Tag: FTOs: Page 4

Training

FTOs: Guardians at the Gates

The Field Training Officer (FTO) stands as the guardian at the gates leading to Copland. The FTO is the link from the academy to the realities and harshness of real-life applications. They oversee how you apply all of the principles you've been taught and determine whether you're worthy of carrying on the burden of these to the next generation.

October 16, 2011

Technology

Learn From the Replay

Feedback can come from the officer watching himself on a dashcam or a sergeant telling him he turns his back on a violator every time he keys his mic. This is a lot better than spitting teeth out in the back of an ambulance or worse.

October 9, 2011

Training

Video: Dragged Calif. Cop's Partner Relied On Training

After realizing his partner Officer Jarred Slocum was down, Officer McFarland relied on the "dummy drag," a technique he learned at the police academy. Officer McFarland holstered his sidearm, moved into the line of fire, hooked his arms around his partner, and dragged him to safety.

August 24, 2011

Training

Games To Enhance Your Performance

A recruit may wonder if he or she will ever get some down time. My job is to drive you to develop a fine knowledgeable officer, rather than someone wanting an easy pass. Training is hard work, even if it's a game.

June 26, 2011

Training

FTOs Must Embrace a Change Agent Role

I've always believed that the FTO should be the first one registered for training. If they are to pass on the knowledge, they have to be the sharpest. They need to be the ones leading way to embrace and implement change for the good.

June 12, 2011

Training

Jury Begins Deliberations In Portland Whistleblower Suit

A federal jury is now deliberating on the case of a former Portland Police recruit who accused a fellow officer of using excessive force and sued the department for lost wages and benefits.

June 8, 2011

Training

Know Your Recruit

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 25, 2011

Training

FTO Generational Gap

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 6, 2011

Training

Doing It In the Dark

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 29, 2010

Training

Accepting Remedial Training

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 21, 2010

Careers

Are You Willing To SPEAK UP?

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 14, 2010

Training

A Message For FTOs: Prepare For the Worst

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 12, 2010