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Field Training Program
IMPD Human Resources Office
50 North Alabama Street, Suite E254
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Office: (317) 327-3346 ~ Job Line: (317) 327-3368
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All recruits graduating from the IMPD Training Academy must participate in the Field Training Program which is designed to improve the field performance level of Indianapolis police officers. The program accomplishes this goal in two ways. First, as part of the overall training process, the FTO program places maximum emphasis on academy instruction through field training and demonstrates to the probationary officer how to apply academic knowledge in a real-life, field situation. Second, as an evaluation and screening tool, the FTO Program is one phase of the department's overall applicant screening process. It provides a measure of the field performance of probationary officers which is used in the final decision regarding the retention or termination of their employment. |
| In developing the FTO Program, the department has considered its responsibility for proper field training. Legal issues involving negligent appointment and retention of officers as well as municipal liability for improper training mandate that the department make every effort to train and retain only those individuals able to successfully perform as police officers. Additionally, the department's responsibility to current police officers and citizens of Indianapolis requires that only those probationary officers who can successfully perform in the field become tenured police officers. |
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| Duties and Responsibilities of the Field Training Officer |
- Role Model: As a role model, Field Training Officers are expected to demonstrate the professional standards of law enforcement. Their performance serves as an example for the probationary officer to follow.
- Training Officer: As a training officer, the Field Training Officer is expected to provide post academy, on-the-job instruction to probationary officers in the field.
- Evaluator/Counselor: As an evaluator, the Field Training Officer is expected to evaluate the performance of probationary officers. This evaluation is based upon observation of actual field behavior and is completed in accordance with FTO Program evaluation guidelines. Through the evaluation process, the FTO has direct input into the decision to retain or terminate a probationary officer's employment with the department.
As a counselor, the Field Training Officer is expected to provide the probationary officer with constructive criticism and suggestions for improved performance.
- Leader/Limited Supervisor: As a leader and supervisor, the Field Training Officer is expected to provide work direction and limited supervision to the probationary officer.
- Patrol Officer: The Field Training Officer also performs all the duties of a regularly assigned patrol officer.
This is a condensed overview of the Field Training Officer Program. It is designed to give prospective applicants an idea of what they can expect during the FTO phase of training, if they are selected as recruit officers.
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An Equal Opportunity Employer ~ Police - Community Partnership |
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