Field Training and Evaluation Program
The Nixa Police Department’s Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) consists of four phases. The training period for lateral officers may be modified depending on the trainee’s demonstrated performance and level of experience.
In-House Academy
This training will expose the Probationary Officer to NPD’s performance expectations and provide a foundation for them to build upon. The duration of this academy is approximately 4 weeks.
Phase One
The Probationary Officer will ride and observe a Field Training Officer (FTO) for approximately 40 hours (1 work week). The Probationary Officer should not initiate any enforcement activities unless necessary due to an emergency situation. This will expose the Probationary Officer to our expected performance standards.
Phase Two
The Probationary Officer will ride and observe a Field Training Officer (FTO) for approximately 40 hours (1 work week). The Probationary Officer should not initiate any enforcement activities unless necessary due to an emergency situation. This will expose the Probationary Officer to our expected performance standards.
Phase 3
The Probationary Officer will be “shadowed” for approximately 40 hours (one work week) by the FTO. While working together in the same patrol vehicle, the FTO will be in plain clothes and the Probationary Officer in uniform. During this phase, the principle role of the FTO is to observe and evaluate the Probationary Officer’s performance and ability to advance into Phase 4.
Phase Four
The Probationary Officer will be “shadowed” for approximately 40 hours (one work week) by the FTO Supervisor or appointee.
Upon successful completion of all four phases, the Patrol Officer will be assigned to one of the four patrol squads.
At any time that is deemed the Probationary Officer is not yet ready to proceed, he/she may be returned to a phase or have a phase extended. The length of the extension will be determined by the FTO Administrator and is subject to the approval of the Chief of Police.
For further information or questions about the Field Training and Evaluation Program, please contact the Nixa Police Department at 417-725-2510 and ask to speak to the FTEP Administrator.
Field Training Program Photo Album
