FTO GA POST EXAM SCRIPT
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
●● The goal of the FTO program is to:
Answer: Improve the overall effectiveness of Law Enforcement services
delivered to citizens.
●● Five Objectives of the FTO Program:
Answer: 1) To "produce highly trained and motivated LE Officers"
capable of meeting or exceeding required Stands of Performance.
2) To "provide equal and standardized training to all newly-hired police
officers" through various aspects of duties and shift assignments, and to
provide remedial training in those areas where deficiencies are
identified.
3) To "establish an appraisal system which is valid and job-related",
utilizing a standardized, systematic approach to documented
measurement of probationary officer performance.
4) To provide trainees with a FTO to serve as a role model in the
development of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform
patrol duties.
5) To increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an agency by
enhancing the climate of professionalism and competency demanded by
the ethical standards of LE.
●● 7 FTO Responsibilities
,Answer: 1) Role Model - Maintaining appearance and demeanor
2) Instructor - Teaching trainee
3) Evaluator - Evaluate performance and determine is learning is
occurring
4) Mentor - guide trainee in enhancing performance
5) Counselor - problem solver for personal or work issues
6) Supervisor - Addressing/correcting mistakes
7) Patrol Officer - maintain performance level
●● FTOs find it difficult to stand back and watch new officers struggle,
but remember:
1) The Learning Rule
2) The Practical Rule
Answer: Learning Rule - it's ok to allow trainee to struggle as long as
there is learning, and incident isn't getting out of control
Practical Rule - If incident becomes dangerous because of trainee's
action/inaction, move in and override the trainee and take control of the
incident.
●● Describe the critical link between the FTO program and the Basic LE
Training Course
Answer: The FTO program is an extension of the learning experienced
from the Basic LE Course, not a replacement.
, The FTO is the most important officer in any department; they direct and
define the department's future.
●● FTO Program Expectations - For the Agency
Answer: Agency must establish and maintain an F.T.O. Program and
stay within its guidelines regardless of staff shortages.
2 Models:
1) San Jose/FTO (basis for this program) - I do/We do/You do - This
model focuses on behavior modification.
2) Reno/PTO - Problem solving and Community Oriented Policing-
based
●● FTO Program Expectations - For the FTO
Answer: Beware of Pygmalion Effect - Trainees rise to the level of the
FTO's expectation; so, set the bar high!
Avoid perception of favoritism towards certain trainees
Ensure understanding of agency expectations of FTO
Single most important element in the effective delivery of the FTO
Program
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
●● The goal of the FTO program is to:
Answer: Improve the overall effectiveness of Law Enforcement services
delivered to citizens.
●● Five Objectives of the FTO Program:
Answer: 1) To "produce highly trained and motivated LE Officers"
capable of meeting or exceeding required Stands of Performance.
2) To "provide equal and standardized training to all newly-hired police
officers" through various aspects of duties and shift assignments, and to
provide remedial training in those areas where deficiencies are
identified.
3) To "establish an appraisal system which is valid and job-related",
utilizing a standardized, systematic approach to documented
measurement of probationary officer performance.
4) To provide trainees with a FTO to serve as a role model in the
development of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform
patrol duties.
5) To increase the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an agency by
enhancing the climate of professionalism and competency demanded by
the ethical standards of LE.
●● 7 FTO Responsibilities
,Answer: 1) Role Model - Maintaining appearance and demeanor
2) Instructor - Teaching trainee
3) Evaluator - Evaluate performance and determine is learning is
occurring
4) Mentor - guide trainee in enhancing performance
5) Counselor - problem solver for personal or work issues
6) Supervisor - Addressing/correcting mistakes
7) Patrol Officer - maintain performance level
●● FTOs find it difficult to stand back and watch new officers struggle,
but remember:
1) The Learning Rule
2) The Practical Rule
Answer: Learning Rule - it's ok to allow trainee to struggle as long as
there is learning, and incident isn't getting out of control
Practical Rule - If incident becomes dangerous because of trainee's
action/inaction, move in and override the trainee and take control of the
incident.
●● Describe the critical link between the FTO program and the Basic LE
Training Course
Answer: The FTO program is an extension of the learning experienced
from the Basic LE Course, not a replacement.
, The FTO is the most important officer in any department; they direct and
define the department's future.
●● FTO Program Expectations - For the Agency
Answer: Agency must establish and maintain an F.T.O. Program and
stay within its guidelines regardless of staff shortages.
2 Models:
1) San Jose/FTO (basis for this program) - I do/We do/You do - This
model focuses on behavior modification.
2) Reno/PTO - Problem solving and Community Oriented Policing-
based
●● FTO Program Expectations - For the FTO
Answer: Beware of Pygmalion Effect - Trainees rise to the level of the
FTO's expectation; so, set the bar high!
Avoid perception of favoritism towards certain trainees
Ensure understanding of agency expectations of FTO
Single most important element in the effective delivery of the FTO
Program
