Thursday, September 28, 2006

Problem #2 - The FTO Program

Second in a series of writings about some problems we see facing the Department.

Where to start with this one? We actually remember "Patrol Specialists" so we have some insight into the changes that the Department has gone through.

Put simply, the FTO program sucks. The City and the Department have managed to make it just about the least desirable job on the entire Department and that's saying something. There are probably more volunteers to work lockup than to take on FTO duties

Not long ago, they lied to the people taking the test, promising them they'd stay on certain watches in certain districts and then sprung it on them when the assignments came down that they were being shifted all across the city. Needless to say, countless potential FTO's dropped out of the program. Another great one was when they told the FTO's they'd have to be restricted to certain "training districts" or surrender their FTO stripes - many more resigned then. And we'd need an entirely separate blog to document the horror stories we've heard about certain politically connected coppers failing most, if not all, of their training cycles, yet still managing to make it out of probation, roaming the streets with guns and no idea what they're doing until they can land a spot away from everything else.

The program is in shambles - and that's being kind. The number of "acting" FTO's would be funny if it didn't point to the underlying problem of not being able to attract capable persons to teach PPO's. Many successful coppers belong to teams or have steady partners and why would they want to mess would a good thing? A PPO means disruption to the team dynamic, messes up schedules and makes at least two people unhappy when a car gets broken up.

How to fix it? Firstly, give the FTO's real power - the power to fail people. Nowadays, the PPO that doesn't belong on the street is passed along to other FTO's who aren't allowed to fail them either. They are squirreled away in hidden spots or "less dangerous" places (don't make us name names). We've heard of efforts to have FTO's be able to "re-tread" people, but have yet to see it. You'd think that with all the testing done at the Academy, someone would notice some of the red flags that could label the less capable PPO's as such. It seems that relying on the FTO's to catch the Academy shortcomings is completely useless if the FTO can't do what they have to do.

More suggestions? We're not even sure where to go with this disaster.

65 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

How about allwoing partners to stay together? Put them in a DOG and when the bounce day comes, allow the PPO to ride as a third person.

9/27/2006 11:46:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with this as a problem: some ideas: 1) good idea to give the FTO's some power, as long as there is some faith, integrity, and competence in the FTO program; 2) put some reward into the FTO program, i.e., a "leg up" for promotions, watch/district selections, etc. (not quite sure as to how to do that, but would be interested in hearing some ideas)

9/27/2006 11:57:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just a thought...let a FTO KEEP HIS PARTNER, or let partners both FTO. Ride three deep in a cageless car. No partners broken up, and the ppo can see how partners work as a team. Even if only one partner qualifies or wants to be FTO, just let the ppo have the same DOG as the FTO. I know several coppers (including myself) who would FTO if not for the fact that they would have to leave their partner, car, and district. Treat the FTO program like an apprentiship/ride along. Just a thought.

9/28/2006 12:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The number of "acting" FTO's would be funny if it didn't point to the underlying problem of not being able to attract capable persons to teach PPO's.

Teach them? What can one copper teach anyone in one month. Please.

9/28/2006 01:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

everything about this dept is a joke, why shouldn't the 3 month long "field training" be one also?

9/28/2006 01:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What the Department needs is a MENTORING program.

9/28/2006 01:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How bout this.. in 009 there is (1), yes one, fto on afternoons and i would venture to say at least 20 recruits and ppo's on that watch alone. Now you tell me how the hell does that add up. Thank goodness most of the recruits are good, fast learning and hard working people but it's not fair to them or the watch. Recruits need to have someone steady to work with that can teach them the skills they need over the month or so they're together. Instead, they work with a different person almost every day and who knows what they're learning or not learning. I know every district is probablly in the same predicament, but come on, how can none of the brass notice this? Or do they just turn a blind eye and then when one of the recruits step in shit turn thier backs on them.. ala the shooting incident in 5(?) in the store when the ppo's ran away when the shit hit the fan. I guess it's initaition by fire now-a-days and hope that they'll make it unscathed.

9/28/2006 01:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here's an FTO problem....

In my district we have about 15-16 FTO's. About 10 are on days, 5 on afternoons, and 1 (yes, 1) is on midnights! Do you see the problem here??? When PPO's come to midnights they are usually stuck with PO's with less than 3 years cuz partners do not want to be split up from their regular beat cars.
The blind leading the blind at night...not safe! Especially if it's the PPO's first cycle.

9/28/2006 01:48:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a problem that has been around for decades, when I came on in the early 70's when you worked with every, DRUNK, THIEF, or just plain useless dog in the district, thatr no one else would work with. How do you get QUALIFIED, Officers to leave their partners, maybe sometimes watch assignments or districts to train recruits to be the "POLICE". A good start would be D2A pay, this is pensionable and might attract Qualified Patrol Specialists, to take on the challenge of molding our future officers.

9/28/2006 01:56:00 AM  
Blogger SECOND CITY SARGE said...

http://secondcitysarge.blogspot.com/
Dear SCC, Took your advise and thought we would give it a go!

9/28/2006 02:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The department really needs to make it a meaningful position. How about making FTOs Corporals like in some Departments? Make it part of a Career Path for Promotion to Sergeant. You would get better, serious candidates then. I have worked as an FTO, and have been an FTO Supervisor. The majority of them, I wouldn't let train my dog let alone train a Recruit. Politics and the FOP stand in the way of a real, legitimate Training Program.

9/28/2006 06:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just a few suggestions for inproving the FTO program. 1. The department could start by giving the FTO's the 1/2 hour a day every day whether they have a PPO or not. 2. Give the FTO's D2A pay. Make the position meaningful. 3. Give them some real power and authority to separate the PPO's that don't belong. (Of course there should be some sort of appeal process for the PPO, because personality conflicts will happen from time to time, and good PPO's and good FTO"s won't always get along.) 4. Give FTO's extra points for promotional exams. 5. Also give them super bids for more desirable districts and watches, and give them super bids for "good" units such as Traffic Enforcement, Mass Transit, Mounted Unit, Marine Unit etc.(Provided that they can pass the tests and training programs). This is a start, and should help to improve the quantity and quality of FTO's.

9/28/2006 07:44:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I disagree with the people who say that you will get more qualified people to volunteer if you pay them more money. That may attract a few, but it will certainly attract an equal number of mutts who want the money too.

9/28/2006 09:01:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm a PPO in a very slow training district with 6mo on the street. I keep my mouth shut and ears open most of the time. I'm a pretty fast learner and try to stay a step ahead, but some things come with experience (i.e. wording of case reports, how to talk to asa's, what patterns to look for, certain indicators, etc.). I had an FTO for 2 weeks total during my 3 cycles. After that, I bounced around. One guy I rode with fell asleep eating a sandwich and snored for 5 hours until I finally told him to just drop me off at the station, at which point he started driving and fell asleep at the wheel. Busting up partnerships totally blows, you start the tour with tention you know there's nothing you can do about. One dude I was with sat at a "no turn on red" sign while a fellow officer got maced in the projects. I turned the lights/siren on while we sat in the lot. . . he just left them on and said 'they've got enough people, it'll take us too long to get there.' I know it's long winded, but I would definitely love to see a change in the FTO program goes.

A note for you guys riding with PPOs - for the most part, we really want to work and we want to go home safe just like you. there's no way we're going to learn to 'be the police' by sitting in a corner.

sorry for the rant, just had to chime in. You guys who try to teach us something, thanks.

9/28/2006 09:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off the subject, but another big problem. How about 5th district? A nameless PO who worked the desk was arrested yesterday for trying to pass a one million dollar bad check. She was arrested at headquarters for those who care to verify. Can this district be any more screwed up. Phil help I AM SURROUNDED BY CRIMINALS WEARING BADGES!

9/28/2006 09:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Garbage in...garbage out.The Dept. has to stop hiring juice babies,gang members,gang sympathizers,women just because of their sex,"protected class citezens"(minorities) etc etc.The corruption/favoritism must end before FTO system can succeed.

I have a novel approach;how about letting folks actually pass/fail the existing standards???

I know this is asking ALOT,almost the impossible to some,wont happen overnite but CPD needs an enema.Even IF the FTO is qualified and knowledgable,how are they going to train morons,folks with chinamen.
The juice babies and protected class will just make phone calls.FTO program as it stands now wont improve anything.

Garbage in...garbage out.

9/28/2006 10:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think Kevin taylor should be meritoriously promoted to FTO, with all the experience he has he could help out us all, what does everyone think?

9/28/2006 10:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

As an 'acting FTO' with little more than 3 years on the job, I still take the position very seriously. Try to reenforce the basics of staying safe, backing up the troops, etc. But the whole program SERIOUSLY needs help. I don't think anyone with less than 5 years on should be an FTO. So many people blow off the whole FTO responsibility it's disgusting.

9/28/2006 10:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OFF TOPIC:

Hey T.B.! Great Mugshot photo! You look just like a ghetto thug! This just in! 005th District is getting better! 3rd Watch Watch Secretary/Schedule Maker was locked up 27SEP06. Perhaps N0W officers can actually get a car they want! C-Dub, you are next! The axes are a fallin...
The A4 team that took her down should be looking at B***s on the desk next... Muahh ha ha ha!!!

9/28/2006 10:57:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The PPO should be the 3rd man, all riding in the same car and DOG. The Commander or W.C. should select "real" Policemen to serve as FTO's, in return the FTO's after say a 2-year stint or so would get an option to go into a unit... This way they would get rewarded (this assumes its actually all legit)... In general, my FTO's were not very good and this system could use some changes.

9/28/2006 01:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

TO: ______________
Commander
____ District

FROM: ______________
Police Officer
____ District

SUBJECT: Acting FTO

On __________, R/O was assigned to work with P.P.O _______________ which requires R/O to teach, document and evaluate P.P.O. ________________'s performance. R/O is a D-1 grade police officer and has not been proper trained to teach and evaluate probationary police officers. R/O is requesting that future assignments not include acting F.T.O. because he is not properly trained to perform this duty. Just like the 10 hour shift that was taken away from watch officers because it did not "Benefit the city", R/O is requesting this because it does not "Benefit the city" or the P.P.O. to be trained by an unqualified officer.


______________

9/28/2006 01:23:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't see any reason anyone would want to be a FTO. I have had the unfortunate day here and there with PPO's lately and I will say the one's I have worked with 75% are terrible. I have been on jobs with them and I might as well have been there alone, they stand bak in the shadows doing nothing, dont hear a word from them, even when they do the paper I have to ask for the info. Then ask if they want to write movers or anything, they say I only write parkers not movers. WTF??? It goes back to the hiring issue but it also goes to the FTO issue, if they were allowed to fail some they might get the point. Instead they start off as do nothing and stay that way. We can't have quotas supposedly but why can't a PPO have a quota, wouldn't that be a way for them to learn something and actually talk to people. Most of them are afraid to talk to people it seems like, so when I get stuck with them once in a while, I don't leave the car unless I have to, I am not getting into the 003 incident.

9/28/2006 02:30:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FTO PROGRAM

1. PAY GRADE SHOULD BE D2A

REASON - FTO’S TRAIN , EVALUATE ! SAME THING WHITE SHIRTS DO. WHO DOES A DET TRAIN, EVALUATE NOBODY !

2. 45 MIN ON THE BOOKS EVERYDAY

REASON - WHITE SHIRTS IE; CPTS,LTS,SGTSGET 45 MIN EVERYDAY TO EVALUATE YOU EVERYDAY AND THEY DON’T NEED TO FILL OUT A TIME DUE SLIP LIKE FTO’S DO NOW !

3. TRAINING

EVERYTHING THAT IS NEW TAZER,BATON, ANDCLASSROOM TRAINING IE; INTERROGATION, EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE, SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL
FTO’S

REASON- WE TRAIN PPO’S NOT THE ACADEMY - WERE THEY ARE GIVEN 1 HOUR BREAKS AND NEVER ENOUGH TIME FOR CASE REPORTING.

4. PROMOTION

YES I SAID PROMOTION, I BET THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A MERIT PROMOTION OF A FTO TO SGT ! GIVE 1 FTO A PROMOTION IN EVERY CLASS AS A MERIT OR 25 PTS ON THE TEST TO ALL FTO'S.

REASON-FTO’S ALREADY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DO THE SAME JOBAS A SGT. FOR EXAMPLE LOOK UPTHE LAST SGT’S EXAM AND IT LIST THE SAME REQUIREMENTS THAT A SGT MUST HAVE THAT A FTO ALSO MUST HAVE EXCEPT DESK DUTIES.


HOW ABOUT IT MR MAYOR, SUPT CLINE. EITHER YOU WANT COMPETENT FTO’S AND WELL TRAINED PPO’S OR WE JUST KEEP THE SAME OLD SYSTEM.

9/28/2006 04:18:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My son, graduating from the academy in the near future, would like to go to 015 or 025. Does anyone know how the FTO's are in those districts?

9/28/2006 04:21:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

HOW DID THEY DO IT IN THE OLD DAYS? FTO SEZ TO ME, KID,KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN AND YOUR MOUTH SHUT. MAKE ARRESTS, AND THEN MAKE MORE ARRESTS. KEEP IT SIMPLE.

9/28/2006 04:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Talk about problems on this job? Saw a Personnel Order today, and just as many here predicted--Patricia Hill has been re-instated by the Police Board. I think that process would qualify as one of the major problems with this job.Just sickening.

9/28/2006 04:40:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sorry for the interuption.

"Police blotter: When can cops run license-plate searches?"

When will all of the liberals learn, the police are your friend!

It amazes me that joe-politician can call my house soliciting money and votes, thus invading the privacy of my home, but boo-boo the criminal wants his license plate info kept private.

Check out this link.

http://news.com.com/Police+blotter+When+can+cops+run+license-plate+searches/2100-1030_3-6116296.html

9/28/2006 05:15:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Scrap the program. As a PPO in 78/9 my FTO and most others were decent. You did your time and then hooked up with a decent partner, which I was lucky enough to do. Time passed and partners changed; being an FTO was "strongly suggested" by 1000 in 95 so I took it. I had about a dozen PPOs until I changed Districts in 91. Some were excellent. Most were decent. I tried to get one fired for very good cause but failed. Nowadays the quality of the average patrolman is greater by far, at least as far as drunkenness, debauchery and thievery go. So throw the PPOs into the mix so they can pick and choose the traits and work habits that they see as successful and partnerships with like-minded officers probably would follow. Stay safe, all!

9/28/2006 05:54:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Completely off topic. Since the city gave us the new stars I have noticed that many officers have the black inside the word police officer and their star number fall out. I take care of mine but now I too am missing letters and numbers. The other night I was stopped by a suburban police officer. When he looked at my badge he said "is this a real badge?"I showed him my ID and he said, "wow, looks like Chicago wanted to save a few bucks on badges." I felt rather embarrassed showing my badge with letters and numbers missing. It looks very unprofessional. I have seen many other coppers with the same problem , just wodering if this is happening to everyone. What junk they give us! The old badges were fine! I guess I'll have to get some black paint and fix it myself or wait for the city to spend more money to fix it.

9/28/2006 06:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I would love to see a complete overhaul of the F.T.O. training program. I have a few ideas but again the outcome is dependent on each Officer doing their part. You must start by promoting to the F.T.O. position qualified personnel. This would require attracting these applicants, which would mean compensation. Now not all compensation must be monetary however, money does talk. Lets say each district needs 15 F.T.O.s that would mean 375 citywide. Lets get these P.P.O.s back into all the districts in the city there is plenty of work everywhere. Plus this will allow more senior officers with a wealth of knowledge who don't want to deal with the worst of the worst everyday to use their knowledge, skills and abilities to train the new guys properly. The money issue is real. I've seen D2a pay thrown out there as an incentive, but this would cost the city $1,875,000. Per year for the pay raises. I'm all for it, but it must be done right. The proper field training of personnel is just as important as the detective’s position and deserves the money. First a real test, no fluff. Test real knowledge, skills and abilities. The promotion process should be rank order off the test with no merit positions allowed. A minimum 5 years on the job to get the position. Other incentives might include a five day workweek for F.T.O.s They can pick a F/S, S/S, or S/M by seniority on each watch. The P.P.O assigned rides with him for the cycle and then rotates to the next F.T.O. and his day off group. So the P.P.O. gets a great work schedule for the first twelve weeks on the street he/she will realize the real schedule soon enough. This plus the half hour comp time each day when you’re assigned a recruit is incentive. How about allowing all F.T.O.s to select their watch and furlough by seniority before all patrolmen. These perks should attract some qualified people. Now we must hold F.T.O.s as well as the Sgts, Lts and Capts accountable. The supervisors must monitor the activity of the F.T.O. and the recruit to ensure that the training is comprehensive and thorough. These guys must work together to weed out unqualified recruits and effectively and fairly evaluate, train and test the officers. There must be a protocol and real consequences for failing to meet the minimum standards. Now with a real training program these recruits would be expected to learn proper case reporting, investigative skills and procedures. With these perks and incentives the Department should expect the F.T.O.s to aggressively train, test and evaluate the recruits. Again all the good intentions in the world wont train one recruit. The success of any training program relies on the training officers without their willingness to work hard it cant be done. Just my two cents.

9/28/2006 06:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FTO PROGRAM MY ASS !!!!! I say let the coppers in the district pick who is FTO material, not some Bullshit test for people who are incompatible with everyone so they choose to mold the lives of the Department's future.
There are some good ones, but definitely more shit.

9/28/2006 08:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I spent 8 years as an FTO.
All that you speak of is true. I can write about several situations which would bring truth to what you say. I have been told "This kid wont fail. If there is a problem, see me first"
Needless to say, When I was told I could no longer work as an FTO in my district because it was removed from the list of training districts, I left the program. Best thing I ever did. Things are normal again. Regular partner makes coming to work so much better.

9/28/2006 09:04:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yeeeeeowwwow.... a 1 mil check...heard it was at the credit union, too. I hope felony review approved idiot charges as well. WTF!!

9/28/2006 09:45:00 PM  
Blogger LLMM said...

"I say let the coppers in the district pick who is FTO material, not some Bullshit test for people who are incompatible with everyone so they choose to mold the lives of the Department's future."

I like where you are headed. Have a vote amongst the watches on who they believe would be a role model for ppo's. The best 5 would then interview with a panel made up of a Cpt, Lt, Sgt, from different watches along with the three watch reps (or three random po's). Have the unit rep there as an "impartial" moderator and tie breaker. Advantages: you are recognized by your peers for your knowledge, work ethic, communication skills etc. Management has some say in the process but not the final say. This would truely be a merit selection that everyone might agree with. I know this is a semi-military organization, but I believe morale would get a bit of a boost when management would throw the troops a bone every once in a while.

9/28/2006 09:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

02:30PM
To the know it all that says his PPO's don't say anything and sit back and watch him do everything....HELLO that is what you're supposed to do. If you are new then sit back and shut up. Watch and learn. The less you say the more you can hear. If your PPO was Johnny Know it All like you...You would be on here saying all these new PPO's know everything. Sounds like no one else will work with you that is why you get stuck with the new guys....They are the only ones who will listen to you. You should do less bitching and more studying.

9/28/2006 10:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the man whose son is graduating in a few months, I would recommend either one of those districts 015 or 025, I personally think 015 is better, with bosses and all but hey I used to be in 015. Either way he will be alright, there is an fto in 025 who used to be in 015. Initials J.S. he's a good guy and will keep him out of trouble but will also make sure he knows how to write paper. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

9/28/2006 10:28:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a bunch of crybabies about everything. Glad Im almost done with this job and all the whining. Guess what, Walmart is hiring. Go stock shelves.

9/28/2006 10:36:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heres my take...kid you pay me $100.00 and I pass you on everything. Might as well get something, everyone gets passed through...

9/28/2006 10:38:00 PM  
Blogger DryWhiteToast said...

Where's T.J.Hooker when you need him?!

9/28/2006 10:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There are to many people that will work as an FTO for the money, and they suck!!!! I spent 10 weeks in HELL in 007 with an FTO that would run away from every man with a gun call, drug anything, or help another PO. When I was asked to be a acting FTO, my only thought was I could save a PPO from having to spend time with this Jag. When I was going to go thru the training as a REAL FTO and came back from furlough and saw this same shit sitting in rollcall with the FTO patch on his sleeve I decided that any program that would let this shit in, knowing what he did, I didn't want to be a part of it. They made me write 2 to-froms to get out of going to the class. The FTO program sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!

9/28/2006 10:49:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the only thing i want to see a fto be able to do is fail a ppo who deserves it and that ppo gets their bye bye bye papers.
will never happen but that would be such a great first step at legitimizing this job.

9/29/2006 01:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad there were some decent FTO's when I came on a good while back. We had our share of dog FTO's but I was blessed with by the book, protect the PPO good old shut up and listen. Wait till I let you drive and learn the paper first. No problem I was there to learn what it took to be a cop. Everything taught all the way from B.S. Parker's, red light crawl jumping into homicide. True Bill and warrants, guns, drugs, bounty, etc. and a ball doing it. Continued quest of seeking workers and those that wanted to learn as partners and when they were not available put me 99. Old days of rotation and having your 3 day weekend changed every time it came around and past off to another via of the front office.

Dept. screwed over the FTO's and whacked ugly the program, typical city B.S. make potential good cops and workers miserable. Hey maybe they want them dummied up so they can hurl the sh&t downhill even faster. Once again what the dept. did to the coppers and program made no logic, same ole, same ole.

9/29/2006 01:35:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a bunch of crybabies about everything. Glad Im almost done with this job and all the whining. Guess what, Walmart is hiring. Go stock shelves.

9/28/2006 10:36:36 PM


Would you get A NEW LINE FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD.

9/29/2006 01:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The last class of FTO's had to remove several officers from the list because those officers were unable to attend at least %50 of the training dates due to court.
In a nutshell, they were kicked out because they made arrests.
Surely these were not the type of officers we want training the recruits!!???

9/29/2006 01:55:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

dilligaf...

If you let the districts pick who would be the FTO's, I can tell you who they would be.
The FTO would be same suck-ass found under the desk of the DC or WC, because he would wnat the perks. Not that he would ever get a recruit, he's too good for that. An acting FTO would get the recruit, the FTO would just get the perks.

9/29/2006 02:02:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm willing to do my part for the training program...
When they teach the HGN section of the DUI class, I volunteer to show up with a 5th of vodka and 4 pack of red bull.
Each hour I will drink 3 red bull and vodkas.
the recruits can check my eyes after each hour.
note...one of them will have to drive me home.

9/29/2006 02:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

percentage wise, there are as many dogass and hardchargers as FTO's as there are PO's. Nothing is going to change with the FTO program until there is accouuntability. There will be no accountability until there is supervision and resources.
They dont have enough FTO's to strip the bad ones.
They dont have Sgt's and bosses who give a shit to monitor the FTO's.
The only thing that adding additional incentives to the FTO program will do is increase the number of "clout" FTO's.

9/29/2006 02:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Do away with the FTO program. The majority of those with the job are not interested in helping PPO's. They're more interested in the money.

And, to the guy complaining about the new stars: the only reason that this department re-designed the stars is because the stars for what you now call P.O.'s said "Patrolman". Not politically correct anymore, unfortunately. Back when "P.O.'s" were patrolMEN, they were the real police. You didn't see all of this belly-aching by grown men.

9/29/2006 02:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How do you fix the FTO program? You make FTO and detective a rank, D2A. In order to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant you must either have been an FTO or a detective. If you have aspirations of being a Lt. Capt. Cmdr. etc... you will have to have been one or the other rank at a point in your career. Since there is only a limited number of spots for detective, those inspired to be supervisors would become FTO's. But don't make it an empty rank, impower FTO's and let them actually do their job and weed out the weak links and help make this department strong again. Allow them to approve case reports or at least review case reports and send them back if they are inadequate. Task them with roll call training and have give presentations on how to properly complete tasks. Make it a testable position and make it worth their while to do this. That is how we make a better FTO program and better department, but that is just my opinion.+

9/29/2006 09:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Some of you must be kidding me! Let other po's nominate FTO's? What about juice? What about phone calls? Has down become up and up become down? Whats next, meritorious promotions based on.....merit? Maybe that process would fly in Mayberry, but not here! Remember, to serve your juice and protect your spot!! Argh!

9/29/2006 11:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

TO: 9/28/2006 10:28:45 PM

Thanks for the advice.

9/29/2006 02:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

FTO CLOWN

My FTO is a real clown no kidding.
He's also a kung-fo master and can disarm a terrorist with his pinkie.
So come to 012 and work with bone-head levensdope.

P.S. Glad I took the FIRE DEPT test !

9/29/2006 02:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wrong.

The new star design was created because there were too many fakes or replica stars out there.

9/29/2006 04:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To: 9/28/2006 06:52:35 PM

First of all we wear "stars" not "badges". Security guards and TV jerkoffs wear badges. Please not also that we don't yell "freeze"!

That said, you are correct. I am missing several letters. My star reads CH_C__O POLIC_.

Sound like a name tag at Jiffy Lube.

But, just like so many other things (including transexual totally useless police officers) we must endure this star nonsense to please the all powerful non gender specific gods of political correctness.

The CPD needs an enema bad.

9/29/2006 04:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why I'm in patrol:

Re: juice
My "juice" of choice is cranberry, OJ gives me heartburn.

Re: clout
I have "clout" with my UPS driver. He will place packages in the back near my basement steps when no one is at home. I don't know if he does this for any of my neighbors.

Re: chinaman
Mr. Lee, my chinaman, is the guy on the corner who does my dry cleaning.

9/29/2006 06:37:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The FTO program can sure use an overhaul.

However, FTOs are just like POs..some great ones, many average ones, and some shitty ones, and lastly, a few who should be fired themselves!

9/29/2006 07:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I do not see any mention about the FTO Assc. Where is it as voice?

9/29/2006 08:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If the 12th District guy is talking about Robbie? then he is full of shit. Robbie was and is a good PO. Sounds like the PPO wouldn't make a pimple on Robbies ass.

9/29/2006 09:11:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

M. Seiser for FTO!!!!

9/30/2006 01:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Make recruits go with Sergeants. There are some moron bosses and some that have never done anything, but at least they would learn how to write paper, and the (Hopefully) correct way of doing things instead of the half assed way a lot of the FTOs and Acting FTOs teach. Probably not in the realm of reality, but one that might work a little. That would change the job of the Sergeant, but oh well, promote more. The pay raise is bullshit. If it was that benificial to be an FTO, all of the clout babies would be FTO's and no good coppers would get it. What they should do is make a different step for FTOs. Above and beyond every other grade. It really is one of the most important jobs on the department. If you are an FTO for so many years (3-5) you are placed in to this step. Then, no matter what position you hold in the future, you stay in that FTO class step. It doesn't have to be that much, a grand or two a year, but it would stay with you for the rest of your acreer. If you are D2A, you are D2A plus the FTO step, Sgt - same, Lt- same, Deputy - same. And it would be a pensionable benefit. Just a thought

9/30/2006 02:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whatever your role is in this Dept., PLEASE, just do it with PRIDE. Don't do it for anything else....do it because you want to do your BEST. Money incentives are nice, but unfortunately, no one can pay us enough to be the real police...either it's in you, or it's not. Same thing with FTOing. Either you want to instill a solid set of skills in these rookies, or you don't. Unfortunately, a lot of "seasoned veterans" don't even try to conceal their "bad habits" while out with an impressionable PPO who could be FIRED FOR ANY REASON. If you don't care about your own job, that's on you (AND PLEASE, DO EVERYONE ELSE A FAVOR AND WORK 10-99 ALWAYS), but when some of these slobs intentionally place these PPOs in situations in which they can/will be FIRED, that is simply inexcusable!

9/30/2006 10:47:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I don't work in ChiTown, I'm on the left coast, same problems all over this nation. If you can't do the job, fire, separate, whatever you call it. Depts are too PC and scared of a lawsuit. Just tell the person, thanks for wasting your own time, see ya.
BTW, great site.

9/30/2006 10:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

dear "garbage in-garbage out",
sounds like with your mentality the city just shouldnt hire anyone. sounds like you the only perfect specimen of a policeman. sounds like the only person qualified for this job is a white male....just an observation.

9/30/2006 05:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

reminds me of a few years ago when when one this depts. best fto tried to fail a connected ppo. was told he had to retain her,he said she should be failed doesnt belong on the street. it was insisted upon by a f/lt now capt to pass her. sad thing here fto retired ppo was passed later pulled her pistol in the squadral to swat a fly with barrel facing her partner, only later to be lucky enough to be in the right place at right time getting a dc. unbelievable only in the 012th district could this happen.

10/02/2006 09:06:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Two of the best FTO's Mike Graffis retired, and John Reyes Jr., who got jacked around so gave up his stripes. God Bless these two veterans for I am the PO I am because of them and so are countless others who had the honor of being trained by them. Thanks guys I in your debt forever.

10/02/2006 09:15:00 PM  

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