Field Training Officer Learning Objectives

Module 1 – Policy Development

  • Identify the purpose of a Field Training Policy/Manual.
  • Identify and explain the critical components of a Field Training Policy/Manual.
  • Compose a phase format, including timelines for each phase, along with the responsibilities of the FTO and trainee.
  • Create a list of standard qualifications to serve as an FTO in your agency.
  • Identify a command structure for your FTO program.

Module 2 – Leadership and Supervision

  • Define the terms “competency” and “commitment.”
  • Compare and contrast the differences between leadership styles as they apply to individual trainees.

Module 3 – Teaching and Learning Concepts

  • By the end of the module, be able to create objectives using the SMART method.
  • By analyzing training modules, identify the differences between declarative and procedural knowledge.
  • Recognize how each of the three domains of learning in Bloom’s Taxonomy relates to training structure.
  • Through group discussions, construct objectives for each of Bloom’s domains.
  • Identify the term “Cognitive Overload” and associate its concepts to training.
  • Recognize what defeats working memory during training.
  • During group exercise, demonstrate how to “chunk” information in specific law enforcement response areas.

Module 4 – Training Tasks

  • Identify the importance of training tasks.
  • Develop a training task by creating objectives and listing critical elements.
  • Design a training task lesson using concepts of cognitive load and schemas.

Module 5 – Performance Assessments

  • Define a training assessment.
  • Establish clear assessment guidelines based on performance standards.
  • Identify the importance for the need to document progress.
  • Explain the various methods used for assessments and their benefits or drawbacks.
  • Develop a performance assessment rating scale for two law enforcement functions.

Module 6 – Evaluations

  • Establish clear evaluation guidelines based on performance standards.
  • Identify the essential components of a performance evaluation.
  • Identify the importance for the need to document recruit evaluations.
  • Identify and avoid evaluation pitfalls relating to performance evaluations.
  • Develop and associate criteria to be evaluated.

Module 7 – Counseling

  • Identify the components of a counseling session.
  • List the steps of the communication process.
  • Use documentation as a critical part of counseling sessions.
  • Manage a counseling session and appraise the training needs of the recruit based their statements and attitude.
  • Develop an action plan to enhance probationary officer performance.
  • Recognize barriers to effective communication.

Module 8 – Civil Liability

  • Describe the differences between strict liability and intentional torts.
  • Identify their roles as trainer and supervisor, and relate these roles to civil liability.
  • Identify the areas of supervisory negligence.
  • Evaluate and identify potential training liabilities related to vague training policies and procedures.