Council authorizes reserve-officer trainee contract to speed training and expand bench

The City Council authorized a reserve-officer trainee contract position intended to accelerate field training and expand the Escalon Police Department’s bench of officers after state POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) updated guidance.

Police staff explained that under POST changes effective October 2024, officers who have not completed a Field Training Officer (FTO) program may not perform law-enforcement assignments unless under the direct supervision of an FTO. The department said that change reduced the pool of eligible reserve officers for coverage and increased overtime pay for full-time officers and supervisors who have covered those shifts.

Staff told council that converting some reserve recruits into paid trainee-contract positions would let recruits dedicate full time to the FTO program for roughly 12 to 14 weeks, rather than spreading training over months or longer. Staff estimated the average cost to the city of getting a trainee through the program is about $18,500 (roughly 14 weeks at an A-step officer’s wage), and that, in many cases, paying for timely training may produce longer-term savings by reducing overtime and improving recruitment and retention.

Council members asked about program details, training capacity and whether the city could require trainees to remain for a period after training; staff said a binding retention period could raise legal issues, but the program would be structured so trainees complete FTO quickly and become available for regular hiring when vacancies occur.

The council approved the reserve-officer trainee contract position by voice vote.