Seminar Title
Field Training Officer Certification Course
Dates of Events
01/25/2027 through 01/29/2027
Last Updated: 09/15/2026
Instructor(s): Steven Kellams
Location: Elmore County Sheriff's Office - 8955 U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092
Hotel: Hampton Inn - 350 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092
Course Registration Fee: $495
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:
Course Overview
This course is designed to equip Field Training Officers (FTOs) with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to develop new officers into professional, ethical, and effective members of their agencies. Based on a modified “San Jose” program, widely adopted across U.S. departments, the course provides practical strategies for on-the-job training while emphasizing professionalism, confidence, and adherence to agency standards.
The mission of the FTO Certification is to recognize public safety practitioners who demonstrate expertise and dedication in field training. A properly functioning FTO program is crucial for reducing liability, ensuring consistent performance, and supporting agency credibility.
Certification is valid for two years. Successful candidates receive a certificate recognizing their status as a Certified Field Training Officer. Candidates must complete both written and practical tests to earn certification. To maintain certification, graduates must attend at least one FTO-related training program during the two-year validity period.
Course Components Include:
Field Training Officer Certification Course
Leadership for the FTO
Supervising and Managing the FTO Program
FTO Refresher
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Discuss the “San Jose” and other FTO program models
Understand differences between lesson plans and check-off lists
Identify the demands placed on FTOs as instructors
List and avoid common errors in performance ratings
Apply adult learning theory to field training
Recognize liability issues related to field training
Conduct performance evaluations effectively
Utilize the rating scale and reference numbers accurately
Complete the Daily Observation Report properly
Counsel and mentor new officers/deputies
Apply problem-solving techniques
This course is designed to equip Field Training Officers (FTOs) with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to develop new officers into professional, ethical, and effective members of their agencies. Based on a modified “San Jose” program, widely adopted across U.S. departments, the course provides practical strategies for on-the-job training while emphasizing professionalism, confidence, and adherence to agency standards.
The mission of the FTO Certification is to recognize public safety practitioners who demonstrate expertise and dedication in field training. A properly functioning FTO program is crucial for reducing liability, ensuring consistent performance, and supporting agency credibility.
Certification is valid for two years. Successful candidates receive a certificate recognizing their status as a Certified Field Training Officer. Candidates must complete both written and practical tests to earn certification. To maintain certification, graduates must attend at least one FTO-related training program during the two-year validity period.
Course Components Include:
Field Training Officer Certification Course
Leadership for the FTO
Supervising and Managing the FTO Program
FTO Refresher
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Discuss the “San Jose” and other FTO program models
Understand differences between lesson plans and check-off lists
Identify the demands placed on FTOs as instructors
List and avoid common errors in performance ratings
Apply adult learning theory to field training
Recognize liability issues related to field training
Conduct performance evaluations effectively
Utilize the rating scale and reference numbers accurately
Complete the Daily Observation Report properly
Counsel and mentor new officers/deputies
Apply problem-solving techniques