Field Training and Evaluation Program
 The
field training of new officers is a vital supplement to the classroom
training received in the police academy. The initial exposure
to law enforcement provided through field training often shapes
the future careers of recruit officers. Field training also serves
to confirm the knowledge and abilities of those new officers who
have previous police experience. The program is a highly structured
and closely supervised process and must be satisfactorily completed
by all new officers prior to their patrol assignment.
For additional information, contact Sgt. Christopher Squitieri or Sgt. Michael Ogliaruso.
ORGANIZATION:
The Field Training and Evaluation Program is administered within
the Patrol Division and is responsible
for the field training of recruit officers upon their completion
of the police academy. The Personnel and Training Unit (Office
of Professional Standards) is responsible for
initial employment and police academy coordination.
FIELD TRAINING OFFICERS:
Field Training Officers (FTO) are carefully chosen and regard
their selection as a tribute to the trust and confidence the
Department has in them and their ability to train. Successful
experience as a field training officer is considered a positive
career step.
RECRUIT ORIENTATION:
 The classroom instruction portion of the recruit training
program includes orientation to the city and the police department;
departmental rules, policies, and procedures; public records
laws; criminal law; relevant sections of civil law; investigative
techniques; interviewing victims and witnesses; report writing;
public relations skills, and other relevant topics as determined
by the program coordinator. The classroom recruit orientation
phase is completed prior to the actual start of the Field
Training Program
FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM:
The Field Training Program was modeled after the "San
Jose Model" and consists of a minimum of fourteen weeks.
There
are four phases. The first three phases are four weeks in
length, with the last phase being two weeks long. Recruits
may be extended for a period of up to six weeks. A recruit's
performance is documented and evaluated every day of the program
on a Daily Observation Report. An exam is given every two
weeks to the recruit, which the recruit must pass in order
to proceed to the next phase. The program is difficult, and
due to the demanding requirements, some recruits are unable
to successfully complete the Clearwater Field Training Program.
ACCELERATED FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM:
We realize that previous law enforcement experience may, in
some cases, allow for a shortened training program. Accordingly,
we have established an accelerated FTO Program to allow qualified
candidates the opportunity to complete the program in a shorter
amount of time. To be considered for the accelerated FTO program,
a recruit must currently hold a Florida law enforcement certification
and have been previously employed as a law enforcement officer.
The decision to permit a candidate to proceed in the accelerated
program is made on a case-by-case basis dependent upon the
candidate's experience, performance, and aptitude.
For more information on how to become a Clearwater Police Officer,
check the employment page.
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