Program Governance & Staff Roles
Purpose & Responsibilities
FTD administers academy instruction, cadet field phases, solo evaluations, training records, and corrective training. Trainers shall apply uniform expectations and make decisions from documented performance, not personal relationships, rank favoritism, or speculation.Training Roles
Head FTO is treated as a department-level coordinator role within the FTS function unless the Director formally establishes a different assignment. Academy Instructor is an instructional assignment typically held by a qualified FTI; it is not automatically a separate command rank.
Field Training Officers (FTO)
- Conduct cadet onboarding assistance and supervised patrol across Phases 1–3.
- Observe performance, provide immediate coaching, and document both strengths and deficiencies.
- Verify completed tasks against the approved tracking sheet and enter substantive notes for each evaluation.
- Review and sign off on cadet-written reports when required, correcting deficiencies before approval.
- Immediately escalate unsafe actions, significant misconduct, and persistent training deficiencies.
- May supervise solo observation when assigned; may not independently issue final patrol clearance.
Field Training Instructors (FTI)
- Deliver approved academy instruction and periodic continuing education.
- Conduct practical evaluations and authorized solo tests.
- Provide objective pass/fail recommendations supported by documented performance.
- Coordinate training findings with the FTS and Director.
Field Training Supervisor (FTS)
- Assign trainers; coordinate schedules and departmental training capacity.
- Review phase forms for completion, consistency, and meaningful instructor notes.
- Authorize routine progression into the next phase, provided all requirements are satisfied.
- Review solo test findings and recommend graduation, extension, or remediation.
- Escalate disputed or exceptional cases to the Director.
Field Training Director (FTD)
- Maintain the training program, standards, question banks, and approved revisions.
- Designate instructor authority and approve training assignments.
- Resolve disputes and determine final outcomes or delegate clearly defined release authority.
- Coordinate with department leadership and the DPS Commissioner on readiness and policy changes.
- May suspend training or a trainee’s progression for a documented safety, policy, or integrity concern pending review.