T & D Programme - Overview
LSPD Training & Development Programme
Purpose
This proposal outlines a structured Training and Development Programme for the Los Santos Police Department. The goal is to ensure cadets receive consistent, high-quality training while maintaining clear standards for progression from cadet to solo officer.
The programme introduces:
● A defined Field Training Officer (FTO) role responsible for module-based training
● A Field Training Inspector (FTI) role responsible for final field-based competency assessments
● A mandatory Field Assessment before solo status or theory examinations
Training Structure Overview
Phase 1: Academy
● Basic theory (laws, radio use, procedures)
● Introductory practical exercises
Phase 2: Field Training with FTO
Cadets are trained by a FTO and must complete structured modules.
Each module:
● Is trained and demonstrated in live scenarios
● Requires competency sign-off by an FTO
Phase 3: Field Training Completion Check
● All required modules must be signed off by an FTO
● Cadet is marked as “FTO Complete – Pending FTI Assessment”
Phase 4: Field-Based Assessment (FTI Required)
Before progressing further, cadets must:
● Complete a formal field assessment with an FTI
● Be evaluated in day to day patrol scenarios
Phase 5: Progression Gate
Cadets may ONLY:
● Move to solo cadet status
AFTER passing the FTI field assessment
● Sit Theory test
AFTER completing at least one solo cadet shift
Field Training Officer (FTO)
Core Responsibility
FTOs are responsible for training, mentoring, and evaluating cadets during their development phase.
Key Expectations
● Deliver structured, consistent training aligned with department standards
● Act as a role model in professionalism, decision-making, and conduct
● Ensure cadets understand both how and why procedures are followed
● Provide constructive, ongoing feedback
Training Responsibilities
● Guide cadets through all required modules
● Demonstrate correct procedures before allowing cadet execution
● Gradually increase cadet responsibility as competence improves
Assessment & Sign-Off
● Only sign off modules when the cadet demonstrates:
○ Confidence
○ Consistency
○ Correct decision-making under pressure
● Maintain integrity—no “rushed” or “friendly” sign-offs
● Can Conduct Theory assessment after FTI field based assessment
Conduct Expectations
● Professional at all times
● Patient and approachable
● Not overly lenient or overly harsh
● Prioritise learning over speed of progression
Field Training Instructor (FTI) Role
Core Responsibility
In addition to the standard FTO duties, FTIs are responsible for independent validation of a cadet’s readiness for solo duty.
They act as a quality control layer, ensuring standards are upheld across all FTOs.
Key Expectations
● Remain neutral and unbiased
● Evaluate real-world performance, not rehearsed responses
● Maintain high and consistent assessment standards
Assessment Responsibilities
During the field assessment, FTIs must evaluate:
● Decision-making under pressure
● Officer safety and situational awareness
● Communication (radio and verbal)
● Legal knowledge in practice
● Use of force judgement
● Ability to operate independently
Assessment Format
● Live patrol scenario(s)
● Minimal intervention unless safety requires it
● Use of dynamic/unpredictable situations
Outcomes
FTIs may:
● Pass – Cadet progresses to solo stage
● Conditional Pass – Minor issues; follow-up assessment - only covers areas that cadets lapsed in ensuring their gaps in knowledge have been filled.
● Fail – Cadet returns to FTO phase with clear improvement points
Feedback Requirements
● Provide detailed, structured feedback after assessment
● Clearly justify pass/fail decisions
● Highlight strengths and development areas
Progression Rules
A cadet:
● CANNOT go solo without passing the FTI assessment
● CANNOT take final theory assessment before completing solo phase
● MUST complete all FTO modules before being eligible for FTI field based assessment
This ensures:
● No officer progresses based solely on time served
● All officers meet a consistent operational standard
Benefits of This System
● Consistency: Standardised training across all FTOs
● Accountability: Dual-layer evaluation (FTO + FTI)
● Quality Control: Prevents undertrained officers going solo
● Fairness: Objective final assessment removes bias
Other Enhancements
● Remedial training pathways for failed assessments
● Periodic FTO/FTI performance reviews
Conclusion
This structured programme creates a clear and fair pathway from cadet to solo officer. By separating training (FTO) from final validation (FTI), the LSPD can maintain high standards while supporting cadet development.
The introduction of a mandatory field-based assessment ensures that every officer is not just knowledgeable—but operationally competent.
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