Policy Text
Policy
435Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/01/06, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View 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 Mountain View Police Department (MVPD).It is department policy to initially assign
all new police officers to the Field Training Officer Program. The program is designed to prepare
new officers to perform at the level expected by this department while on patrol. The program
helps new officers to gain all skills necessary to effectively do their job 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. The FTO position is an important position in the Department as FTOs
are responsible for setting the standards and expectations for all officers to follow. This position
comes with inherent responsibilities and, therefore, only officers that meet the highest performance
standards and excel in their positions will be selected as a FTO. FTOs must be positive role
models. They must lead by example exhibiting integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. They must
maintain a professional demeanor and appearance; adhere to department rules and regulations;
support the department’s vision, mission, and values; adhere to program guidelines, policies and
confidentiality; and exhibit a positive attitude toward the department, the training program, the
job, and the new officers.
435.2.1 SELECTION PROCESS
Prospective FTOs must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be invited to
participate in the oral board process:
(a) Regular status
(b) Possess a POST Basic Certificate
(c) One year of patrol experience with MVPD
(d) Rated as “Acceptable Level” (rating of 4 or higher) in all categories, except Vehicle Operation
and Maintenance (rating of 3 or higher), in previous two annual evaluations
(e) Received positive recommendations from supervisors and current FTOs; and
(f) Pass internal written test process with 80% or above
The oral board process will be a pass/fail system and the board will consist of at least two sergeants
from different divisions within the department.
Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Field Training Officer Program
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/01/06, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentField Training Officer Program - 2A list of those who complete the selection process satisfactorily will be presented to the Police
Chief. The Police Chief will make the appointment(s) to the FTO position from that list.
435.2.2 TRAINING
An officer selected as a potential FTO must successfully complete a POST certified (40-hour)
Field Training Officer's Course prior to being assigned as an FTO.
All FTOs shall complete a 24-hour POST Field Training Officer Update Course or 24-hours of
department-specific training in the field training topics contained in the POST 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 TERMS
The FTO assignment is three years, with the opportunity for multiple three year options. The initial
three year term begins when the potential FTO has completed the POST mandated FTO training.
To extend the assignment for an additional three years, the FTO must submit a request at least
90 days prior to the expiration of the current assignment and complete the POST mandated FTO
update training. The Field Operations Division Captain must approve the extension and provide
notice of the extension to the Department.
435.4 FTO REMOVAL
A FTO may be removed from the FTO Program for any of the following:
(a) Unacceptable performance, including needs improvement ratings (3 or below) on Annual
Evaluations
(b) Failure to remain current on POST standards and/or training requirements for FTO
(c) Disciplinary action resulting from a sustained personnel complaint
(d) Reassignment due to staffing or other operational needs
(e) Elimination of the assigned position
(f)Promotion.
435.5 FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM SUPERVISOR
The FTO Program Supervisor shall be selected from the rank of sergeant or above by the
Police Chief or designee and shall possess, or be eligible and have applied for in a timely manner,
a POST Supervisory Certificate.
The FTO Program Supervisor shall successfully complete a POST approved Field
Training Administrator's Course within one year of appointment to this position (11 CCR § 1004(c)).
Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Field Training Officer Program
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/01/06, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentField Training Officer Program - 3The responsibilities of the FTO Program supervisor include, but are not limited to the following:
(a) Assignment of new officers to FTOs
(b) Conduct at a minimum, bi-annual FTO meetings
(c) Maintain and ensure new officer performance reports are completed in a timely manner
(d) Maintain, update and issue the Field Training Manual to each