Field Training Officer (FTO) program
The Palmetto Police Department follows the San Jose Police model for the Field Training Officer Program. The Program is a 16 week “street” training for officers who just graduated the police academy. The 16 weeks gives the Recruit officers time to apply what they have learned in the academy to the street. The recruit officer will be with an experienced Field Training Officer who provides feedback and daily evaluations for the recruit officers. For newly hires officers with previous experience there is an accelerated program which consists of 9 weeks of Field training. This is a period of preparation, training transition and integration into the Palmetto Police Department. During this 9 week period the New Officer will also be evaluated daily by experienced Field Training Officers.