Is the Field Training Officer (FTO) the most critical role in policing? When we think hard about it, it is hard to argue otherwise. In this episode, I am joined by Officer Brian Willard, who has held that taxing, crucial, emotionally-charged, rewarding role for 16 years- the majority of it!

We go into the ins and outs of lessons learned from being and observing other FTOs, the impact the role has on culture, and key character traits and skills required to be an effective trainer, coach, and mentor. We explore pressing challenges for FTO: from students, to managing the totality of their training, and communication dynamics, while sharing solutions and opportunities to enhance not only a new officers' growth in the career, but an agency's operations and performance.

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Brian Willard has been a police officer in the Pacific Northwest for almost twenty years. During his career, he’s been certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, Crash Reconstructionist, Hostage Negotiator, and has served sixteen years as a Field Training Officer.

In 2018, Brian founded Tracwire to make it easier for agencies to document and track the field training process while gaining better insight into recruit performance. Today, Tracwire is growing into a full platform that helps agencies manage their entire department from one place.

Learn more at tracwire.com

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*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic