FTO's are chosen from the police officer ranks through an application and interview selection process. The training officers receive specialized training in the latest and most effective techniques and strategies for developing new police officers.
Each Field Training Officer (FTO) must attend a Field Training Officer course prior to active participation in the FTO program. They must have a good working knowledge of Federal, State, and Municipal laws, and have exemplary leadership skills in all areas of law enforcement. The FTO's and the Officer in Training abides by the San Jose Police Department's Field Training and Evaluation Program. The San Jose model has been used in numerous police departments throughout the world and has become the most used standard method of training.
When a police officer is hired, the Training Coordinator immediately assigns the police officer trainee to an experienced Field Training Officer (FTO). The FTO instructs, guides, mentors, coaches and corrects the police trainee through all aspects of police work. Experienced police officers that are laterally hired from other police departments undergo an abridged version of the Field Training Program. FTO's are chosen from the police officer ranks through an application and interview selection process. The training officers receive specialized training in the latest and most effective techniques and strategies for developing new police officers.
After the entire training process is completed, the Training Coordinator will recommend to the Chief of Police if the trainee is ready to be released to work on their own or if further training is recommended. Once the trainee is released, the officer will be assigned to work on a specific detail.
