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Solo Observation & Final Clearance

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Terminology

Solo test is an instructor-led assessment of a cadet’s ability to manage calls and apply policy with minimal prompting. Solo observation is a monitored stage in which the cadet patrols in their own authorized unit while a designated FTO remains on duty and available. Independent patrol clearance is the final written authorization ending the cadet’s field restrictions. These are distinct actions; completion of one does not automatically grant the next.

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Eligibility

Before a cadet begins solo evaluation, the assigned FTS shall verify:
  • Academy requirements and Phases 1–3 have been completed or formally waived by the Director.
  • Required tracking sheets contain sufficient notes and review signatures.
  • Reports demonstrate acceptable legal articulation and documentation.
  • No unresolved safety, policy, or performance concern prevents the evaluation.
  • A qualified FTI/FTS or specifically authorized evaluator is assigned to conduct the test.

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Solo Test

The evaluator shall observe decision-making, communications, scene safety, lawful stops and arrests, custody, de-escalation, and incident reports. The evaluator records pass, needs remediation/retest, or incomplete with supporting notes.

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Three Monitored Solo Shifts

The existing FTD program requires three solo-observation shifts after Phase 3. During this stage:
  • The cadet operates an approved unit with an on-duty FTO assigned and available to monitor.
  • When the required FTO coverage ends, the cadet must end the solo-observation shift rather than continue as an unrestricted patrol officer.
  • The trainer reviews radio behavior, public/suspect interactions, policy compliance, and written reports.
  • The trainer corrects reports and documents each shift’s performance.
  • A shift with insufficient supervision or an incomplete evaluation does not count toward the three qualifying shifts.
Three shifts is a minimum observation requirement, not an automatic pass. The FTD may extend observation or require remediation for documented deficiencies.

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Graduation & Independent Duty

  1. The assigned FTO and evaluator submit all phase, solo-test, and shift documentation.
  2. The FTS reviews the complete record and recommends release, extension, or remediation.
  3. The FTD Director, or a specifically documented delegate, issues final independent-duty clearance.
  4. Personnel administration updates the cadet’s rank, permissions, roster, and training status only after clearance is recorded.
  5. The cadet is informed of any continuing probationary restrictions applicable under DPS policy.
The source documents disagree on which training staff can grant final clearance (FTO, Head FTO/FTS, FTI, or FTD). This page adopts an explicit FTD final-approval model proposed for command confirmation. If current command has delegated release authority differently, update this rule before enforcement.