UPD – FIELD TRAINING OFFICER (FTO) PROGRAM

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Unified Police Department (UPD)

Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

1. Purpose

The purpose of the FTO Program is to train, guide, and evaluate new officers while allowing them to gradually integrate into active patrol duties.

The program ensures that all officers meet the standards of the Unified Police Department while maintaining realistic and high-quality roleplay.

2. FTO Discretion Clause

Field Training Officers (FTOs) may adjust training methods, pacing, or procedures when necessary.

Such adjustments must:

Remain reasonable and justified
Support the development of the trainee
Be approved by a Supervisor or High Command (Lieutenant or above) when significant deviations occur

3. Phases of Training

Phase 0 – Orientation

Status: Non-Operational

Goal: Provide foundational knowledge and setup

The trainee is introduced to the department and prepared for active duty.

#### Training Focus

Department structure and expectations
Basic policies and conduct
Equipment and uniform setup
Radio and MDT usage
Introduction to SOP principles

#### Checklist

[ ] Issued uniform and equipment
[ ] Radio setup completed
[ ] MDT setup completed
[ ] Acknowledged Code of Conduct
[ ] Demonstrates basic understanding of department expectations

Phase 1 – Initial Patrol Support

Status: Active Patrol with Guidance

Partner: Assigned FTO (not required at all times)

The trainee begins active patrol duties with periodic supervision.

#### Training Focus

Basic traffic stops
Call response procedures
Communication and radio usage
Situational awareness
Report writing basics

#### Expectations

Trainee may patrol independently or with others
FTO conducts periodic check-ins
Mistakes are corrected through feedback, not immediate punishment

#### Checklist

[ ] Completed at least 3 traffic stops
[ ] Responded to 2 or more calls for service
[ ] Completed at least 1 MDT report
[ ] Demonstrates safe and professional conduct

Phase 2 – Independent Evaluation

Status: Monitored Autonomy

Partner: Remote FTO Oversight

The trainee operates independently with limited intervention.

#### Training Focus

Scene management
Arrest procedures
Decision-making under pressure
Proper use of force
Communication with other units

#### Expectations

Trainee operates independently during patrol
FTO evaluates performance through reports and feedback
Intervention occurs only when necessary

#### Checklist

[ ] Managed at least 1 scene independently
[ ] Completed 3 or more arrest situations
[ ] Demonstrates proper radio usage
[ ] Follows SOP and department standards
[ ] No major complaints or violations

Phase 3 – Final Review

Status: Evaluation and Promotion

Conducted by: FTO and Supervisor / High Command

The trainee is evaluated for readiness to become a full officer.

#### Evaluation Criteria

Consistency in performance
Understanding of procedures
Professional conduct
Ability to operate independently

#### Checklist

[ ] FTO approval
[ ] Supervisor or Command sign-off
[ ] Meets all phase requirements
[ ] Approved for promotion to Full Officer

4. FTO Responsibilities

FTOs are responsible for:

Acting as mentors, not micromanagers
Providing constructive feedback
Monitoring progress through observation and reports
Allowing trainees to learn through experience
Stepping in only when necessary

FTOs must maintain a balance between guidance and independence.

5. Probation Period

After promotion, officers enter a probation period.

Minimum duration: 2 weeks
Performance continues to be monitored
Additional training may be required if needed

6. Conduct and Accountability

Trainees are expected to:

Follow all SOP and server rules
Act professionally at all times
Demonstrate willingness to learn
Accept feedback and improve

7. Violations During Training

Minor mistakes → Corrected through guidance
Repeated mistakes → May delay progression
Serious violations → May result in removal from the program

Violations involving abuse of authority, corruption, or financial gain may result in:

Immediate disciplinary action
Reset of FTO progress
Additional penalties under server rules

8. Final Clause

The FTO Program is designed to ensure quality, consistency, and realism within the Unified Police Department.

Not all situations can be predefined. FTOs and command staff are expected to act in good faith and use sound judgment at all times.

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