Field Training Officer (FTO) Program
Program Forms
The Mesa FTO Program uses several forms to track the progress
of Officers in Training (OIT) and evaluate FTOs. An overview of
the forms we use and an explanation of each form are listed on
this page; scroll down this page for a synopsis of each form. To
view/download any of these forms, visit the
documents page.
Officer In Training (OIT) Checklist
The OIT Checklist is used to track the OIT's progress through
the four phases of the FTO Program. Instead of spending a
predetermined amount of time in a particular phase, the FTO Unit
requires proficiency in particular training subjects before
moving on to the next phase. Consequently, an OIT may spend
more, less, or the same amount of time in a phase as he would in
a program that has a set time for each phase; advancement is
dependent on
proficiency.
Critique on FTO
The Critique Form is used to evaluate the FTOs and the
effectiveness of the FTO Program. The form is filled out by the
OITs after they complete each phase. The OITs rate their FTO
and how well the FTO Program works. The FTO Administrative
Officers read the critiques to assess the ability of each FTO.
Suggestions on how to improve the FTO Program are discussed
within the FTO Unit and used to enhance the ever evolving
program. The critiques are filed until the end of the FTO
Program for that class and then forwarded to each FTO for
his/her review. By reviewing the critique written by the OIT
that the FTO taught, the FTO will be able to improve his/her
teaching skills.
End of Phase Report
Each FTO completes an End of Phase Evaluation on his/her OIT
at the end of each phase. The evaluation lists the OIT's
strengths and weaknesses. The form is used to inform the next
FTO of the OIT's skill level and to illustrate performance
deficiencies to the OIT. The End of Phase Evaluation is
reviewed and signed by the OIT, and the OIT's patrol sergeant,
then filed in the OIT's workstation file.
Daily Observation Report (DOR)
A Daily Observation Report (DOR) is completed on the OIT by
the FTO after the end of each shift. Good performances as well
as poor performances are documented each day. OITs use this
daily documentation to improve their skills on a daily basis.
FTO Administrative Officers review all of the DORs to stay
abreast of the progress of the OITs. The DOR is reviewed and
signed by the OIT, the FTO, and the patrol sergeant, then filed
with in the OIT's workstation file.
Daily Rating Chart (Color Chart)
The Rating Chart is a chart that lists the numerical scores
from each DOR for each OIT. By reviewing the chart, the user
can immediately see the progress (or lack of progress) of the
OIT. The chart is designed to be filled in with red, yellow,
and green highlighter pens. Red denotes scores below solo
officer standards (scores of 1, 2, & 3); yellow denotes an
acceptable level (a score of 4); green denotes superior
performance by FTO program standards (scores of 5, 6, & 7).
Boxes are left blank if that activity was not observed that
day. The Rating Chart resides on a share drive in the network
computer system so as to be available to all members of the FTO
Program. Once the phase is completed, the Rating Chart is filed
in the OIT's workstation file. An example of a color chart is
in the Proficiency
section. (The Microsoft Excel version of the chart contains
macros that automatically fill in the appropriate colors when
values of 1 through 7 are entered.)
Sergeant's Weekly Report (SWR)
The patrol sergeant fills out a Sergeant's Weekly Report at
the end of each week for OITs assigned to him. The Sergeant's
Weekly Report is reviewed and signed by the OIT and the
sergeant. It is then filed in the OIT's workstation file.