Supervising and Managing the Field Training Process
POST approved 24 credits
October 25-27, 2021
Location to be determined
Cost: $375 /Member or $400 Non Member
Instructed by Field Training Associates
This three-day hands-on, problem-based learning course is designed explicitly for first-line and administrative support services managers responsible for supervising and managing Field Training Officers and probationary law enforcement employees.
The course emphasizes the necessary components of supervising probationers and Field Training Officers at the patrol shift level to ensure that administrative guidelines and legal requirements are met. The course highlights essential supervisory responsibilities: (1) the ability to comprehensively examine probationer documentation with the standardized Field Training and Evaluation assessment guidelines, and (2) auditing the probationer’s on-the-job training to ensure the Field Training utilizes the most appropriate instructional techniques for training task mastery and when necessary, action. The instructional presentation will focus upon discussion of critical Field Training issues and class review of the course materials during small group and individual in-class exercises. Students are to complete out-of-classroom reading assignments. Course content will include:
- Verifying that your Agency’s Field Training and Evaluation Process structure
- In-class review and assessment of participating agency Probationer’s Training and Evaluation Manual
- Staffing the Field Training Unit: Recruitment, Testing, Selection and Training of FTOs.
- Realistic definition and expectations of Field Training Officer duties/responsibilities.
- Issues of compensation for Field Training Unit personnel.
- FTO scheduling issues/resource allocation.
- Utilizing the non-numerically anchored performance assessment scale and guidelines.
- Performance assessment errors that compromise the objectivity and legality of Field Training.
- Auditing the Daily Observation Report: Application of the standardized evaluation guidelines.
- Auditing the FTO’s application of the on-shift instructional techniques.
- Auditing Probationer training and coaching documentation. Are the FTOs doing what they were trained to do?
- Conducting the Weekly Performance Summary process meeting.
- Special focus: Not Responding to Training (NRT) Probationer and extension of training.
- Supervising the development of the NRT Probationer’s Performance Improvement Plan.
- Supervising Probationers during Step V, the Solo Patrol Certification
- Reorientation of personnel returning to Patrol Operations after extended street-absence.
- Preparing Probationer Employment Status Reports/Recommendation for the Chief Executive.
- Assessing the effectiveness of the Field Training Officers and the Field Training Process.
- Avoiding constructive discharge allegations
- Defending against State and Federal Court wrongful discharge
Special attention: Students should bring a copy of their Agency’s current Field Training and Evaluation Process manual and forms.