PAP.18.4.020 General

It should be recognized that having an established Field Training Program in place as means of a training tool is an effective way of increasing the professionalism of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department. Having such a program in place is not only conclusive of raising the standard for employment but also as a way of reducing liability to the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department. At no time shall a Field Training Program be used in lieu of the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Certification requirements.

The Field Training Program shall be composed of the following components:

(a) Trainee Qualifications: (Effective 12/21/2007)

(1) To qualify as a trainee for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department Field Training Program, the individual shall be certified as a law enforcement officer through the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board and have accrued sixty recognized college credits or upon hire obtain sixty college credits within five years from an accredited college.

(2) In addition, the applicant may be required to satisfactorily complete a written exam, oral interview, psychological profile, medical examination, vision examination, drug screening, background investigation, and fitness/agility screening.

(3) These requirements shall be met by any full-time or part-time employee entering into the Field Training Program.

(b) Trainee:

(1) Shall be any individual, full-time or part-time, who is employed by the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department and authorized by the Chief of Police to work as a Police Officer. The trainee shall be responsible for following the training outline as set forth by the program and shall be sufficiently prepared to perform the duties as such.

(2) To qualify as a trainee for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department Field Training Program the individual shall be certified as a law enforcement officer through the State of Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board and have accrued sixty recognized college credits or upon hire obtain sixty college credits within five years.

(c) Field Training Officer:

(1) Shall be any current, full-time employee of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department, who has received specialized training in the Field Training Program, and has been selected by the Chief of Police, or designee(s) to directly observe, train and educate the trainee in the duties and tasks of a Police Officer. It shall be the responsibility of the Field Training Officer to instruct the Trainee in the acceptable practice to performing patrol duties as well as the acceptable practices of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department.

(2) It is critical to the success of the program that the Field Training Officer conduct themselves to the highest form possible, as it is inherent to the training to teach by example. The Field Training Officer himself/herself must take particular care not to become bias in any way when evaluating a Trainee's performance. The Field Training Officer must not be swayed by a like or dislike of the Trainee, but on the job performance itself of that Trainee. It must be kept in mind to the Field Training Officer that the end results, positive or negative, are in the best interests of the Department.

(3) Selection of Field Training Officers need not be the most senior Officers within the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department, but rather those who possess the ability to coach and a willingness to perform.

(d) Patrol Supervisors:

(1) For the purposes of the Field Training Program, when a Road Sergeant is selected as a Field Training Officer, that the recommendations and evaluations of all Field Training Officers are equal regardless of rank.

(e) Specialized Officers:

(1) For the context of the Field Training Program, Specialized Officers shall be referred to as any full-time Officer or Investigator who is certified or has considerable experience in a particular field for Law Enforcement but has not received training in the Field Training Program. Use of these "Specialized Officers" may be used for a trainee's supplemental training.

(f) Training Supervisor:

(1) Shall be designated by the Chief of Police or designee(s) to oversee and direct all training requirements for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Police Department. The Training Supervisor shall establish a record of each employee's certifications and training record and maintain each in an orderly and professional manner. The training supervisor shall provide for the Trainee an assigned training schedule as well as assigning a Field Training Officer to each of the Trainee's scheduled shifts. The Training Supervisor must have a familiarity with the program and monitor trainee's progress throughout the course. The Training Supervisor shall provide random conferences with the Trainee and the Field Training Officer to evaluate both the Trainee and the Trainer. The Training Supervisor shall offer when needed: assistance in suggesting or setting up additional training sessions, offer feedback from other Officer's recommendations, periodically review written reports, etc. The Training Supervisor shall keep the Chief of Police or designee(s) informed on the Trainee's progress as well as how the Field Training Program itself is commencing.