STAFF DEVELOPMENT
cases , tabletop exercises to practice responses and develop supervisory skills .
Other common tasks that should be included are :
• Discipline Processes
• Maintaining Subordinate Files
• Scheduling Training
• Scheduling Leave
• Preparing for and Conducting Roll Call
• Policy Training
• Subpoenas
• Standard Inspections ( Video review , Vehicle , Equipment , Uniform )
• Taser Downloads
• In-Car Video Downloads and Reviews
• Body Camera Downloads and Reviews
• Critical Incident Response
• Review and Approval of Reports
• Receipt of / Handling Citizen Complaints
• Computer Operations ( Accessing / Reviewing / Approving Reports )
• Quarterly and Annual Performance Evaluations / Discussions
• Early Warning System
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tracking Employee Absenteeism
• Observing Officers on Calls for Service
• Monthly Reporting Requirements
• Police Vehicle Accident Investigation Requirements
• Employee / Officer Injury
• Command Notification Procedures
• Making Recommendations to Command Personnel
Work Assignments – Most agencies have a minimum period newly appointed supervisors are expected to participate in the FTO program . Initially , participants may be required to participate in orientation meetings as well as one-on-one or group training sessions .
Typically , the new supervisor must work with a FTO on each of the shifts – days , evenings , and nights , ( 8-hour shifts ) or days and nights ( 12-hour shifts ) for a minimum of two weeks each .
Daily Observation Reports ( DORs ) – Most agencies will be familiar with the use of these documents from the patrol officer field training program . The essential tasks should be listed and include areas for the field training officer to initial indicating they have explained the reason why the task is performed and how it is to be completed . After the FTO explains the task , they demonstrate how it is to be performed . Only after this explanation is completed and any questions or concerns are addressed is the newly appointed supervisor permitted to practice the task . Once a task is performed to standard , the FTO signs off on it being completed . FTOs should not sign a task as being completed until the individual is competent and confident in their abilities .
Program Evaluation – With the rapid rate of change in today ’ s work environment , it does not take long for processes to become obsolete . Because of this , developing and implementing a field training program is not a ‘ one and done process ’ At least annually , a critical assessment / review should be conducted of the department ’ s field training programs to identify those areas they are performing well as well as areas they can perform better .
On-Going Training - Under the best of circumstances , newly appointed supervisors are sent to basic supervisor training classes prior to their selection / appointment . Agencies that utilize a formal promotional assessment center can prioritize attendance to those persons in the highly promotable category . To speed the succession of appointments , some agencies have individuals , who were identified in the selection process as highly promotable category , who are required to complete the field training process prior to their
66 FALL 2021