NCJ Number
82832
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (March-April 1982) Pages: 36-39
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Field Training Program developed by the University of South Florida for its university law enforcement and public safety departments.
Abstract
Despite the existence of a 2-year college requirement for applicants and a 550-hour program of training in the regional police training academy, shortcomings still existed in the plan to provide assistance to newly hired officers at the University of South Florida. In 1981, the existing Field Training Program was restructured accordingly. The plan was initially developed by the San Jose Police Department (California), and similar programs were adapted in Tampa and Orlando, Fla. Selection of field training officers was based upon the following factors: interest expressed in the program, past performance as training officers under the old program, recommendations from supervisors, and representation from the three shifts. The training officers completed an 8-hour orientation session focusing on interpersonal relations, legal issues, and program scope. The basic Field Training Program, which is 10 weeks in duration, can be modified according to individual need. Two training officers are assigned to a probationary officer. Assignment is determined when the probationary officer is already in the police academy. During the first 4-week phase, the probationary officer is evaluated weekly across 30 predefined performance tasks. The field training officer also provides a written evaluation of each police incident report written by the new officer. These steps are repeated for phase II of the program. At the conclusion of the program, a decision is made to release the probationary officer to a shift, to terminate employment, or to seek extension of field training. The program allows timely feedback to the probationary officers and the establishment of firm expectations and standards of the department. One bibliographical reference and three figures are provided.