IMPACT OF AN ETHNICALLY DIVERSE WORKFORCE ON THE ROLE OF THE FIELD TRAINING OFFICER BY THE YEAR 2002

• NCJ Number: 144719
• Author(s): D M Ortega
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 94 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper examines the role of the San Jose Police Department Field Training Officer and the impact an ethnically diverse workforce will have on that role; the study forecasts how the San Jose Police Department will manage these issues.

Abstract

In order to examine the impact of an ethnically diverse workforce on the role of the field training officer by the year 2002, three component sub-issues were identified: the changes needed in the evaluation process on the field performance of new police officers, the desirable knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by a field training officer, and the type of evaluation of the field training officer. These sub-issues establish parameters and provide focus for both the study and the forecasting panel involved in the analysis. Using the Nominal Group Technique, seven panelists were selected to participate in a futures forecasting exercise. A series of forecasted trends and events were developed by the panel with the use of the Nominal Group Technique. The study determined that the field training officer should be selected based on specific criteria that address the candidate officer's awareness of cultural diversity and sensitivity to differences in culture that may impact the learning curve. The role of the field training officer will no longer be that of just teacher, trainer, and evaluator, but will expand to such roles as coach, mentor, guide, leader, and facilitator. The study also suggests that an in-house review of the field training officer standardized evaluation guidelines are in order. The evaluation of the field training officer will not be just a matter of a supervisor or manager appraising the officer's performance, but will include current and objective feedback from the actual recruits trained by the officer being evaluated. Steps in transition management to implement the suggested approach are outlined. 7 tables, appended modified futures wheel, illustrations of trend forecasts and event forecasts, and a 15-item bibliography