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Having a good field training officer can make such a difference in the kind of career a rookie officer will have. If he or she has a good one who imparts knowledge and wisdom, the officer is blessed. But conversely, if he has an unethical, incompetent or lazy FTO, the officer may develop poor habits and have an unproductive career. Young rookies are like clay and field training officers can help sculpt them into solid public servants. Ideally a field training officer will not limit her instruction to only job-related tasks but will also provide insight on how an officer should behave off duty as well.
Too many officers have had their careers end too soon based on what they do while their duty belt is in their locker. While teaching an officer how to comply with policy and procedure, the field training officer would also be doing that same officer a great service by including some life lessons as well. As FTOs are generally veteran officers with solid life experience, they have much to offer those under their direction and are remiss if they don't. Some topics they may want to address could include the following.
* Stress importance of spending time outdoors. Our jobs are stressful. Taking the time to get out into the natural world can work as a filter for our hearts and minds and keep us positive, sharp and compassionate. It's also the best way to prevent burnout.
* Find time for your family. Kids grow up quick. Don't get so caught up in side jobs or fraternal activities that you miss them grow up. The other stuff will always be there.
* Make time for your wife. Police marriages experience plenty of strain for a variety of reasons. If you spend time together and make the effort to communicate, it will help you weather the stress and maintain trust.
* Invest in the relationships with old friends. These longtime friendships are important to invest in. The perspectives you get from old friends can can you centered and provide a healthy perspective on life that sometimes gets lost for law enforcement people who just have other officers for friends.
*Be a mentor. Whether it is a big brother/big sister program or coaching/guiding a young person on entering a law enforcement career, your support and encouragement can have a major impact on a person's life and that will be a very rewarding experience.
*Practice humility. Being a police officer is a special profession where a person can make his community safer and more secure. But don't act like you are superior to other people working in related fields such as security officers who most likely make a much lower wage than you do. Many of these men and women are fine dedicated individuals and include retired police officers.
*Treat them with respect. In addition, don't abuse your position by ignoring traffic laws with the expectation that you will be cut a break. You may not and your driving actions could cause injury to yourself and others. Avoid using your badge off-duty to gain access to different events or services and avoid gossip which can be particularly damaging to the esprit de corps of a police department.
Speak up when you hear something you know to be false. You'll be glad if someone else does it for you one day. Support officers who are laid off or being maliciously prosecuted.
Your financial or emotional support can be uplifting to them and help them in more ways than you realize. Take advantage of financial planning opportunities, particularly state supported funds or those endorsed by your FOP or union.
Retirement comes quick and you'll be glad you saved.
Recognize that you're going to make mistakes, both on and off duty.
Don't make them worse by lying. Tell the truth and learn from your mistakes. That is the true path to wisdom.
Tom Wetzel is a lieutenant in a suburban Ohio police department. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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