WHAT IS PTO?
The PTO program was created to be the community-oriented, problem-focused alternative to traditional Field Training Officer (FTO) models. A committee comprised of police researchers, including PSPBL Co-Chairs Gregory Saville and Gerard Cleveland developed the PTO model in response to concerns of police executives that recruit training was not changing with the times.
A nationwide survey of police agencies helped determine key areas (competencies) required in a contemporary training program. Six agencies of various sizes from across the country were chosen to help field-test the model. The resulting feedback was instrumental in shaping the content of the new model. Numerous police agencies throughout the United States and Canada have since implemented the model in their agencies with great results.
OUR FOCUS
The PTO program is primarily focused on trainee learning. It incorporates adult learning styles, Community Oriented Policing and Problem-Based Learning philosophies, and contemporary evaluation techniques. This provides a foundation for life-long learning and prepares the trainee for the complexities of policing today and in the future.
THE 4 PHASES OF THE COURSE
The program structure consists of 15 weeks of training broken into four (4) phases.
The PTO program causes the trainees to:
- Apply an agency-specific matrix to their learning
- Complete daily journal entries to develop emotional intelligence skill
- Evaluate their learning and performance in Coaching and Training Reports
- Work through Problem-Based Learning Exercises
- Research a neighborhood through a Neighborhood Portfolio Exercise.
FEATURES OF THE PTO PROGRAM
- The PTO program is very different from the FTO program and features a number of advantages over it. First, PTO focuses on teaching, not evaluation, allowing trainees to concentrate on their learning. The PTO program allows for agency flexibility and becomes unique to each agency. Most important, the PTO program teaches a creative problem-solving process that trainees practice while in the program, and use after they have graduated to solo patrol. In problem-solving, trainees engage with their community members and learn to collaborate on neighborhood concerns.
PTO 2.0 IS HERE!
In February 2013 Gerard Cleveland and Gregory Saville completed work on an update to the PTO program with dramatic improvements and innovations based upon lessons learned in the past 12 years. The PTO 2.0 manual is complete and is posted on the PSPBL site in the Member’s area. We anticipate significant improvements to post-academy training and tremendous excitement surrounding the PTO 2.0 manual.
How can we help you?
The Police Society for Problem-Based Learning supports agencies interested in and using the PTO model of training. We provide assistance with implementation, training, and resources needed to assist in successfully transitioning to and sustaining the PTO program in your department. PSPBL offers memberships with access to online resources from PTO and PBL practitioners, an e-newsletter, an annual conference for PTO and PBL practitioners, notice of upcoming trainings and online research libraries of PTO materials.
Problem Based Learning (PBL)
PBL is an approach that challenges students to learn in the context of solving real problems.
ACADEMIC INSTRUCTIONAL AUDITING
Break free from your old training practices. Begin the progressive training of our future police officers.
Host a Course
Is your agency interested in hosting a PTO or PBL Instructor Certification course? If so, we can help with certified instructors and logistics. If you want to implement PTO in your agency, or keep your program strong with your own in-house certified PBL Instructors you’ll want to receive the best in training, from those who’ve created and developed the program and practitioners who have extensive experience in all aspects of PTO and PBL.
