FTO
Just before starting Field Training (usually called FTO or The Program) the one deputy I knew in the department, and even him just barely, were discussing what it’s like. He told me that a friend of his who is working for a different Sheriff’s office had been in the Army and done two tours in Iraq. And he said FTO was the most stressful time of his life. Not exactly what I needed to hear, but also that surprising. I never thought this was going to be an easy gig.
So let me break FTO down for you. In my agency it consists of five phases, plus a three-week orientation. During orientation you’re introduced to the various functions within the department. You’re not on the street at all during this time, save for the tour of the County and a visit to most of the substations. But that’s all done in civvies. I met with a detective from our different detective units, met the civil bureau and records folks, watched some exciting videos on workplace safety and blood borne pathogens, and read a lot of department policy. There is some fun stuff during orientation. I did some EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operation Course), which means a lot of fast driving. There were a couple days on the range and some defensive tactics and some building search practice. All that stuff is fun, but also a little stressful. It’s all a test of sorts to see if you can really do the things you supposedly learned in the academy. For the most part though, its pretty low key.
The actual field training consists of the aforementioned five phases: Orientation Phase, 1st Phase, 2nd Phase, 3rd Phase, and Shadow Phase.
Orientation Phase lasts about five weeks and is completely non-evaluated. Which in retrospect…is AWESOME! Once those they start writing in numbers on your Daily Observation Reports the stress level increases exponentially. In Orientation Phase you’re kind of like a glorified ride along. At least for the first couple weeks. Depending on your FTO he might start throwing you into stuff right away, or ease you into stuff a little towards the end. Mine was a thrower. Which was good. What better time to learn when you aren’t being scored!
Phase One is when you really start getting your hands dirty. Your FTO is still doing a lot of the heavy lifting, but you’re doing more and more…and making a lot of mistakes. Oh the mistakes. Of course, you’re expected to make mistakes, but you’re also expected to not make the same ones repeatedly. Easier said than done.
In Phase Two the work load should at least be split 50-50 between you and the FTO. Most likely the FTO is going to let you, and start to expect you, to take the lead on calls. If you really start to flounder they’ll jump in, but they’ll also let you sink a little to see how you handle it.
By Phase Three the trainee should be handling most calls more or less on their own. Unless something is totally new, the FTO is probably going to stand back and let you deal with it. Obviously if something is unsafe, for you, them, or the public, they’re going to jump in. Mostly though, you need to be handling your business.
Phase Four, or Shadow Phase, you’re basically on your own. The FTO is still riding with you, but usually in plain clothes. At this stage you’re the Man. Or you better be, because if you aren’t a new a line of work is in your future. I’m a week away from
this stage. Deep breath.
So that’s a little breakdown of the field training program. I’ll detail my own experiences for each phase at some point, but I thought I should lay some groundwork. If you want a little glimpse of what it’s like to be a trainee on FTO, check out the TV show Rookies. It’s on Watch Instantly if you’ve got Nexflix. Worth checking out.
