The South Georgia Technical College Law Enforcement Academy recently concluded a Field Training Officer (FTO) Certification Course. The course was an academically rigorous, in-depth, 40-hour professional development program designed to equip experienced law enforcement personnel with the skills needed to mentor, train, and evaluate new recruits.
Taught by SGTC Law Enforcement Academy Director Major Jim Mitchell, the course was designed to bridge the gap between academy learning and real-world field operations. The course incorporated several unique and unconventional exercises designed to introduce students to one-on-one teaching. Officers explored advanced adult learning theories, practical coaching techniques, conflict management, and objective evaluation strategies tailored to accommodate diverse trainee learning styles.
As a mandatory component of the program, participants were required to develop and present an individual training plan project. This hands-on project ensured each officer could construct a structured, practical, and agency-specific evaluation framework before stepping into the role of a certified field training officer.
Through rigorous scenario-based training and peer evaluation, the course ensured that graduating field training officers were equipped to foster accountability, maintain agency standards, and successfully guide the next generation of public safety professionals.
Participants represented law enforcement agencies from several counties and communities, including Dillan Jerkins and Brandon Ohm of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office; Tory Thomas of the Webster County School Police Department; Matthew Wilson, Austin Fennell, Damon Ozelek, and Myrissa Martinez of the Perry Police Department; John Webb of the Americus Police Department; Kyle Wood of the Peach County Sheriff's Office; Matthew Rodgers of the Butler Police Department; William Lamb and John Shedd of the Dooly County Sheriff's Office; and Tavyonne Dallis of the Centerville Police Department.
South Georgia Technical College's Law Enforcement Academy offers basic and advanced training opportunities for law enforcement professionals throughout the region. For more information about the academy and its training programs, visit www.southgatech.edu or contact the Law Enforcement Academy Office at 229.931.2716.