Training Courses

Advanced Field Training Officer Course

Date & Time:
  • January 11, 2027 – January 12, 2027
Location:
Buena Vista, CO

This intensive two-day program runs from January 11-12, 2027 and is tailored for active Field Training Officers and FTO coordinators seeking to strengthen their competencies in teaching methodologies, interpersonal communication, and record-keeping practices. Participants will explore essential competencies needed to effectively train recruits while reducing organizational exposure to negligent retention concerns in today's complex legal landscape.

The curriculum combines didactic instruction, collaborative group work, and hands-on activities to build practical skills. Attendees will examine how generational and personality differences impact training relationships, discover evidence-based adult learning principles, and refine mentoring capabilities. The course addresses common training errors, specific recruit performance gaps, remediation techniques, and the critical importance of accurate deficiency documentation. Additionally, participants will analyze real body worn camera recordings to contextualize field training scenarios.

Course Topics:

  • Generational differences and communication strategies
  • Managing personality conflicts
  • Adult learning theory and its application
  • The FTO role as educator and mentor
  • FTO responsibilities as an entry-level leadership position
  • Common training pitfalls and how to avoid them
  • Identifying and addressing typical trainee performance deficiencies
  • Documentation best practices for deficiency reporting
  • Negligent retention liability and mitigation
  • Analysis of body worn camera footage from field scenarios

This course is accredited by the Southeastern Field Training Officer Association (SEFTOA).

Instructors: Captain Rob Fanelli or Lieutenant Wayne South (ret.)

Location: Chaffee County Sheriff's Office, 200 Steele Drive, Buena Vista, Colorado 81211

Cost: $325.00

Cancellation Policy: Full refunds minus a 5% processing fee are available for cancellations made more than 21 days prior to the course start date. No refunds are issued for cancellations within 21 days of the course; however, student substitutions are permitted.