Police Commission adopts field-training policy 4-3-6 after educational briefing on FTAP

The Eugene Police Commission voted unanimously on July 9 to adopt policy 4-3-6, which codifies the department's Field Training and Assessment Program (FTAP), after a detailed educational presentation from department subject-matter experts.

Sergeant Jordan introduced the item and identified two subject-matter experts: Sergeant Matt Lowen, who oversees field training and department training programs, and AIC Sergeant Brooke Kopacek, an FTO and defensive-tactics instructor. "What I'm looking for tonight is probably not going to result in growth on the policy itself," Sergeant Jordan said; the presentation was meant to explain FTAP and solicit clarifying questions.

Sergeant Matt Lowen walked commissioners through post-hire training timelines: a local pre-academy period (about eight to ten weeks), the state academy (about 20 weeks), a "0 phase" observation period and then FTAP graded phases. He explained the department's rationale for some back-end training sessions so recruits returning from the state academy learn Eugene-specific defensive tactics and procedures. "If they do have a balance of time, they'll spend it in a 0 phase observing, watching a senior member," Lowen said.

AIC Sergeant Brooke Kopacek described daily evaluation dimensions used by FTOs and coaches: driving (stress and nonstress), orientation/geography, officer safety, investigations, report writing, forms, patrol management, radio procedures, policy and legal knowledge, and attitude and relationships. She said recruits are scored daily and that remediation is available through in-house trainers and focused sessions when deficits appear.

Presenters told commissioners lateral officers with prior experience can have modified training periods depending on demonstrated performance, and that the department now offers an in-house FTEP instructor-development course. Lowen reported the department's software captures Daily Observation Reports (DORs) and makes them visible to reviewers; FTOs are expected to submit DORs daily and are authorized to use overtime to complete required documentation when necessary.

After questions and brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve policy 4-3-6; the chair called the vote and announced unanimous approval. Commissioners praised the availability of subject-matter experts and said the briefing improved their understanding of recruitment, training and quality control.

Next steps: With the policy adopted, the department will continue FTAP under the approved framework; commissioners requested continued updates on outcomes and comparative data where available.