There are two foundational principles of the Nextgen Field Training Model that are addressed by the way in which the phases are established:

• Create a field training model with a clear distinction between training and evaluation.
• Build both training and evaluation phases in a manner consistent with the crawl-walk-run experiential learning format.

PHASES OF THE NEXTGEN FIELD TRAINING MODEL:

• Phase 1 – Foundational Training                                
• Phase 2 – Exposure Training                                                       
• Phase 3 – Cleanup Training                                                          
• Phase 4 – Evaluation (Previous FTO)                                       
• Phase 5 – Evaluation (Independent FTO)               
• Solo Phase – Evaluation (Assigned Supervisor)                   

KEY CONCEPTS OF TRAINING PHASES 1, 2, and 3:

• Primary goal is for FTOs to train the OIT as a TEAM in preparation for the evaluation phases and solo capability.

• No scoring on Observation Reports (OR). This establishes the concept that learner effort and being willing to jump in, try something, and risk making mistakes is more valuable than learner correctness.

• Integration, reinforcement, and debriefing of decision-making utilizing the PRIDE Adaptive Decision-Making Model and Policing Priorities. Focus on training deliberate action – Train OITs to know what they are doing and why they are doing it.

• Phases 1, 2, and 3 are set up in the crawl, walk, run experiential learning format.
  • As exposure to tasks increases, the role of the OIT transitions.
    •  Learning -> Trying -> Doing.
  • As exposure to tasks increases, the role of the FTO transitions.
    • FTO -> Coach -> Mentor.
  • As the OIT transitions through the learning phases, the reliance upon the FTO should lessen and the OIT will be expected to utilize other resources available to them to answer questions in preparation for the Evaluation Phases.

• Proficiency Training Tasks are not assigned to specific training phases in order to stimulate interleaving, effortful retrieval, and spacing in OIT learning.
  • The Phase 1 Trainer is the Foundational Trainer. The goal of the Phase 1 FTO is to establish the OIT’s foundational knowledge/skills and then begin increasing their exposure to patrol experiences.
  • The Phase 2 Trainer is the Exposure Trainer. The goal of the Phase 2 FTO is to expose the OIT to as many patrol experiences as possible. Repeated exposure, especially to infrequent CFS, is encouraged and beneficial to the OIT’s learning. Take the experiential learning opportunities as they present themselves.
  • The Phase 3 Trainer is the Cleanup Trainer. The Phase 3 FTO focuses on getting exposure to CFS that Phase 1 and 2 were unable to get and/or provide additional repeated exposures.
  • All Proficiency Tasks must be signed off before the OIT can move to Evaluation Phase 4.

• Phase 3 may be eliminated for lateral or waiver officers to accelerate their field training, but they will still be expected to demonstrate proficiency on all Proficiency Tasks during evaluation.

KEY CONCEPTS OF EVALUATION PHASES 4 and 5:

• Primary goal is to EVALUATE the OIT’s ability to perform at a solo capable level.

• Since this is an Evaluation Phase, observation reports are scored in comparison to the Standard Evaluation Guidelines definition of a solo capable officer.

• All Proficiency Tasks are signed off and show OIT has had training and experience in these areas.

• Scoring observation reports only in the Evaluation Phases helps to remove scoring inconsistencies since the FTOs are only scoring officers that have received ALL of the pre-requisite training and should be solo capable.

• OIT is acting as a solo capable officer with the FTO there primarily as an evaluator. FTO evaluators will still provide training on infrequent tasks the OIT comes across during these phases. Scoring will reflect this appropriately.

• Phase 4 Evaluator will be the same FTO, when available, the OIT had while on Phase 1. If the Phase 1 FTO is unavailable, then Phase 2 FTO will be the next choice for Phase 4.
  • This provides a bridge into the evaluation process for the OIT. (Crawl)
  • The OIT starts their evaluation process with a familiar FTO, squad, and district.

• Phase 5 Evaluator will be an independent FTO that has not worked directly with the OIT.
  • This is to build the OIT’s self-reliance to assist in their success when they are solo.
  • The independent evaluator also limits potential biases in the OIT’s success or failure.

• After calls for service, the OIT debriefs and supports their decision-making utilizing the PRIDE Adaptive Decision-Making Model and Policing Priorities.

• At the end of Phase 4 or 5, if an evaluator feels the OIT has not had enough exposures to be able to comfortably decide on the OIT moving forward, they may request an extension. This does not negatively impact the OIT and provides additional time for the OIT to demonstrate solo capability.

• At the end of Phase 4 and 5, if an evaluator feels the OIT is not solo capable, they can initiate a Performance Training Plan to work on those specific issue(s).
  • If a Performance Training Plan is initiated, that Evaluation Phase will not count and the OIT will still need to pass 2 Evaluation Phases before moving on to the Solo Phase.
  • OITs will only be given one Performance Training Plan after they reach the Evaluation Phase.

• Interpretation of Evaluation Phase Results
  • Both Evaluators Pass OIT. -> OIT moves to Solo Phase on assigned patrol squad.
  • Evaluator’s Disagree on Passing OIT. -> OIT receives a Performance Training Plan to address Evaluator’s specific concerns and then must pass another Evaluation Phase.
  • Both Evaluators Fail OIT. -> OIT is removed from the program.

KEY CONCEPTS OF SOLO PHASE:

• Primary goal is to EVALUATE the OIT’s ability to perform at a solo capable level while operating on their assigned patrol squad under the supervision of their assigned sergeant.

• To get to the Solo Phase, the OIT must have been passed by 2 Field Training Evaluators.

• If the OIT is successful in the Solo Phase, they will be fully released from the Field Training Program by their assigned sergeant and will be considered a solo capable officer. The patrol sergeant receiving the new officer has final approval for releasing the OIT.

• If the supervisor has significant and specific documented concerns about the OIT’s ability to perform at a solo capable level, a Performance Training Plan will be initiated. An FTO will work with the OIT on their assigned squad to complete the PTP. The OIT will then repeat a Solo Phase Evaluation with their assigned sergeant.

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