Field Training Officer – Pekin Police Department

FTO

Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

The Pekin Police Department Field Training Officer (FTO) Program is the bridge between academy instruction and real-world policing.

Our Field Training Officers are experienced patrol officers selected for their professionalism, leadership, and ability to mentor the next generation of officers. When a recruit graduates from the academy and returns to Pekin, they enter a structured 20-week field training program designed to ensure they are fully prepared to serve our community.

During this program, FTOs provide hands-on instruction in department policies, procedures, report writing, officer safety, decision-making, and community interaction. Recruits learn how to apply academy knowledge to real calls for service while working under the close guidance of a seasoned officer.

FTOs evaluate performance daily, offering constructive feedback, coaching, and accountability to ensure each recruit develops the skills, confidence, and judgment required for independent patrol.

At the conclusion of the training program, recruits are formally evaluated to determine their readiness for solo patrol. Only those who meet our professional standards advance — ensuring the citizens of Pekin are served by officers who are competent, prepared, and supported.

For experienced officers, serving as an FTO is both a leadership opportunity and a chance to shape the future of the department.

Field Training Process

The Field Training Process consists of five different phases or “steps”.

Step 0
The new officer is fresh out of academy and rides with a sergeant for a week to get acclimated to their new career. Once the first week is over they move on to Step 1.

Steps 1, 2, and 3
The officer will spend six weeks on each shift with a Field Training Officer, with each Step consisting of a different shift. Every three weeks the new officer will be assigned to a different Field Training Officer. The tasks required of the officer increase in difficulty as they proceed through each Step. Once the officer completes these Steps they move on to Step 4 or “Shadow.”

Step 4
The officer is assigned a Field Training Officer wearing plain clothes who observes the new officer as they handle calls. This Step is often called “Shadow” due to the fact that the FTO’s duty is to primarily observe the new officer and “shadow” them.

FTO

Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

Field Training Process

FTO Organization Chart

Pekin Police Department

Emergency Service

Follow Us