OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Field Training Program Manual is to provide a standardized program to guide the agency and the Field Training Officers (FTOs) in the initial orientation and field training of newly assigned Recruit and Probationary Troopers. The program is designed to assist newly hired Troopers making the transition these troopers in making the transition from what they learned in the academy to performing general law enforcement patrol duties competently in the field.

The role of the FTO is a critical component of the Field Training Program. Its primary responsibility of the FTO is to facilitate this transition by supervising, training, and evaluating Probationary Officers.

This Field Training Program is designed to achieve the following goals:

• To produce a competent Trooper, capable of working a solo patrol assignment in a safe, skillful, productive and professional manner.

• To provide standardized training to newly assigned Recruits and Probationary Troopers.

• To provide clear standards for ratings and evaluation.

INTRODUCTION

The San Andreas State Police (SASP) have long recognized the importance of rigorous training as a cornerstone of professional law enforcement. To uphold this standard, the Field Training Program has been developed to provide newly hired recruits with a structured, standardized framework for training and evaluation.

While recruits graduate from the Academy with comprehensive instruction in foundational law enforcement topics, they are not immediately prepared to undertake the full responsibilities of seasoned Troopers. To bridge this gap, new personnel undergo field training under the mentorship of experienced members. This immersive program enables recruits and probationary troopers to apply their academy knowledge in real-world settings while gaining insight into the practices, policies, and culture of the San Andreas State Police.

The Field Training Program assigns each Recruit and Probationary Trooper to a Field Training Officer (FTO), ensuring individualized instruction in live law enforcement scenarios. This hands-on training approach distinguishes the program from the academic preparation provided during basic training and emphasizes practical application and situational learning.

To maintain the program’s effectiveness, Field Training Officers must hold the rank of Trooper First Class. This requirement ensures that FTOs have successfully completed the Field Training Program themselves and are well-equipped to mentor the next generation of troopers.

Troopers aspiring to serve as FTOs are encouraged to contact their Chain of Command to express their interest and initiate the selection process.

FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM | PHASE I

Phase I of the Field Training Program serves as an introductory orientation designed to familiarize recruits with department policies, procedures and expectations. This phase ensures that recruits are well-prepared to begin their training journey. Recruits are not permitted to operate any motor vehicle or go on active patrol in the capacity as a Trooper until Phase I has been completed and approved by a Field Training Officer. Before completion recruits currently in Phase I must act as a civilian ride along until completion. During Phase I, the following will be completed:

• Administrative Setup:

  • Collect the recruit's phone number, CID, fingerprints and email address.

  • Create a new entry in the SASP Roster with the recruit's information.

  • Assign the recruit's position via the Boss Menu and on Discord.

  • Create a new tab for the recruit in the Rowdy SASP FTP Skill Checklist Sheet

• Resource and Information Access:

  • Share internal database link with recruit.

  • Briefly review how to navigate the database and locate department policies, procedures and roster.

• Department Overview:

  • Provide an overview of the department's structure, mission, vision and core values.

  • Issue the official uniform and distribute necessary equipment, in alignment with department policy.

• Headquarters Tour:

  • Conduct a comprehensive tour of the HQ, including the clock-in/out stations, clothing room, armory, personal stash, evidence lockers, cells, fingerprint readers, and vehicle motor pool.

• Complete the New Hire Orientation Procedure:

  • Downloading Body Cam Software

  • Review Law Enforcement related topic videos

  • Review the San Andreas State Police Internal Database, and all procedures and policies set within

  • Review San Andreas Penal Code, gaining an overview of the structure and frequent statutes commonly used while on patrol.

  • Complete the Field Training Phase I Examination with a minimum passing score of 80% in order to continue to the next stage and be authorized to operate a motor vehicle or act as a law enforcement officer in any capacity.

FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM | PHASE II

Phase II of the Field Training Program focuses on Basic Training, conducted as part of the Police Academy. This phase ensures that recruits and probationary troopers acquire the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for effective law enforcement. Based on department needs and current staffing levels, the Academy can be held in either a group setting or with a smaller group of one or two troopers. Whenever feasible, a large group setting is preferred to maintain a formal training environment and minimize the impact on patrol operations.

Recruits and Probationary Troopers are able to act as a law enforcement officer before attending academy but must be with a Supervisor, Command or FTO at all times while on duty.

Academy sessions span 3 to 5 hours and cover a comprehensive range of law enforcement topics. Academy Instructors and Field Training Officers (FTOs) must use the Academy PowerPoint to guide the session and ensure that all critical topics are addressed effectively. The curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded introduction to departmental operations, procedures, and fieldwork essentials.

Topics Covered in Basic Training:

• Department Overview: Current ranking structure, open subdivisions, and promotional guidelines.

• Legal Framework: Use of force, reasonable suspicion, probable cause, penal law statutes, and key case laws.

• Evidence Handling: Use of evidence lockers, types of evidence, GSR and fingerprint testing, casings, and blood collection procedures.

• Firearms: Firearm safety, usage, and handling protocols.

• Procedures: Arresting protocols, report writing, citation issuance, and keybinds/commands for in-field operations.

• Operational Training: Vehicle use, responding to calls, radar and ALPR utilization, traffic stops, felony stops, PIT maneuvers, and pursuit tactics.

• Specialized Scenarios: Negotiation strategies and building clearing techniques.

By completing Phase II of the Field Training Program, recruits and probationary troopers gain the fundamental skills required for solo patrol and are equipped to handle a variety of real-world situations. Academy Instructors and FTOs are tasked with ensuring that all participants leave the Academy with a thorough understanding of departmental standards and expectations.

Once the recruit or Probationary Trooper graduates the Police Academy and completes Phase II, they are able to operate a motor vehicle while remaining to have a FTO present.

FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM | PHASE III

Phase III of the Field Training Program marks the final stage of training, where recruits and probationary troopers apply the skills they have learned during the Police Academy and earlier phases in real-world scenarios. After completing Phase II, recruits and probationary troopers must ride along with a Field Training Officer (FTO) and demonstrate their competence in various law enforcement tasks.

During this phase, FTOs are responsible for guiding and evaluating recruits by using the Field Training Program Skill Checklist. This checklist outlines several critical topics that recruits and probationary troopers must address during their training. The FTO will assess each recruit's performance, checking off criteria once they are satisfied the recruit has demonstrated proficiency in the specified task.

Criteria for Topic Completion:

• Recruits and probationary troopers must complete 80% of the criteria for each topic to be considered proficient.

• When an FTO marks a topic as completed, they must input their call sign in the designated field labeled [FTO #].

• If a recruit fails to meet the 80% threshold for a topic, the FTO must provide detailed feedback, identifying areas of improvement and offering guidance on how to achieve the missing criteria.

• Recruits will then repeat the topic under supervision to address the deficiencies and meet the required standard.

Topics Covered in Phase III:

• Radio Communications: Including NATO Alphabet and avoiding 10-codes.

• Traffic Operations: Traffic stops, felony stops, pursuit techniques, and traffic control (lane closures, roadblocks, etc.).

• Pursuit Skills: Vehicle pursuits, PITs, and pursuit practices (driving, policy adherence, and RTO).

• Legal Proficiency: General case law, penal code application, Miranda Warning (verbatim from SOP), and the three tiers of police encounters.

• Report Writing: Incident and report writing, use of the document system, and investigative questioning.

• Scene Management: Scene control, crime scene investigation, robbery presence announcements, robbery strategy, and perimeter searches.

• Specialized Topics: TASER proficiency, firearm proficiency, domestic/assault calls, and bail procedures.

• Driving Skills: General driving knowledge and emergency vehicle operations.

• Field Operations: Miranda rights, structure clearing, handling marked bills, and knowledge of illegal weapons and drugs.

• Command Systems: MDT operation, vehicle extras menu (lighting), proper RADAR operation, and proficiency with menus and commands.

• Use of Force Continuum: Proper application of force across various scenarios.

• Public Interaction: Effective interaction with the public and investigative questioning.

• Traffic Accident Investigation: Proper procedures for investigating traffic accidents.

Graduation Requirements:

• All topics on the Field Training Skill Checklist must be successfully completed to graduate from Phase III. This ensures recruits and probationary troopers are fully prepared to patrol independently and handle the responsibilities of their role with confidence and competence.

• Phase III reinforces practical application and accountability, solidifying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the Field Training Program. By the end of this phase, recruits will have demonstrated their readiness to uphold the high standards of the San Andreas State Police.

DAILY OBSERVATION REPORTS (DORs)

Throughout the field training process, recruits and probationary troopers must be consistently guided, directed, and made aware of their progress through structured evaluations. These evaluations include the Daily Observation Report (DOR), which is completed by the Field Training Officer (FTO) at the end of each shift. The DOR serves as a tool for both the recruit or probationary trooper and the field training staff to monitor and track the recruit's development. Performance is evaluated using a 7-point scale, with “1” indicating “Not Acceptable” by Field Training Program standards and “7” signifying “Superior.” A rating of “5” represents the midpoint on the scale. Specific narrative comments are required for each observed rating area.

The evaluation of "acceptable" or "not acceptable" is based on the recruit or probationary trooper’s ability to perform competently as a solo patrol officer. A competent patrol officer is one who can operate safely and effectively after completing both the Basic Academy and the Field Training Program.

When completing the DOR, please use the default report template found in the #sasp-field-training under the Reports forum. The DOR should then be posted in the recruit or probationary trooper’s forum post to ensure proper tracking of progress.

The discussion between the FTO and the recruit or probationary trooper regarding the evaluation is a crucial component of the Field Training Program. Simply completing the evaluation and obtaining the recruit's or probationary trooper’s signature does not fulfill the objectives of a thorough evaluation. Failing to engage in a discussion undermines the practical purpose of the evaluation system. Discussions should take place in a private setting, free from distractions, to facilitate an open and constructive exchange.

These discussions should be conducted as a "two-way conversation." Recruits and probationary troopers should be encouraged to openly express their thoughts and feelings. FTOs should listen actively, refraining from showing disapproval in response to the recruit’s or probationary trooper’s comments. The goal is to ensure that the focus remains on performance, rather than defending the evaluation. Recruits and probationary troopers should be motivated to critically assess their own performance, identify areas of improvement, and understand their own motivations.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

All newly hired law enforcement officers are subject to a mandatory probationary period designed to assess their suitability for full-time employment with the department. This probationary period lasts for a duration of 30 hours of field training or one month's timespan from the Date of Hire, whichever comes first. During this period, the officer’s performance, behavior, and overall fit within the department’s structure will be closely monitored and evaluated.

The probationary period is considered an "at-will" period, meaning that either the officer or the department may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without prior notice. This provides both the officer and the department an opportunity to evaluate the officer's ability to meet the necessary standards and expectations of the role, including technical skills, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal conduct.

Throughout the probationary period, the officer will receive ongoing training, supervision, and feedback from their assigned Field Training Officer (FTO) or supervisor. They will be assessed on their performance through evaluations such as the Daily Observation Report (DOR) and other performance-based metrics. This will help determine whether the officer has met the minimum qualifications for continued employment and if they are prepared to transition to full-duty status.

At the conclusion of the probationary period, a formal review will be conducted, taking into account the officer’s performance during their training and evaluation period. Depending on the outcome of this review, the officer may be retained, extended for additional probationary time, or released from employment. The probationary period is critical in ensuring that only those who are capable of performing the duties and responsibilities of law enforcement officers are retained as permanent members of the department.

Original SOP: 12/01/2024
Revised: