The field training program for the Biddeford Police Department was implemented in April of 1995. This program consists of three members who have been selected by the Chief of Police to be Field Training Officers (FTO).

In the selection of the FTO, the officer(s) selected must meet specific qualifications.

• Have a minimum of three years of full-time experience with the Biddeford Police Department.
• Have and maintain an exemplary record with the Biddeford Police Department.
• Be thoroughly committed to the goals, objectives, and philosophies of all Departmental programs in general, and in the Field Training Program in particular.
• Be sincere, self-motivated, interested in people, sensitive to public concerns, and looking for self-improvement.
• Have demonstrated above average performance in Department training activities.

FTO’s train probationary officers so that they will be able to meet certain goals and objectives, and to function in a safe, skillful, productive and professional manner. Each probationary officer will receive a minimum of 500 hours of training, unless specified otherwise by the Chief of Police.

The FTO will complete a daily evaluation report each day the probationary officer works. The officer will be evaluated on his/her daily performance on particular assignments. Some areas that will be evaluated are field performance, report writing, problem solving, knowledge of different statutes, and ability to deal with the public in a professional and safe manner.

The FTO will also complete a weekly evaluation report. These reports are then submitted to the Field Training Supervisor for his review.

At the conclusion of the training for a particular officer, the FTP Supervisor and the Support Services Deputy Chief shall meet and review all of the evaluation reports on that particular probationary officer. The Deputy Chief will then recommend to the Chief of Police whether:

• The officer is ready for regular field assignment, or
• The officer should continue assignment within the FTP, or
• Some other type of counseling session or termination should be considered.

Field Training Officer’s shall be evaluated by the Field Training Program Supervisor at the conclusion of each rotation with a probationary officer.

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