Seminar Title
FTO for the Jail and Corrections Officer
Dates of Events
11/16/2026 through 11/18/2026
Last Updated: 09/09/2026
Instructor(s): Steven Kellams
Location: Law Enforcement Training Center - 143 1st Street SE, Massillon, OH 44646
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.
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 prepares participants to serve as Field Training Officers (FTOs) for correctional staff. It is built around a modified “San Jose” model, one of the most widely adopted frameworks for FTO programs across the U.S.
The training equips new FTOs with the knowledge, techniques, and instructional skills needed to train, evaluate, and mentor correctional officers effectively. The focus is on building professionalism, confidence, and accountability in both trainers and trainees, ensuring that correctional facilities maintain high operational standards.
Although tailored to corrections, many of the lessons apply broadly to other FTO programs in law enforcement.
Course Objectives
Program Models – Compare the “San Jose” model with other common FTO program approaches.
Lesson Plans vs. Check-Off Lists – Understand how structured lesson planning differs from simple evaluation checklists
Role & Demands of FTOs as Instructors – Recognize the instructional, supervisory, and leadership responsibilities of an FTO
Common Rating Errors – Learn five frequent mistakes in performance rating and how to avoid them
Adult Learning Theory – Apply principles of how adults learn to make training more effective and engaging
Liability Issues – Understand the legal and administrative risks tied to training and evaluations
Performance Evaluations – Gain proficiency in applying rating scales and reference numbers to assess trainees fairly and accurately
Daily Observation Reports – Learn how to properly document training and trainee performance each shift
Counseling New Officers/Deputies – Develop communication skills to provide constructive feedback and address performance issues
Problem-Solving Skills – Acquire techniques to help trainees overcome challenges in the correctional environment
Mentorship – Learn how to serve as both a trainer and a role model for new officers
The training equips new FTOs with the knowledge, techniques, and instructional skills needed to train, evaluate, and mentor correctional officers effectively. The focus is on building professionalism, confidence, and accountability in both trainers and trainees, ensuring that correctional facilities maintain high operational standards.
Although tailored to corrections, many of the lessons apply broadly to other FTO programs in law enforcement.
Course Objectives
Program Models – Compare the “San Jose” model with other common FTO program approaches.
Lesson Plans vs. Check-Off Lists – Understand how structured lesson planning differs from simple evaluation checklists
Role & Demands of FTOs as Instructors – Recognize the instructional, supervisory, and leadership responsibilities of an FTO
Common Rating Errors – Learn five frequent mistakes in performance rating and how to avoid them
Adult Learning Theory – Apply principles of how adults learn to make training more effective and engaging
Liability Issues – Understand the legal and administrative risks tied to training and evaluations
Performance Evaluations – Gain proficiency in applying rating scales and reference numbers to assess trainees fairly and accurately
Daily Observation Reports – Learn how to properly document training and trainee performance each shift
Counseling New Officers/Deputies – Develop communication skills to provide constructive feedback and address performance issues
Problem-Solving Skills – Acquire techniques to help trainees overcome challenges in the correctional environment
Mentorship – Learn how to serve as both a trainer and a role model for new officers