Training Courses

Field Training Officer by IPTM

Date & Time:
  • October 5, 2026 – October 7, 2026
Location:
Jacksonville, FL

Field Training Officer

This innovative course is the first of its kind in the nation, specifically designed for field training officers operating in the 21st century. The program employs a dynamic, accelerated approach that prepares you to effectively train and mentor newly hired recruits through a compelling and fast-paced learning environment.

Built on the foundation of the San Jose Model, this training emphasizes legally defensible evaluation procedures recognized as best practices across public safety agencies nationwide. The FTO program model has been successfully upheld in Federal Court proceedings. Participants will understand the advantages of implementing a Field Training and Evaluation Program during personnel selection and will gain clarity on their responsibilities as a field training officer.

Through discussion and hands-on practical exercises, attendees will develop skills in documenting trainee progress and applying standardized evaluation procedures that withstand legal scrutiny. The course addresses how to structure an FTO program for your specific agency and covers the development of remedial training action plans to support trainee improvement. Additionally, participants will receive guidance on enhancing their agency's existing training initiatives.

Course Topics

  • Fundamental FTO program concepts and theoretical frameworks
  • Field training officer responsibilities and roles
  • Shift documentation and record-keeping practices
  • Required FTO program documentation and supplemental forms
  • FTO program automation and technology
  • Program structure customization for individual agencies
  • Trainee preparation and orientation
  • Trainee responsibilities during the FTO program
  • Managing calls and incidents with trainees
  • Adult learning principles, memory function, and stress effects on trainee performance
  • Assessment methods including tests and quizzes
  • Legal considerations specific to FTO programs
  • Trainee driving performance evaluation
  • Managing challenging trainee situations
  • Use of the Recruit Training Checklist and Daily Observation Report
  • Standardized Evaluation Guidelines and rating scale application
  • Ethical considerations for field training officers
  • Narrative evaluation writing standards and best practices
  • Development of Remedial Training Action Plans
  • Proper application of the N.R.T. designation

Intended Audience

This course serves sworn law enforcement officers across all specializations, including patrol, corrections, federal, court, state, wildlife, and ranger agencies. It is designed for officers responsible for on-the-job field training of recruits; first-line supervisors such as sergeants and corporals overseeing FTOs and trainees; watch commanders and patrol managers new to FTO program operations; agency training coordinators; and FTO program managers or Field Training Officers who have not completed basic FTO training or whose training occurred more than five years ago. The course is restricted to sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel.

Course Details

Duration: 20 hours

Cost: $695.00

Scheduled Sessions

Session 1: October 5-7, 2026
Jacksonville, Florida
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructor: Ann Dorn

Session 2: March 15-17, 2027
Pelham, Alabama
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pelham Police Department, Training Room, 32 Philip Davis Street, Pelham, AL 35124
Instructor: Ann Dorn

Session 3: April 5-7, 2027
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Bay St. Louis Police Department, Training Room, 547 Main Street, Bay St. Louis, MS 39525
Instructor: Ann Dorn

Session 4: April 26-28, 2027
Jacksonville, Florida
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructor: Ann Dorn

Session 5: October 4-6, 2027
Jacksonville, Florida
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
IPTM - University of North Florida, Adam W. Herbert University Center, 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224
Instructor: Ann Dorn