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Basic Field Training Officer (FTO) Course

The National Association of Field Training Officers continues preparing Field Training Units for the challenges of 21st century policing by providing a comprehensive, client-oriented curriculum. NAFTO, in conjunction with Bridgerland Technical College, is proud to offer the Basic Field Training Officer Course in Logan, Utah.

This training is designed for personnel entering Field Training Units in Patrol, Detention, Communications, and Support Services.

Field Training Officers train and evaluate career candidates in preparation for solo duty in law enforcement, corrections, and communications. This three-day (24-hour) Basic FTO School provides new FTOs with the tools necessary to effectively train and evaluate career candidates throughout the field training process.

NAFTO’s Basic FTO School is a nationally recognized model for preparing experienced officers for a career in field training. The course discusses the San Jose Model, Reno Model, and Modified San Jose Model, while emphasizing flexibility rather than adherence to a single training model.

The course focuses on the FTO and how they can improve their interpersonal and instructional skills to increase trainee retention. Instruction includes a variety of learning activities such as group work, case law discussions, and video-based scenarios.

Topics covered include Introduction to FTO, Adult Learning, Generational Leadership, Standardized Evaluation Guidelines, Ethics, Equal Employment Opportunity, Civil Liability, and Officer Safety. Each block of instruction is directed at enhancing the FTO’s teaching approach, work product, and effectiveness with today’s Officer in Training.

Additional instruction addresses motivating different generations of trainees, career survival for the FTO, and liability concerns related to evaluations. Unlike many programs, NAFTO does not promote a single field training model; instead, it provides techniques and skills that can be applied within any training model.