The field training of new deputies is a vital supplement to the training received in the police academy. The initial exposure to Law Enforcement provided through the Field Training Program often shapes the future careers of new patrol deputies.
ORGANIZATION:
The Field Training Program is supervised by the Captain in charge of the Headquarters Patrol Division. The Captain is responsible for the field training of new recruits and newly hired employees with prior law enforcement experience.
FIELD TRAINING OFFICERS:
Field Training Officers (FTO) are carefully selected and regard their selection as a tribute to the trust and confidence the Sheriff’s Office has in them. They are selected from patrol deputies who have two or more years of patrol experience, have a level of performance above the norm, and who possess superior skills and abilities in written and verbal communications. Successful experience as a Field Training Officer is considered a positive career step.
IN-FIELD TRAINING:
The Field Training Program is 16 weeks long and the trainee is evaluated every day on a Daily Observation Report. The forms are used to constructively critique the trainee’s performance using the Sheriff’s Office Standardized Evaluation Guidelines.
There are four phases of training and each phase has an accompanying written exam. The trainee must pass each exam in order to complete the training program. The program is difficult and due to the demanding requirements, some trainees are unable to successfully complete the program.
During the 16 week program the trainees will be exposed to:
Sheriff’s Office Rules, Policies and Procedures
Criminal Laws and Investigations
Traffic Enforcement
Citizen Contacts
Interviewing Skills
Report Writing
Officer Safety Skills
Community Policing
Applicable Civil Laws