Field Training Officer

This innovative course represents the first program of its kind designed specifically for field training officers in the modern era. Participants will engage in a dynamic, accelerated learning experience that equips them to effectively train and mentor new recruits in law enforcement.

The curriculum centers on the San Jose Model, incorporating best practices and legally defensible evaluation methodologies currently employed by public safety agencies nationwide. This proven FTO program framework has successfully withstood federal court scrutiny. The course explores the advantages of implementing a Field Training and Evaluation Program and clarifies the distinct responsibilities that field training officers must fulfill.

Through discussion and hands-on practical exercises, participants will master trainee documentation and legally compliant standardized evaluation techniques. Instruction covers the foundational architecture of FTO programs and strategies for customizing implementation within individual agencies. Special emphasis is placed on developing remedial training plans to address performance gaps in trainees. Additionally, attendees will gain insights into strengthening their agency's existing training initiatives.

Course Topics

• Fundamental FTO program concepts and philosophies
• Key responsibilities of field training officers
• Shift-based trainee documentation practices
• Essential FTO program documentation requirements
• Supplementary forms and automation strategies
• Program structure and customization for specific agencies
• Trainee preparation and responsibilities
• Managing calls with trainees
• Adult learning principles, memory retention, and stress management
• FTO assessments and evaluation instruments
• Legal considerations specific to FTO programs
• Addressing trainee driving performance concerns
• Managing challenging trainees
• Essential documentation tools including the Recruit Training Checklist, Daily Observation Report, and Standardized Evaluation Guidelines
• Professional ethics and decision-making for field training officers
• Narrative evaluation standards and remedial action plan development
• Appropriate use of the N.R.T. designation

Intended Audience

This course is designed for sworn law enforcement officers across diverse disciplines including patrol, corrections, federal, court, state, wildlife, and ranger services. It serves officers responsible for providing on-the-job field training to new recruits, first-line supervisors such as sergeants and corporals overseeing FTOs and trainees, watch commanders and patrol managers unfamiliar with FTO procedures, agency training coordinators, and FTO program managers or Field Training Officers who have not completed foundational FTO training or whose certification dates back more than five years. Enrollment is restricted to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.

Course Details

Duration: 20 hours

Fee: $695.00

Instructor: Ann Dorn

Scheduled Sessions

Jacksonville, Florida
October 5-7, 2026
Class hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Pelham, Alabama
March 15-17, 2027
Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Pelham Police Department Training Room, 32 Philip Davis Street, Pelham, AL 35124

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
April 5-7, 2027
Class hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Bay St. Louis Police Department Training Room, 547 Main Street, Bay St. Louis, MS 39525

Jacksonville, Florida
April 26-28, 2027
Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Jacksonville, Florida
October 4-6, 2027
Class hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224