If you find yourself in the role of Field Training Officer (FTO) or occasional trainer, please make an effort to understand the background of your recruits. For the one-on-one trainer, try to grasp the knowledge, skills, and abilities of your trainee. If both of you do this, you'll save yourself wasted time, aggravation, ruffled student, egos and probably maximize valuable training time.
April 26, 2011
Don't think you'll be able to set back your clock and readjust your "cool level" to theirs. If you've given an analogy and had to explain it, you've committed a faux pas. Face it. There are generational icons that we still use that many don't understand.
February 7, 2011
Academies love to train you under perfect well-lit conditions; the FTO loves to train you under the adverse conditions. Take your skills to new and higher levels. Go practice in the dark.
November 30, 2010
Remedial training is something nearly every field training recruit (FTR) must endure. There will be an element in a task that you didn't perform to a satisfactory level, and your FTO will insist you practice this skill before you move forward. Calm down and accept the learning moments to come.
November 22, 2010
Add S.P.E.A.K. U.P. to your acronym list, and you'll improve your chances for a successful law enforcement career. These are the fundamentals.
November 15, 2010
How many calls do you respond to that could become an armed confrontation? I think of alarms-in-progress, domestic disputes, bar calls and gang contacts. These need to receive the once over or brief intros during the first week.
August 13, 2010
"If you do this or that you will get killed." I have heard this statement millions of times. Every officer has. It becomes meaningless to us all when it is overused.
July 13, 2010
Of course, you will be picked on and probably get a nickname related to your mistake, but you take it and walk.
June 9, 2010
Set the learning and work standards and stick to them. None of the "good enough for government work" crap. Teach your recruits to work, train, and earn their keep.
April 27, 2010
If you want a super cop hero in your life, go rent a movie. If you want a real cop in your life, your academy cadre and FTOs are there to teach you today and for the rest of your career.
February 11, 2010
Say you're on duty and you contact some thugs who have guns. You have to make their guns safe for transport. If this is the first time you have ever seen this design of weapon, then what are you to do?
October 7, 2009
This column is directed to the FTO or the future FTO. You are the most critical link between academy training and education and real world application. So, let's not waste such an opportunity.
February 23, 2009
Your ability to observe, verbalize, and perform is very important. One day in court it could mean the difference between guilty and not guilty.
January 26, 2009
No supervisor worth his stripes would ever select a non-performer to become an FTO.
January 26, 2009
We have all had to endure the rites of rookiehood. It is up to each and every one of you to change it for the future.
December 1, 2008