Policy Text
Policy
435Fontana Police Department
Fontana PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/07/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fontana Police DepartmentField Training Officer Program - 1Field Training Officer Program
435.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Field Training Officer Program is intended to provide a standardized program to facilitate the
officer’s transition from the academic setting to the actual performance of general law enforcement
duties of the Fontana Police Department.
It is the policy of this department to assign all new police officers to a structured Field Training
Officer Program that is designed to prepare the new officer to perform in a patrol assignment, and
possessing all skills needed to operate in a safe, productive, and professional manner.
435.2 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER - SELECTION AND TRAINING
The Field Training Officer (FTO) is an experienced officer trained in the art of supervising, training,
and evaluating entry level and lateral police officers in the application of their previously acquired
knowledge and skills.
435.2.1 SELECTION PROCESS
FTOs will be selected based on the following requirements:
(a)Desire to be an FTO
(b)Minimum of four years of patrol experience, two of which shall be with this department
(c)Demonstrated ability as a positive role model
(d)Participate and pass an internal oral interview selection process
(e)Evaluation by supervisors and current FTOs
(f)Possess a POST Basic certificate
435.2.2 TRAINING
An officer selected as a Field Training Officer shall successfully complete a POST certified (40-
hour) Field Training Officer’s Course prior to being assigned as an FTO.
All FTOs must complete a 24-hour Field Training Officer update course every three years while
assigned to the position of FTO (11 CCR 1004).
All FTOs must meet any training mandate regarding crisis intervention behavioral health training
pursuant to Penal Code § 13515.28.
435.3 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
The FTO Program supervisor should be selected from the rank of sergeant or above by the Field
Services Division Commander or a designee and should possess, or be eligible to receive, a
POST Supervisory Certificate.
The responsibilities of the FTO Program supervisor include the following:
Fontana Police Department
Fontana PD Policy Manual
Field Training Officer Program
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/07/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fontana Police DepartmentField Training Officer Program - 2(a)Assignment of trainees to FTOs
(b)Conduct FTO meetings
(c)Maintain and ensure FTO/trainee performance evaluations are completed
(d)Maintain, update, and issue the Field Training Manual to each trainee
(e)Monitor individual FTO performance
(f)Monitor overall FTO Program
(g)Maintain liaison with FTO coordinators of other agencies
(h)Maintain liaison with academy staff on recruit performance during the academy
(i)Develop ongoing training for FTOs
The FTO Program supervisor will be required to successfully complete a POST-approved Field
Training Administrator’s Course within one year of appointment to this position (11 CCR 1004(c)).
435.3.1 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM SUPERVISOR (LIEUTENANT)
The FTO Lieutenant will be selected by the Chief of Police or his/her designee. The FTO Lieutenant
will have the responsibilities of, but not limited to the following:
(a)Monitor overall FTO Program
(b)Assign trainees to FTOs
(c)Review trainee and FTO performance with FTO sergeants
(d)Consult with Training and Recruitment regarding trainees in the academy
(e)Review completed trainee manuals and submit them for filing
(f)Ensure proper training provided for FTOs and FTO supervisors
(g)Review critiques submitted by trainees
(h)Conduct end of phase conference/evaluation with each trainee and assigned FTO
435.4 TRAINEE DEFINED
Any entry level or lateral police officer newly appointed to the Fontana Police who has successfully
completed a POST approved Basic Academy.
435.5 REQUIRED TRAINING
Entry level offices shall be required to successfully complete the Field Training Program, consisting
of approximately 22 weeks.
The training period for a lateral officer may be modified depending on the trainee’s demonstrated
performance and level of experience, but shall consist of a minimum of eight weeks.
To the extent practicable, entry level and lateral officers should be assigned to a variety of Field
Training Officers, shifts and geographical areas during their Field Training Program.
Fontana Police Department
Fontana PD Policy Manual
Field Training Officer Program
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/07/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fontana Police DepartmentField Training Officer Program - 3435.5.1 FIELD TRAINING MANUAL
Each new officer will be issued a Field Training Manual at the beginning of his/her Primary Training
Phase. This manual is an outline of the subject matter and/or skills necessary to properly function
as an officer with the Fontana Police Department. The officer shall become knowledgeable of the
subject matter as outlined. He/she shall also become proficient with those skills as set forth in
the manual.
The Field Training Manual will specifically cover those policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
adopted by the Fontana Police Department.
435.6 EVALUATIONS
Evaluations are an important component of the training process and shall be completed as outlined
below.
435.6.1 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER
The FTO will be responsible for the following:
(a)Complete and submit