If you were to ask people in your agency to identify all the people in training roles would they include frontline supervisors and FTOs? Or, would they just list the people in formal training roles, the ones who have the “Trainer” polo shirts?
The FTOs might be obvious, but according to research done by the Force Science Institute many agencies still do not have a formal FTO programs. In some of the ones that do have FTO programs the T in FTO stands for Tick Box, not for Trainer. The tick box FTOs have been taught how to score and rate their recruit, they have not however been taught how to effectively teach, train, coach and mentor the new officers they have the privilege and responsibility to train.
I realize frontline supervisors already have a lot on their plate. I am not suggesting that they be required to go through a full instructor development program, although going through the Excellence in Training Course or a similar professional development program has been exceptionally beneficial for a number of frontline supervisors. What frontline supervisors do need are the skills to conduct 10 minute roll call training and the ability to conduct effective debriefs. The 10 minute roll call training might involve drawing a scenario on the dry erase board and having a 10 minute when / then discussion about how the team would handle a similar call. The next shift the supervisor can make one or two changes to the dynamics of the call and continue the discussion. It might involve the use of a video of an incident where the supervisor stops the video at key decision points and the team discusses legal authorities, tactics and options to manage the call at that point. It might take two weeks of roll call training to work through 90 seconds of video. These are just two options for roll call training ideas. The options are endless.
Training cannot simply remain the responsibility of people in formal training positions. If you want to build a learning organization you need to build the tribe of trainers across the organization. You also need to embrace and support a culture of learning where every day is a training and learning day.
How do you do that? Send your frontline leaders to programs like Excellence in Training so they can learn about key elements to effective training. Send your academy, in-service and field trainers to leadership programs like Dare to Be Great. If you really want to break down the silos and create a culture of leading, learning and excellence then reach out to me and find out about the new 5 day program I am building to bring all these groups and all these concepts together in one program to help build a great culture from the foundation up.
Take care.
Brian Willis
Winning Mind Training – Providing practical training to law enforcement professionals in the areas of instructor development, Performance Enhancement Imagery, leadership and mindset.
The Excellence in Training Academy – A membership site for law enforcement trainers seeking to invest in their ongoing professional development. Join Now.Dare to Be Great Leadership – Providing practical leadership training.
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