Option 1: Field Training Program (FTP)
The POST Field Training Program (FTP) model provides comprehensive guidelines and structured learning content to facilitate newly-assigned peace officers transitioning from an academic setting to field training where they gain hands-on experience forming the foundation of their career.
The FTP Guide includes two volumes which can be viewed on screen or downloaded.
Please Note:
All POST participating agencies employing peace officers are required to submit the POST-Approved Field Training Application (2-229) (pdf) as part of their FTP Manual submission. See Volume 1, Part 3 (Field Training Program Package) for application process details.
An agency FTP Manual must be resubmitted to POST for approval when modified and/or legislative/POST mandates are added. All updates must be approved by POST prior to agency implementation.
Field Training Program Guide
Below are the topics contained in Volume 1. See the Contents page or use the bookmark panel to view specific topics.
Parts 1–4
- Program Orientation
- Evaluation, Documentation, and Remediation
- Field Training Program Package (Application Process)
- POST Field Training Program
Appendices (pdf)
Daily Observation Report / Narrative Evaluation
Glossary (pdf)
Volume 2: Part 5 – POST Field Training Model
Below are the topics contained in Volume 2. See the Contents page or use the bookmark panel to view specific subtopics.
Please Note:
It is required that an agency include the reference title and policy heading for each of the 18 competency sections in their training manuals. As updates are made, agencies shall cite the applicable section(s) of their agency policy/procedure, bulletin, or other reference that relates to each subtopic or task (e.g. River City PD - Use of Force).
Sections 1–18
Instructions: How to complete sections 1-18 (doc)
1 - Agency Orientation / Department Policies (docx)
2 - Officer Safety Procedures (docx)
3 - Ethics (docx)
4 - Use of Force (docx)
5 - Patrol Vehicle Operations (docx)
6 - Community Relations / Professional Demeanor (docx)
7 - Radio Communication Systems (docx)
8 - Leadership (docx)
9 - California Codes and Laws (docx)
10 - Search and Seizure (docx)
11 - Report Writing (docx)
12 - Control of Persons/Prisoners/Mentally Ill (docx)
13 - Patrol Procedures (docx)
14 - Investigations / Evidence (docx)
15 - Tactical Communication / Conflict Resolution (docx)
16 - Traffic (docx)
17 - Self-Initiated Activities (docx)
18 - Agency-Specific Activities (docx)