Field Training Officer

The goal of the Field Training Program is to produce an Officer capable of safely and skillfully working a solo beat assignment. The means to accomplish this is through the Field Training Officer. In addition to full beat responsibility, the FTO has the responsibility of training and indoctrinating new employees through a phased-type learning process. The FTO must be able to be a reliable, objective evaluator of a Trainee’s performance. He will write daily evaluations of performance, plus submit additional documentation as required. The FTO attends all work-related activities that the Trainee is required to attend. These activities would include court testimony and other assignments outside of the field patrol function. If remedial training is required, the FTO shall notify the FTO Sergeant and assist in developing such training.

The FTO is a role model to the Trainee and to other members of the Department and the public. The FTO is expected to maintain the highest standard in all aspects of their job duties and performance. Personal grooming standards, operational procedures, and conformance to Department practices and policies, should always be above reproach. The FTO unit is a highly motivated, team oriented unit, committed to producing the best-trained Officers in the state.

The Fountain Valley Police Department's FTO Program consists of a Patrol Lieutenant, a Patrol Sergeant and several Patrol Officers.  The Field Training period is divided into different phases.  The trainee will spend the first three months with three different FTO's in a patrol capacity.  One month with each FTO.  Following the Patrol training period, the trainee will spend one week with a Traffic FTO, where he will gain experience and knowledge in traffic enforcement and accident investigation.  The final phase of training will be spent in the Detective Bureau and with the Court Liaison where he/she will be exposed to criminal investigations and court room procedure.

After successfully completing the FTO program, the trainee will be assigned to the Patrol Division where he/she will be responsible for patrolling an assigned portion of the city.