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Newport News Police Department
E. New Officer Training Program Structure & Requirements
1. After graduating from the Newport News Police Department Training Academy, all trainees must
participate in and complete the Field Training Program within twelve months of their academy
registration date. Failure to do so may result in a probationary extension or separation. The Chief of
Police must approve exemptions to this requirement.
2. During program participation, trainees must adhere to all the program’s rules.
3. TPM-1 New Police Officer FTO Program and TPM-2 Lateral & Returning Officer Program provide
specific information related to the structure of the program, including phases, performance rating
criteria and required activities. This information is also stored in Power Ready.
a. To update program requirements, written requests for updates are submitted to the Training
Academy staff. Requests are evaluated, and staff will consult with other FTOs and precinct
supervisors as appropriate.
b. Changes should occur when there are no active program participants unless a critical change is
necessary. All changes will apply immediately to current participants.
4. Modified FTO Program
a. Trainees with established law enforcement (i.e., laterals or returning officers) experience will
participate in a modified field training program.
b. Upon their return or during initial onboarding, these trainees are initially assigned to the
Training Section to ensure that all DCJS certification requirements are met and to determine the
need for specific field training topics.
c. Returning Officers
1) Returning officers who did not complete the Field Training Program before their separation
must undergo an evaluation by the Training Academy director to ensure DCJS requirements
are met.
2) If a returning officer completed their training before separating from the department, the
affected precinct commander evaluates their knowledge and experience in consultation with
the training staff and other relevant personnel. Options to consider for returning officers
include:
a) Completing the lateral officer FTO program. This may be appropriate if an extended time
has passed since they separated from the department or significant organizational
changes occurred during the separation.
b) Conducting a brief orientation period consisting of riding paired with another officer. This
is not considered formal training.
c) Returning directly to independent patrol. This option is most appropriate when the
separation is brief.
d. Lateral Officers
1) Lateral officers are initially assigned to the Training Section to coordinate all DCJS-required
activities.
2) Upon precinct assignment, the precinct commander will assign the officer to another officer
for completion of the Lateral Officer Field Training Program.
NOTE: Both modified programs focus on high liability practices, DCJS requirements and
department-specific activities rather than general law enforcement skills.
F. Duties of FTO’s First Line Supervisor
1. Provide general supervision of the FTO and the trainee. [33.4.3(c)]
2. Recommend retention or reassignment of an FTO based on performance in the field. [33.4.3(c)]
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