Tag: FTOs: Page 6

Age Differences in Training

One recruit had retired from the military and was of the mindset that the only person who could train him was someone chronologically older than he was. This created a problem.

September 18, 2008

Tactical Verbalization

You should be thinking to yourself as you approach any call for perceived dangers. For example, when I park the patrol car I should not park directly in front of the building. You should take critical microseconds to gain a tactical advantage that places you in an advantageous position to observe and respond.

September 4, 2008

Don't Expect Perfect Scores Off the Bat

How do you expect to know all of the answers, all of the time? This is a training program.

July 17, 2008

Veteran Cop as New Recruit

I recently received a question from a department's Field Training Officer program coordinator. His department just hired several new officers. Great, except these are not academy-fresh officers; these are veteran officers from other departments. What now?

June 30, 2008

Don't Call Me a Rookie

Names do not make you a cop. If you mature and conduct yourself as a seasoned officer, the title will eventually disappear from around you.

June 26, 2008

Ask Questions

You are a rookie and sometimes you think it is best to stay quiet. You may have been told or maybe it was implied that you should sit down, shut up, and don't touch anything. This could be the worst advice of all. Sometimes it is best to speak up.

May 8, 2008

Fitting In

The first year after your academy graduation is critical in building the foundation for the remainder of your career. A great deal of it starts with the personal relationships you build with your peers during your first year on the street.

April 30, 2008

Make Learning the Streets a Game

We are riding around; you hear a street name go out on the radio. Tell me where that street is now! Give me a landmark close to the call as well. No, your grandmother's house does not count either.

April 17, 2008

Who Picked My FTO?

To me, FTO stands for Fine Tuning Officer, not Fun Time Officer. If you are a recruit who thinks this is a chance for a good time, go to the local amusement park instead. FTO work is hard work; get used to it now.

April 17, 2008

Welcome the Red Ink

Don't get your feelings hurt, but if you think your FTO won't mark up your first police report until it's bleeding red ink you're in for a surprise.

February 6, 2008

How Do I Advance My Career?

So you're beginning your career in law enforcement and you want to position yourself now for the future. You wish to become a chief, sheriff, captain, or detective. But how do you prepare yourself today for that career that is 15 years down the road? Simple; today's planning will set your future's career path.

October 31, 2007

Unintended Consequences

Have you ever asked a fellow officer where in the world they learned to do what they just did, and had them say in reply that they had been taught that in the academy? Or in some in-service class? Or had seen it in a training video? Here's one way that that happens.

October 21, 2007

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