Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
1
3.33 Training: Recruit Training
3.33.6 Field Training Program (Revised: 7/18/18)
The training program for new recruits consists of three parts.
A. The first part is the Department’s “new member” orientation, in addition to the
“University’s New Employee Welcome and Orientation Program .” Officers who have not
completed a POST basic academy will be assigned to do so at this time.
B. The second part consists of four phases in which the recruit is placed with a field training
offic er (FTO) for additional instruction and close supervision. Officers must have
completed a POST basic academy before entering the FTO program.
1. Phase I – the recruit is placed with an FTO for approximately four weeks of
tutorial style instruction while the recruit performs the normal activities of an
officer. Recruits will be evaluated by the assigned FTO daily, weekly and at the
end of Phase I.
2. Phase II – the recruit is placed with a different FTO for approx imately four weeks
of tutorial style instruction while the recruit performs the normal activities of an
officer. Recruits will be evaluated by the assigned FTO daily, weekly and at the
end of Phase II.
3. Phase III – the recruit is placed with a different FTO for approximately four
weeks of tutorial style instruction while the recruit performs the normal activities
of an officer. Recruits will be evaluated by the assigned FTO daily, weekly and at
the end of Phase III.
4. Phase IV – the recruit is placed wit h a different FTO for approximately two weeks
of tutorial style instruction while the recruit performs the normal activities of an
officer. Recruits will be evaluated by the assigned FTO daily, weekly and at the
end of Phase IV. During phase IV, the recrui t is essentially on solo status but is
accompanied and observed by an FTO who is dressed in civilian clothing. During
this phase the recruit is evaluated by the FTO Sergeant and the assigned FTO.
Upon completion of the fourth and final part of recruit off icer training, the recruit is
released from their assigned FTO. The recruit may then be assigned to any patrol shift
until the completion of the semi -annual shift rotation or at the discretion of the division
manager for fulfilling patrol staffing needs. In addition to the evaluations completed by
the FTO, a written evaluation of the recruit is completed by the patrol supervisor six and
nine months from the date of hire. Upon successful completion of twelve months on
probationary status, the recruit is assi gned as “career status” personnel and assigned to a
patrol shift according to staffing needs. The PSD Sergeant or designee is the on -going
liaison with POST staff.
University of California, San Francisco
Police Department General Orders
2
C. Field training officers will be selected after the FTO Sergeant of the program posts the
opportunity for one week. Any non -probationary police officer may apply for assignment
as an FTO. A panel comprised of supervisors and/or managers will interview and
recommend candidates for FTO appointment. The FSD Captain will make the final
decision on all FTO appointments.
D. The FTO Sergeant , under the direction of the FSD Lieutenant , will supervise the Field
Training Program and the F TOs.
E. The Field Training Supervisor will conduct monthly progress meetings with FTO s
currently training recruits and updat e the F SD Lieutenant.
F. Field Training Officers will maintain a log of Daily Observation Reports and submit
written evaluations of their recruit monthly to the FTO Sergeant.
G. It is the responsibility of the FTO to familiarize the recruit with all normal activities and
assignments of a law enforcement officer.
H. Field Training Officers wil l be trained according to the Field Training and Evaluation
Program philosophies and guidelines.
I. Field Training Officers will receive a minimum of 40 hours of POST Field Training
Officer program prior to being assigned to a recruit.
J. Field Training Officers will use the Field Training Program Standardized Evaluation
Guidelines located in the FTO manuals to evaluate recruits.
K. In the case of a recruit hired through the lateral entry process (see General Order 3.22.1,
“Job Announcement”), the FTO Se rgeant may choose to accelerate the recruit through
any of the phases of the FTO program , with the approval of the Division Manager.
1. Lateral r ecruits will complete a minimum of two field training phases.