Policy Text
Page 1 of 8 – General Order 5-12 (06/13/23 )
FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM
RICHMOND POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
Subject: FIELD TRAINING OFFICER P ROGRAM
Chapter
5 Number
12 Pages
8
References:
CALEA: 33.4.3a, 33.4.3b, 33.4.3c, 33.4.3d, 33.4.3e ,
33.4.3f, 33.4.3g, 33.4.3h Related Orders: 11-
34, 05-09 Effective Date: 06/13/202 3
Revised By: New Policy
Prv. Rev. Date:
Chief of Police :
I. PURPOS E
This directive aims to establish procedures for the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program.
The Field Training Officer program is designed for exemplary sworn members who have
exhibited a high degree of professionalism and commitment to the Department and who
desire to train and pass their knowledge and profe ssionalism on to members of the
Department . The Field Training Officer Program is designed to provide support personnel
to each Precinct to ensure that the appropriate number of FTOs are readily available upon
the completion of the Basic Recruit Academy and to assist the Department with ensuring
that any officer who is in need of remedial training would be afforded that opport unity.
II. SUMMARY OF CHANGE
New General Order
III. POLICY
The policy of the Richmond Police Department is to assign each probationary officer who
has completed the Basic Recruit Academy or the Lateral Academy training program to a
Field Training Officer to ensu re the successful transition from the training environment to
performing the complete duties of a Richmond Police Officer.
IV. ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT
All employees are expected to fully comply with the guidelines and timelines outlined in
this general orde r. Failure to comply will result in appropriate corrective action.
Responsibility rests with the Division Commander to ensure that any policy violations are
investigated , and appropriate training, counseling and/or disciplinary action is initiated.
This directive is for internal use only and does not enlarge an employee’s civil liability in
any way. It should not be construed as creating a higher safety standard or case in an
evidentiary sense concerning third -party claims. Violation of this directive, if proven, can
only form the basis of this Department’s complaint and only in a non -judicial
administrative setting.
Page 2 of 8 – General Order 5-12 (06/13/23 )
FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM V. DEFINITION S
1. FIELD TRAINING COORDINATOR (FTC) – A sworn member, Sergeant ,
designated by the Training Academy r esponsible for ensuring t he successful
implementation of the field training program (FTP) and serving as the liaison to the
field training program Precinct coordinators.
2. FIELD TRAINING PRECINCT COORDINATOR (FTPC ) - A sworn member , the
rank of Lieutenant, designated by the Precinct Commander, responsi ble for ensuring
the successful implementation of the FTP within their Precinct . They are responsible
for the twelve Field Training Officers in their respect ive Precinct s and are the l iaison
to the training academy. [CALEA 33.4.3c, 33.4.3d]
3. FIELD TRAINING OFFICER (FTO) – Any sworn Department member selected as a
Field Training Officer shall serve in a support function for each Precinct and may be
called upon at diffe rent times to train recruits, assist the Department with remedial
training for officers, or assist with re -entry training for returning officers.
There are 48 Field Training Officer positions allocated within the Department :
a. Up to 12 positions within Firs t Precinct .
b. Up to 12 positions within Second Precinct .
c. Up to 12 positions within Third Precinct .
d. Up to 12 positions within Fourth Precinct .
NOTE: The Field Training Officer designation is not associated with the
Career Development Program.
4. FIELD TRAIN ING PROGRAM (FTP) – Eight -week period (320 hours) following
successful completion of the Basic Recruit Academy provided by the Richmond
Police Department , during which a probationary officer completes field training.
[CALEA 33.4.3a]
5. FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM REVIEW BOARD (FTPRB ) - A board comprised
of the Major of Support Services, the Major of Business Services, the Commander of
the Training Academy, the Field Training Coordinator , and the Field Training
Precinct Coordina tors. The FTPRB shall annually evaluate the Field Training
Program to ensure continued relevance and improvements, and evaluate the
performance of probationary officers and FTOs.
VI. PROCEDURE
A. Qualifications for FTO Appointment – Each FTO candidate shall : [CALEA 33.4.3e]
1. Have a minimum of two (2 ) years’ service upon completion of field
training ;
2. Be currently assigned to a patrol shift;
Page 3 of 8 – General Order 5-12 (06/13/23 )
FIELD TRAINING OFFICER PROGRAM 3. Have received on their most recent annual performance rating a “Meet
Standards ” or above ;
4. Have no more than a total of