Seminar Title

The Essential Field Training Officer: Getting the Best Out of Your FTO Program

Dates of Events

11/07/2023 through 11/09/2023

Last Updated: 09/27/2023
Instructor(s): Steven Kellams
Location: Hammond/Tangipahoa Training Center - 47038 Conrad Anderson Drive, Hammond, LA 70401
Hotel: Holiday Inn - Hammond - 1819 SW Railroad Avenue, Hammond, LA 70403
Course Registration Fee: $325
Instructor Bio
Steven Kellams
Steven Kellams retired in 2019 as the Administrative Captain for the Bloomington Police Department in Bloomington Indiana. Captain Kellams attended Indiana University from 1987 to 1991. In 1989, he graduated from the Indiana University Police Academy. In 1991, he was hired by the Bloomington Police Department and was assigned to night shift. After spending 10 years as a night shift patrol officer, Captain Kellams was promoted to Sergeant, and then Lieutenant. His final position with the department was as the Administrative Captain, responsible for a number of duties including internal affairs, public information, and CALEA Accreditation. During his time at the department, he served as a breath-test operator, bike patrol officer, field training officer, and senior field training officer. Captain Kellams has also served as a Patrol Supervisor, Detective Supervisor, Civil Disturbance Unit Commander, Motor Unit Supervisor, Field Training Manager, Field Training Coordinator, Special Investigation Unit Supervisor, and Public Information Officer.
In 2000, Captain Kellams was instrumental in redesigning the field training program for the Bloomington Police Department and has taught that program to hundreds of departments throughout the United States. He has also instructed on field training issues at the national level when he presented two courses at the 2002 National Association of Field Training Officers Conference. He also presented courses for NAFTO in 2008, 2010, and 2011. In 2000, he was elected state director for the Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Field Training Officers. He also served on the NAFTO National Executive Board and served as President of the board in 2009.
Captain Kellams was awarded the Monroe County Officer of the Year Award in 2005 for his work with the Bloomington Police Department Field Training Program.
In 2020 Captain Kellams started
Blue Canary, a podcast for police officers. Tired of having other people tell our stories, Captain Kellams started Blue Canary to provide a voice for police officers everywhere to share their stories, thoughts, and ideas regarding all topics in law enforcement.
Course Objectives
Course Overview:
This course is designed to provide knowledge and training to new field training officers. It will focus on teaching instructional skills and the elements of a proper evaluation to develop Field Training Officer’s abilities. Each new FTO will be presented with ideas and techniques to assist them in becoming more professional and confident in the application of their skills. This course is based on a modified “San Jose” program common in most departments across the US. Many of the topics will also apply to a variety of different FTO programs.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Understand differences from Lesson Plans and Check-off List
Identify demands on FTOs as Instructors
List five of the errors in rating
Understand the basics of Adult Learning Theory
Understand performance evaluations
Understand the Rating Scale and Reference Numbers
Complete the Daily Observation Report

Print Friendly, PDF & Email