance Summary.
7.1. The FTEP Coordinator shall draft a performance summary if the Training Division has determined that a Recruit does not meet standard performance requirements.
7.1.1. The FTEP Coordinator shall submit the summary through channels to the Chief or a designee, who shall then determine a course of action.
8. Field Training Officer Evaluations.
8.1. Recruits shall evaluate their assigned FTO using the FTO Evaluation Form. Recruits shall complete and forward the form directly to the FTEP Coordinator within two weeks of completing their assignment with an FTO.
8.1.1. Recruits shall not advance to Training Phase V until they complete all FTO evaluation forms and submit them to the FTEP Coordinator.
8.1.2. The Training Division shall provide Recruits with the opportunity to evaluate the FTEP at the completion of their probationary period to inform future instruction, quality, and training within the FTEP.
8.2. The Training Division shall maintain the FTO evaluations.
8.3. To maintain and enhance the quality of the FTO program, the FTEP Sergeant or designee shall review the evaluation with the FTOs to give feedback and coordinate remedial training, as needed. Their use is not intended to be disciplinary in nature and will not have disciplinary consequences.
9. Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Field Requirements.
9.1. Recruits not currently certified by DPSST will attend and graduate from the DPSST Basic Police Academy prior to their assignment to uniform patrol, unless DPSST grants a waiver of the Basic Police Academy.
9.2. For Recruits who are currently certified by DPSST, or those members granted a waiver of the DPSST Basic Police Academy, FTEP will provide an orientation to Bureau procedures, as determined by the Training Division, prior to their assignment to uniform patrol.
9.3. Recruits must satisfy their DPSST Certification Requirements prior to the end of their probationary period.
Effective: 5/17/2025
Next Review: 5/17/2027