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Police present proposal to reinstate incentive pay for field training officers
Summary
The police chief presented a plan to reinstate a $2 per hour certified FTO incentive during field‑training phases to attract and retain trainers and improve recruit outcomes; the council deferred a vote to the regular meeting agenda.
Chief Archuleta presented a discussion item Aug. 25 proposing reinstatement of incentive pay for Field Training Officers (FTOs). The proposal would add a $2 per hour temporary base‑rate increase for officers while they serve as certified FTOs during each training phase. The increase would be effective the first pay period after certification and apply only while an FTO is actively instructing during multi‑phase recruit training.
Details and rationale: The proposed incentive is a flat $2 hourly increase upon certification; the chief explained the program has four training phases of about six weeks each and said the increase recognizes the extra responsibility of mentoring recruits, aims to attract qualified FTOs, and helps retain them. The chief said the department has adjusted its FTO management (an FTO coordinator and board) and proposed selection criteria (minimum four years patrol experience, two with this department, supervisory and peer evaluations). Performance metrics for FTOs would include training success rates, supervisor feedback and other assessments.
Why it matters: The chief framed the incentive as a recruitment and retention tool in a department that needs trainers to produce well‑prepared officers. Manager Martinez told council the proposal would be an item on the regular meeting agenda for formal consideration; union contract negotiations were not yet underway and any longer‑term pay changes would need to be coordinated with labor agreements.
Next steps: The council heard the presentation as part of workshop discussion and the manager indicated the proposal would be on the regular meeting agenda for formal action the following day. Staff said selection processes, training and implementation details would be refined by the department and reported to council if the resolution is approved.
Ending: Council discussed the FTO board and staffing needs; no final vote was taken at the workshop and the measure was set for the ensuing regular meeting for formal consideration.
