NCJ Number
208456
Date Published
December 2003
Length
242 pages
Annotation
This guide offers POST-participating agencies advice on how to apply POST field training program regulations within local field training programs.
Abstract
The California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) standardized program on field training was designed to assist new officers in translating their classroom knowledge to actual law enforcement uniformed patrol duties in the field. Part 1 of the program guide contains an overview of the purpose of field training, which is described as the opportunity to facilitate an officer’s transition from the classroom to the performance of general law enforcement duties. Part 1 also contains POST’s regulatory standards and requirements for program approval in order to assist departments in gaining POST approval of their field training programs. These standards and requirements, referred to as “field training program elements” include considerations on the length of the program (a minimum of 10 weeks), the orientation to the program, phase training, the rotation of trainers and trainees, program evaluations, and documentation. The role and expectations of field training officers are discussed, as are the expectations of the field training program supervisor or coordinator. Part 2 contains information on the evaluation of field training programs, as well as information on documentation requirements and remedial training strategies. Part 3 outlines the requirements for submitting local field training program packages to POST for POST approval. Part 4 offers a sample POST field training program, while part 5 describes the Police Training Officer (PTO) program, which relies on problem-based learning to target neighborhood crime patterns. Appendixes contain a standardized program and forms to further guide law enforcement agencies in implementing POST field training programs. Appendixes