Revised FTEP Manual To Be Issued

On June 16th, a memorandum entitled “2009 Revised Field Training and Evaluation Program Manual” was sent from the Washington Office to all regional directors and to the attention of superintendents. The full text is below. For a web link to a PDF copy of the memo itself, click on “More Information” at bottom.

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Effective July 1, 2009, the 2009 revised version of the Field Training and Evaluation Program (FTEP) manual replaces the current manual which was released in 2005.  The 2009 version contains many important program updates that support the mission and goals of the National Park Service law enforcement program and FTEP.  The revision process was accomplished with the assistance and recommendations of regional staff, FTEP park superintendents and staff, trainees, the FTEP Advisory Council, and law enforcement personnel throughout the Service.

The most significant changes in the revised manual affect the “removal from training” process and the creation of the FTEP Advisory Council.  The revised “removal from training” process greatly expands the role of the home-park and region in the decision-making process to remediate or remove a trainee, while the FTEP Advisory Council provides advice and field-oriented support to the FTEP Program Manager.  In addition, other changes include expanded information on the evaluation and documentation of trainee performance, and detailed information on the existing rating system used in Daily Observation Reports.  A chapter has been devoted to remedial training, with examples of recommended remedial training strategies that can be utilized by FTEP training parks.  Significantly more detail is included about the duties and responsibilities of the Field Training Lead, Field Training Ranger, and trainee.  Finally, the foundation for the creation of an accelerated (abbreviated) FTEP is included in light of the expanded policy development concerning initial training standards for law enforcement employees of other agencies transferring to the Service.