The Leading Edge FTO: Being the FTO Your Trainee Deserves
Course Type: Field Training Officer Development
Location: Richard H. Rowan Public Safety Training Center, St. Paul, MN
Dates: September 28-30, 2026
Duration: 16 hours
Cost: $1,200 (pricing may vary based on sponsorship options)
Course Overview
This comprehensive Field Training Officer course prepares current and prospective FTOs, CTOs, FTO/CTO supervisors, and training unit managers to excel in their roles. Rather than merely assessing trainee performance, exceptional Field Training Officers serve as coaches and mentors who develop new officers while maintaining agency culture, professionalism, and standards. This 16-hour program combines practical discussions, real-world scenarios, and proven leadership principles to help participants create meaningful learning experiences and build accountability, confidence, and sustainable success for every trainee.
What Participants Will Learn
This instructor development course equips Field Training Officers with practical strategies that can be immediately implemented in the field:
- Coach Instead of Simply Evaluate: Establish trust while maintaining accountability, deliver coaching that enhances trainee performance, and provide feedback that builds confidence and professional growth.
- Strengthen the Field Training Process: Improve documentation and performance evaluations, create consistency across field training programs, and establish clear expectations that reinforce accountability.
- Develop Future Officers: Mentor recruits beyond minimum standards, model professionalism and leadership consistently, and help trainees develop sound decision-making abilities under pressure.
Who Should Attend
This law enforcement training course is designed for:
- Current Field Training Officers (FTOs)
- Prospective Field Training Officers
- Correctional Training Officers (CTOs)
- FTO/CTO Program Supervisors
- Training Unit Managers
- Law enforcement leaders responsible for officer development
Why Effective Field Training Matters
A robust field training program establishes the foundation for long-term officer success while enhancing agency culture and operational performance. Effective Field Training Officers enable agencies to develop confident and capable officers, improve consistency in field training delivery, strengthen documentation and accountability measures, reinforce agency values and professional standards, build future leaders through deliberate mentorship, and support officer performance, retention, and overall organizational excellence.