“"I believe as an FTO you have to really be dedicated to the career and the agency. FTOs are viewed as knowledgeable, respectable individuals who are given the task to train officers and to help build their confidence so they can accomplish their duties effectively." - Courtney Kendrew Thompson
n January 30, 2015, the Parole Training Academy graduated seven senior parole officers as field training officers. The 40 hour P. O. S. T. Field Training Certification Program, delivered by Instructor Jerry Black, is designed to provide parole officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to be effective in their assignment as field training officers (FTO). The FTO in turn, ensures parole officers in the field receive guidance and instruction in properly performing their duties within the communities they serve.
“The FTO program pairs up our new officers with highly skilled parole officers (FTOs) who are very knowledgeable in all areas of their job. The subject matter experts (FTOs) are vital in the transitioning of a new officer to a competent parole officer, capable of performing their job safely and effectively,” says Jim Sikes, Director of Training for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.
The eight course modules of the FTO Training Program cover the Role of the Field Training Officer; Professionalism and Ethics for the Field Training Officer; Adult Learning; Effective Communication Strategies; Stress Management for the Field Training Officer; Cultural Diversity; Liability for the Field Training Officer and Evaluations and Observations Reports.
Sikes says the FTO program ensures that parole officers receive guidance and instruction in properly performing their duties within the communities they serve. The program incorporates trainees, field training officers, managers as well as the training academy staff into a working team to attain the program’s objectives. All training is designed to be individualized, ensuring every parole officer receives the necessary guidance and skills for them to successfully protect the public through effective offender supervision.
There are twenty highly skilled officers selected to serve as field training officers. They provide practical application training throughout the duration of the program. It is imperative for field training officers to remain experts within their position, therefore they are required to attend quarterly advanced training facilitated by the Parole Training Academy. Training sessions involve practical application of tactical procedures as well as the skills necessary to perform their duties as a leader, instructor, mentor and coach.
Graduates are Angela Jackson (Monroe Parole Office); Nathaniel Connor (Carrollton Parole Office); Ubrody Craig (Jefferson Parole Office); Chase Thomas (Gainesville Parole Office); Tammy Wood (LaGrange Parole Office); Thomas Green (Marietta Parole Office) and Courtney Kendrew Thompson (Griffin Parole Office).
Field training officers graduate
O