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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: June 5, 2025  Amends – GO 18.1.5 ( February 22, 2023 ) Number : 18.1.5 Distribution: All Sworn Personnel Review Month: September Reviewing Authority: HRD / Training Subject: Field Training and Evaluation Program This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definition 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to verify all new deputies hired by the agency are trained to perform their duties in a professional and competent manner. 2. Policy It is the policy of the agency to prepare sworn personnel with the skills necessary to perform their assigned functions. The teach ing of needed skills will be accomplished through required training starting at the academy level and continuing throughout the career of the deputy sheriff. 3. Definitions A. Accelerated Field Training Program – An opportunity for individuals with prior law enforcement experience, as defined by policy, to accelerate through training by eliminating up to four weeks of Phase I training. Military and correctional officer experience will not be considered for the Accelerated Field Training Program. B. Check Ride – Upon successful completion of training period five, the trainee will enter the Check Ride. During the Check Ride, a Field Training Officer will observe the trainee as the trainee demonstrates they can operate in a solo capacity. C. Field Training Officer (FTO) – a sworn member of the agency selected to provide training and demonstrate agency approved concepts as described in the Field Training and Evaluation Manual. The FTO shall provide oversight, guidanc e, and mentoring to the deputy t rainee. D. FTEP Coordinator – A Sergeant or designee assigned by the Training Commander to oversee the daily responsibilities of the Field Training and Evaluation Program. E. Orientation Period – the first period of Phase I when the deputy trainee accompanies the FTO du ring his/her entire shift and observes the FTO performing the duties of a D eputy Sheriff. The FTO shall provide step -by-step training to the deputy trainee on the duties, functions, and activities of a Uniform Patrol Deputy. 18.1.5, Page 2 of 16 F. Prior Law Enforcement Experie nce – a minimum of two consecutive years as a certified law enforcement officer completed within the past three years , two of which must be patrol experience. This experience must have been with a Law Enforcement agency with the United States of America. G. Probationary Deputy in Training – A probationary sworn member of the agency who has completed a recruit training (academy) program or who was hired as a pre-certified law enforcement officer. H. Probationary Period – A twelve month period beginning on the date the employee is sworn in as a deputy sheriff, unless otherwise extended. I. Recruit – A non -sworn member of the agency assigned to the academy. J. Remedial Training – Additional training provided to a deputy in training to correct identif ied deficiencies. This training will consist of a maximum of three training extensions to be used throughout their three phases of FTEP. K. Training Extension Period – Will consist of a two week trainin g period during phase one and two. During Phase Three, the Training Extension Period will consist of two training periods. L. Training Period – A two week time frame consisting of 80 work hours. The number of work days may vary depending on shift and assignment (e. g., Uniform Pa trol Division (UPD ) = 7 work days, Court Security = 10 work days during a two week period). 4. Procedures A. Qualifications All deputies shall be required to complete a certified Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission academy training progra m prior to being assigned to any routine duty, in any capacity, in which he or she is allowed to carry a firearm or make an arrest. Upon completion of the academy, recruits transition to deputies in training and will be placed in the Field Training and Ev aluation Program (FTEP) along with newly hired pre -certified personnel. B. FTEP Organizational Structure for the Human Resources Division/Training Section 1. Administration of the Field Training and Evaluation Program is the responsibility of the Human Resources Division /Training Section . The FTEP Coordinator shall be responsible for the administration of the program as defined in the agency Field Training Man ual. 2. Program Parameters a. FTEP will consist of the following four phases of training: 1. Deputy Orientation (DO) – initial training offered to familiarize the deputy trainee with the agency. a. The core curriculum includes but is not limited to: 1. Review of written directives 18.1.5, Page 3 of 16 2. Use of lethal and less -lethal force 3. Sexual Harassment 4. Introduction to specialty units 5. Patrol Tactics 6. Limited Access Certification 7. Dignity and Respect 8. Equipment Issue/Familiarization 9. Law Enforcement Vehicle Operation 10. Firearms Qualification and Tactical Considerations 11. Defensive Tactics 12. Active Assailant Events (Move to Contact) 13. Radio Communications 14. Report Writing 15. Domestic Violence 16. Scenario Training 17. Report Management System (RMS) / Central Square Technologies (CST) b. Perso nnel who have been