Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department 3.13
GENERAL ORDER Rev. 1/ 10/24
Eff. 2/2 3/24
Page 1 of 4
Field Training Program
This order sets forth the responsibilities of the Field Training Program and outlines the selection
procedures for Field Training Officers and Sergeants.
3.13.01 PURPOSE
The goal of the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) is to develop competent officers
beginning in the Basic Police Academy, proceeding through the Field Training Program, and completing the probationary period. The Field Training Program is intended to provide a Peace Officer and Standards Training ( POST ) approved standardized program to facilitate the officer’s
transition from the academic setting to the actual performance of gener al law enforcement duties .
The Field Training Program provides clear standards for rating and evaluation to give trainees every reason able opportunity to succeed. Ultimately, the Field Training Program strives to
provide trainee officers the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become competent and effective police officers who are committed to Safety with Respect .
3.13.0 2 FIELD TRAINING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Field Training Office
The Field Training Office is assigned to the Training Division and is responsible for the following:
• Ensuring compliance with the SFPD’s Field Training Program
• Monitoring trainee officers , and their progress , in the Field Training Program
• Coordinating the effort s of Field Training Personnel throughout the Department
• Monitoring all probationary officers who have completed field training
• Monitoring permanent officers returning to assigned patrol
B. Field Training Coordinator
The District Station Commanding Officer shall consult with the Officer -in-Charge ( OIC)
of the Field Training Program and assign a Sergeant to be the station’s Field Training
Coordinator . The Field Training Coordinator shall serve as a liaison with the Field
Training Office and is responsible for the following:
• Overseeing the Field Training Officer Program at the District Station
• Assign ing trainees and members returning to patrol to station Field Training
Officers
• Ensur ing all applicable evaluations are completed
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• Monitor ing individual trainee performance and providing necessary update s to the
Field Train ing Program
• Administer ing the return to patrol program
C. Field Training Sergeant
The Field Training S ergeant is responsible for oversight of the Field Training Officers and
trainees assigned to their command. As such, the ir duties include , but are not limited to:
• Revi ewing and acknowledging trainee evaluations
• Meet ing with Field Training Office staff bi -weekly for performance discussions to
provide guidance, input, and retraining
• Consult ing the Field Training Office whenever serious performance issues arise
• Conduct ing weekly ride -a-longs and complet ing corresponding weekly
performance evaluations for trainees
D. Field Training Officer
The Field Training Officer is a certified , experienced officer who t rains and evaluates
trainees , including members returning to patrol . Field Training Officers shall be respectful
to their trainees. Field Training Officer responsibilities shall include, but are not limited
to:
• Train ing, lead ing, and mentor ing assigned trainees
• Complet ing daily evaluations of trainee performance
• Notify ing the assigned FTO Sergeant, the station FTO Coordinator, and Field
Training Office regarding trainee performance issues and assist ing with any
remedial training
• Attend ing Field Training Office bi-weekly meetings to discuss trainee
performance
E. Trainee O fficer
The T rainee O fficer is any police officer that has successfully completed a POST
approved Basic Academy. Trainees are to be respectful to Field Training Officers. The Field Training Officer’s direction is to be accepted and followed at all times. Trainee
expectations and evaluation ratings are detailed in the Field Training Workbook.
F. Reserve O fficer
A Reserve Officer is a duly appointed, part -time sworn non- paid member of the SFPD .
Reserve O fficers must complete the field training program hours required for their
designation level outlined in Department Manual 25, Reserve Police Officer Manual .
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Eff. 2/2 3/24
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3.13.03 FRATERNIZATION
All field training personnel and members in the Field Training Program shall abide by the fraternization policy.
3.13.04 FTO ELIGIBILITY AND CERTIFICATION
A. Eligibility and Selection for Field Training Officer and Sergeant
A field t raining applicant shall be interviewed to assess their skills and abilities .
The OIC of the Field Training Program in conjunction with Human Resources shall
coordinate the selection process as follows:
• Announce the opening of the application process via Department Notice and accept applications through Human Resources.
• Convene a selection panel, whose members may include the OIC of the Field
Training Program, the Sergeant of the Field Training Program, a sergeant from
the Patrol Division, and a representative from Human Resources.
• The representative from Human Resources will be responsible for scheduling the
interviews with the qualified candidates.
• The representative from Human Resources shall forward the list of candidates
who are endorsed by a majority of the panel to the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of the Administration Bureau will vet the candidates and make a recommen dation as to whether they believe the candidate is qualified
after reviewing their disciplinary history