Policy Text
Page 1 of 18 12/06 (REV 12/20 )
Training Officer
The purpose of this General Order is to provide the process and criteria for application,
selection , appointment , and ass ignment of Training Officers as well as the process and
criteria for termination of Training Officer Appointments .
I. Scope
This General Order applies to employees in permanent, full -time positions in the
following job classes who have attained permanent status (completed
probationary period).
Deputy Sheriff
Sheriff’s Records Officer 1
Sheriff’s Security Officer
Sheriff’s Community Services Officer 1
Sheriff’s 911 Call Dispatcher
Sheriff’s Communications Dispatcher (Level 2)
Forensic Identification Specialist (Level 2)
II. Descriptions and Functions
Field Training Officer
(FTO) Deputy Sheriff incumbents appointed as full-time Training
Officers assigned to Field Services. The primary function
is to administer the POST -approved Patrol Training
Program to Deputy Sheriffs and Sheriff’s Sergeants newly
assigned to Field Services.
Field Training Officer
– Provisional (FTO -P) Deputy Sheriff incumbents appointed as part -time Training
Officers assigned to Field Services. The primary function
is to assist and supplement FTOs in administration of the
Intermediate Phase (Phase 2) of the POST -approved
Patrol Training Program .
Based on the needs of the Field Training Program, FTO-
Ps can evaluate Phase 1 trainees as deemed appropriate
by the Chief Deputy of F ield and Investigative Services.
Page 2 of 18 12/06 (REV 12/20 ) Sheriff’s Training
Officer (STO) Employees appointed as part -time Training Officers
assigned to Divisions/Bureaus outside Field Services.
The primary function is providing training specific to the
Division’s/Bureau’s operation for newly assigned
employees and employees who have demonstrated
performance deficiencies which necessitate additional
training and evaluation .
STO appointments are limited to employees in the job
classes listed above.
III. FTO, FTO -P, and STO Assignment s
A. A maximum of 60 FTOs may be assigned to non-contracted Field
Services Divisions/Bureaus , including the Airport Division . The allocation
of FTOs per Field Services Division/Bureau , including assignment to
appropriate shifts shall be at the dis cretion of the Service Area Chief
Deputy in conjunction with Division/Bureau Commanders.
1. One Deputy Sheriff in the K -9 Unit may be appointed as an FTO to
conduct training specific to K -9 operations .
2. Two Deputy Sheriff’s may be appointed as an FTO to conduct
training specific to the Airport Division.
B. Assignment of FTO-Ps shall be made on demonstrated need and requires
the Division/Bureau Commander approval/recommendation with final
approval by the Service Area Chief Deputy .
C. Assignment of STOs in non -Field Services Division/Bureaus shall be
based on demonstrated need and requires Division/Bureau Commander
approval/recommendation with final approval by the Service Area Chief
Deputy.
IV. Minimum Qualifications and Selection Criteria
Training Completion of a POST -certified Field Training Officer
Course . The required training may be completed within
three years prior to appointment as a Training Officer . If
not previously completed, t raining shall be completed after
appointment, but must be completed prior to being
assigned a trainee ( refer to POST Field Training Program
Guide ).
Page 3 of 18 12/06 (REV 12/20 ) Experience FTO and FTO -P: A minimum of two years of satisfactory ,
continuous service following completion of the Patrol
Training Program as a Deputy Sheriff in Field Services
prior to submission of an application.
STO: A minimum of one year of satisfactory , continuous
service and successful completion of assigned
Division’s/Bureau’s training program.
Knowledge, skills,
and abilities Teaching Potenti al: Ability to provide instruction as
demonstrated in contacts with peer s, supervisors, and the
public.
Prior training experience will be considered, but is not
required.
Job Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of policies,
procedures and processes, General /Operations Orders,
laws, regulations, codes, etc. related to assigned area and
area to be trained.
Communication: Ability to effectively and efficiently
communicate orally and in writing.
Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to establish and
maintain effective working relationships.
Leadership: Instill in others confidence of professional
knowledge and abilities .
Performance Demonstrated exceptional performance in routine,
complex, and high -stress situations , including driving
records for FTO and FTO-P applicants .
Personal qualities
and characteristics Initiative: Sincere desire to improve the professional level
of trainees and gain self -improvement in the process;
desire to lead/mentor others to improve overall
performance
Professional Demeanor : Demonstrated ability to willingly
conform to Department standards, including dress and
grooming. Able to positively interact with peers,
supervisors and establish effective working/learning
environments.
Work Ethic: Evidenced by attendance and product ivity.
Page 4 of 18 12/06 (REV 12/20 ) V. Ongoing Training Requirements
A. FTO, FTO -P - Completion of a POST -certified Field Training O fficer
Update Course every three years following appointment (refer to POST
Field Training Program Guide) following appointment .
VI. Application Process
A. The Online Job Announcement process will be used to recruit