NCJ Number
192751
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 25-30
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
November 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines the need for and the process of evaluating field training officers’ (FTOs) performance.
Abstract
Field training officers (FTOs) are responsible for evaluating the performance of student officers. However, a FTO’s effectiveness as an instructor and role model must also be evaluated. Periodic assessments of their performance help ensure that department training objectives are being met. Even though field training and evaluation programs have become standardized, most departments do not evaluate FTOs regularly. Developing and implementing an evaluation system requires many factors. The evaluation should ensure program and departmental accountability, identify problems and develop strategies to counteract them, and recognize the work of conscientious, hardworking FTOs. Effective evaluations should measure differences in individual knowledge, skills, attitudes, and performance. The evaluation should be either completely objective or specifically articulate performance measures. In summation, an evaluation should serve to create a mutual understanding of the standards of acceptable performance. Evaluation form