FTEP Phases
Each phase in the FTEP (Field Training & Evaluation Program) is designed to provide:
- Systematic, consistent, standardized training.
- An introduction to the troop area.
- An opportunity to work all three shifts.
- A chance to work closely with various FTOs and be exposed to different techniques while operating within standardized guidelines.
Phase Rotation
The 10-week FTEP consists of three phases. The first two phases combined are approximately 8 weeks long, followed by a final evaluation phase of two weeks. The new troopers are assigned to different FTOs for each of the first two phases and return to their primary FTO for the final evaluation phase.
Phase I: Introduction
During this time, probationary members are assigned to their Primary FTOs to learn basic skills, including officer safety and areas of potential liability to the NYSP. The Primary FTOs are often selected because their personal competencies are best suited to meet the needs of a particular trooper during the first critical weeks of his or her career.
Phase II: Advanced Training
More complex than the first, this phase is sometimes identified as the one in which probationary members experience firsthand the multifaceted role a police officer performs in society and mastering the learned through earlier instruction.
Phase III: Final Evaluation
When probationary members reach this phase, they return to work under the supervision of the FTO with whom they first worked after graduation from the Academy. During this time, the Primary FTO observes the probationary member closely to evaluate and compare his or her level of performance. This phase lasts two weeks and, if successfully completed, the probationary member is assigned to patrol on his or her own during the remainder of the probationary period.
Probationary Status
The probationary period for probationary members continues for one year after the graduation from the Basic School. Upon satisfactory completion of the period of probation, appointments of new members will be permanent.