| Introduction
The selection of Field Training Officers (FTOs) is an important process. To
simply assign a new Officer to any "senior" Officer would be tantamount to
returning to the old "popularity" style of training. FTOs must have the
combined skills of experienced Police Officers and patient teachers. It is incumbent
upon Police administrators to choose their FTOs carefully. Many factors are taken
into consideration - experience, temperament, and teaching ability - to name just a few.
The FTO must be able to assume a leadership role, tempering his or her
"supervisor" image with fairness and empathy for the new employee. The job
is a difficult one, as is the selection of qualified personnel.
Therefore, SPD has established the following guidelines to ensure a well-thought-out
and applicable method of finding and selecting qualified FTOs.
Requirements
The minimum qualifications for becoming one of SPD's Field Training Officers are:
- Have completed three years of service with the Stillwater, OK Police Department
- Be assigned to the Patrol Division at the time of appointment
- Have submitted a written bid to the FTE Program Commander
- Have been recommended to the FTE Program, in writing, by the Officer's immediate
supervisor.
Selection Process
Posting
The first step of the FTO selection process is the posting of the announcement. The
announcement should include duties, qualifications, posting period, number of positions,
and test procedures. This announcement will be posted for a minimum period of ten
working days.
Application
Each officer expressing an interest in the FTE Program must submit an application to the
Program Commander. The application will include all personnel information requested,
previous experiences and assignments while working for SPD, and any special
qualifications, education/training, and/or teaching experience.
Oral Examination
The prospective candidates will then be interviewed by the FTE Program Representatives,
one of whom will be the Program Commander and/or Assistant Division Commander, or an
appropriate designee. Upon reviewing all of the applications, only the top
candidates will be invited to participate in the Oral Exam. The interview typically
lasts between 10-30 minutes and weighs heavily in the final determination/selection of the
new FTOs.
Personnel Field Review
The candidates chosen for final consideration will have their personnel files reviewed by
the Program Commander. He will review any and all performance records and
evaluations in order to determine if the candidate is qualified. Poor evaluations, a
substandard work history, or abusive use of sick leave would suffice to disqualify a
candidate.
Supervisor's Recommendation
After a successful candidate has been considered for final selection to the program,
his/her supervisor will be required to submit a recommendation, either pro or con.
This recommendation will be considered carefully, as an officer who is not in good
standing with his/her supervisors may not be capable of producing a professional image or
role model for trainees. The supervisor must, however, be able to substantiate and
justify any negative recommendations.
Selection
Once the examination process is completed, the final selection will be made by the Program
Commander. A list will usually not be maintained; rather, a complete selection
process should be undertaken each time new FTOs are to be selected. The reason for
this is that when selecting FTOs, the most recent personnel and performance data is needed
in order to make a proper selection. Anyone not selected is encourage to re-apply in
the future.
FTOs are assigned to the program on a permanent basis. They may, however, leave
the program voluntarily, or they may be disqualified for cause, such as improper behavior,
failure to train, or for any other reason deemed inappropriate.
Designators
FTOs will wear designators on their uniform for identification purposes. The
designator will be a breast pin with the initials "F.T.O." printed on it.
The pin is to be worn above the name tag, above the right breast pocket.
FTE Home | Introduction | Program
Structure | Evaluation Process | FTO
Selection |
