FTOs

FTOs are a group within the LEO trainer program whose main goal is to train recruits to be ready to go out on their own as Probationary Troopers. The title is obtained by those with the title of FTO Trainers, or by members selected by LEO department heads. FTOs are subject-matter experts in LEO policy and procedure, and help new LEO gain practical knowledge.

Guidelines for becoming an FTO:

  • Be LEO trained for at least 30 days.

  • Must not have any active disciplinary action.

  • Must not have had any LEO disciplinary issues in the last 60 days.

  • Be knowledgeable of policies, procedures, and SOPs -- and must reasonably apply them to situations when needed.

  • Must not have been denied in the past 30 days.

  • Show a drive to help others, and go above and beyond.

  • Have no behavioral issues. (lashing out, aggression, belittling, overstepping etc.)

  • Pass the interview.

  • Sit in, and participate in at least 1 LEO training (required, this can be any recruit training) This can be done at any stage once approved to start the program.

  • Focus on their main department, but can assist other LEO departments as needed.

Ride-Alongs:

  • Ride-alongs are the backbone of the FTO program. During ride-alongs, allow the member to take the lead. Correct them as needed, and be prepared to explain why some policies or procedures are used.

  • Be sure to communicate with the member you ride with / evaluate. As an FTO, you are expected to talk with your mentee, and guide them verbally through situations, if needed.

  • You may create verbal scenarios (problem-based learning) and have your mentee go through them with you (example: “You are dispatched to a residence for a domestic dispute. What do you do when you get on scene?”). Keep in mind, these are verbal scenarios; do not perform fake 911 calls while on duty as LEO.

  • Ensure you correct mentees before their actions evolve into major policy breaks. Be firm and fair, but do not allow a member to abuse power, use improper force, etc.

  • Keep in-game limitations in mind.

  • If necessary, contact a Sergeant+, or file feedback, should any situation become too much for you to handle.

Authority:

  • FTOs do not carry authority over other officers. You may not pull over other officers, charge other officers with crimes, order units 10-8 / 10-7, or respond to civilian supervisor requests.

  • FTOs cannot self-attach to calls unless acting in a non FTO unit.

  • FTOs only act in an official capacity over new LEOs in the FTO program, in order to guide them and prevent policy breaks.

  • You may be requested to 10-1 with officers regarding policy / penal code questions. Your goal in such a situation is to answer the question and only give advice on how to proceed, if you are asked to do so. You may not tell other officers what to do. You may not take over calls that other officers are already handling.

  • If an FTO is found to be acting in a supervisory capacity / breaching these regulations, they may be subject to removal and permanent barring from becoming an FTO in the future.

Knowledge:

  • You are expected to know about LEO policies, procedure, the penal code, and general information about subdivisions. You are not expected to have all the answers. You are, however, expected to know where to find them, or who to get them from.

  • FTOs should know about their mentees’ performance, and be able to provide details when asked by Sergeant+. This information must match the submitted ride-along forms.

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