Page 6 - Argyle Police Officer Field Training Tips

Things FTOs Should Remember

• The recruit is a trainee, they are not your partner. Always stay with them. Commit to teaching.
• Keep training positive
• Maintain a positive training relationship
• Do not embarrass the recruit
• Remind them they are going to make mistakes and it’s okay, that’s why they are in training
• For learning’s sake, allow the recruit to struggle and make minor mistakes
• Never interrupt a recruit to correct them while they are writing a narrative. Wait until they
finish.
• Never finish a call for a recruit. If they screw up bad, pull them back to the car, regroup and
allow them to finish it.
• Give the recruit every opportunity to succeed
• Constantly ask the recruit for feedback
• Hold yourself to a higher standard and always maintain a professional image
• Be an appropriate role model
• Most recruits don’t learn to do a task the first time. Repeat the training process multiple times.
• Critiques should be done after each call whenever possible. Do not wait until the end of the day.
Review again at the end of the day.
• Do not criticize the recruit while they are still on the call or traffic stop because it takes the
recruits focus off the suspect.
• Take notes during the shift.
• Commentary driving (Have the recruit tell you what they see while driving). It breaks silence and
helps with observation skills.
• Tell them to tell you what they are thinking when they seem stuck.
• Hands on training is more effective than any other kind
• Do not give the DOR review in public.
• Do not let a recruit take on a task they are not ready for.
• It’s the FTO’s job to engage the recruit, not the other way around.
• Continually check recruit’s knowledge verbally with questions.
• During discussions, FTO can play the role of a defense attorney.
• FTO should base all judgments on independent observations and not rely on another’s
comments
• Remember that people respond much more quickly to a positive statement than a negative
statement
• “Do as I say, not as I do” has no place in the FTO training program
• Do not let outside commitments interfere with training
• Repetition increases confidence, speed, and competence
• Verbally test them regularly on geography, laws, ordinances, etc.

Pg. 5 POLICE FIELD TRAINING CONCEPTS