National Association of Field Training Officers

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Dear NAFTO Membership,

 

The 2025 NAFTO National Conference brought together over 200 Field Training Officers (FTOs) from across the country for an unforgettable three-day experience. With representation from agencies of all sizes and regions, the conference created a powerful space for collaboration, growth, and professional development. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about the evolving responsibilities of FTOs and the critical role they play in shaping officer culture, performance, and resilience.

 

This year’s theme centered on elevating the quality, consistency, and realism of field training. Through a carefully curated schedule of workshops, keynotes, and breakout sessions, nationally recognized instructors pushed attendees to move beyond outdated models and embrace contemporary, evidence-based training practices. Topics ranged from cognitive load and adult learning to ethical decision-making, stress exposure training, and strategies for improving trainee retention and performance.

 

Beyond the classroom, the conference fostered a strong sense of shared purpose. Attendees returned home not only with new tools and strategies, but with renewed energy for their mission. Whether it was a first-time conference-goer or a seasoned FTO, every participant contributed to the collective effort to professionalize and strengthen field training across the country. The 2025 NAFTO Conference reaffirmed our belief that when we invest in those who train others, we invest in the future of the profession.

 

Warm regards,
NAFTO

June 30, 2025• Announcements, Featured

Force Science Article: Training the Next Generation 2025 NAFTO Conference

Force Science Article: Training the Next Generation 2025 NAFTO National Conference

We were honored to welcome some truly powerful and inspirational instructors to this year’s National Conference! Their insight and energy left a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

 

Force Science recently featured an article spotlighting several of the standout keynote presentations and capturing the incredible experience our attendees had at the event. Our Executive Director, Dan Greene, also shared his reflections—offering a deeper look into the value and impact of the conference.

 

Don’t miss the full article—follow the link below!

Continue reading

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Who we are:

The National Association of Field Training Officers (NAFTO) is a non-profit educational and professional association concerned with apprenticeship training.

Commonly referred to as the “Field Training Officer Concept”, apprenticeship training is used for law enforcement, communications, and corrections personnel. Educators, administrators and other criminal justice practitioners are also encouraged to participate.

 

NAFTO was created as a resource for law enforcement, corrections, and communications trainers throughout the United States and beyond.  NAFTO encourages the exchange of ideas and communication in order to promote “Field Training Program” related issues, which are unique to apprenticeship training models.

 

Those who choose a career in law enforcement, communications, corrections, and EMS, do not have the skills necessary to simply show up and perform the job in a proficient manner.  These career fields have a basic training requirement, such as an academy.  This training is basic and provides the foundation of learning.  However, it does not provide all the skills necessary to ensure candidates are ready to perform the duties required to do the job in a solo or proficient status.

 

Apprenticeship training, also known as “The Field Training Officer Concept” is necessary to provide training to new candidates.  Field Training Officers known as FTO’s, are experienced officers who attend organized and established training that provides the skills necessary to evaluate and train career candidates.

 

NAFTO is a resource for Field Training Officers, agencies and departments for developing, and growing field training programs.   NAFTO hosts an annual national training conference.  This annual training conference features break-out sessions, guest speakers and more.  Field training officers in various career fields exchange ideas and solutions for field training programs within their own organization.

How we can help.

Standardized Field Training Reduces Liability As It Relates To:
 
  • Negligent Hiring
  • Negligent Retention
  • Negligent Assignment
  • Negligent Entrustment
  • Negligent Training
  • Failure to Document
  • Negligent Supervision
  • Failure to Direct
  • Due Process Issues
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Apprenticeship Training

Whether FTO or PTO model, Apprenticeship training is used for Law Enforcement, Communications, Corrections and EMS.

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21st Century Policing

NAFTO is knowledgeable in regards to the recommendations made by the Task Force for 21st Century Policing.

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Subject Matter Experts

Law enforcement, Communications, Corrections, EMS; We have subject matter experts to help your organization.

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Communication

NAFTO provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, techniques and program management and best practices.

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Interested In Becoming A Sponsor?

Our annual conference cannot be possible without the support of our sponsors.

Become a Sponsor

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

 

I hope this message finds you well. As your Executive Director, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and commitment to our association.

 

Over the past year, we have faced numerous challenges and celebrated many successes together. Our collective efforts have allowed us to achieve significant milestones, and none of this would have been possible without your active participation and dedication.

 

As we look back on our journey, it’s clear that our strength lies in our unity and shared vision.

 

Whether through our record-setting number of classes we’ve hosted this year or our very successful national conference last June, your contributions have been invaluable in advancing our mission.

 

As we move forward, our focus remains on enhancing member benefits, expanding our outreach to agencies that need quality and affordable training, and fostering innovation in our field. We are committed to providing you with the tools, resources, and opportunities you need to succeed.

 

Trust is the cornerstone of our relationship, and I want to assure you that we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and service. We recognize the trust you place in us, and we are honored to serve as stewards of our shared mission.

 

I encourage each of you to stay engaged with our association. This year, your opportunities to get involved will grow exponentially. As we move forward into 2025, we will be creating four committees to serve on, and we are now calling for all interested parties to submit an email of interest to me directly. If you have a particular interest or skill set in curriculum development, instructor development, finances, and/or assisting with our national conference, please reach out.

 

Thank you once again for being an essential part of our association. Together, we will continue to navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities that come our way. I am excited about the future we are building together and look forward to all that we will accomplish.

 

Respectfully,
Dan Greene
Executive Director
director@nafto.org

Blog Posts

June 30, 2025• Announcements, Featured

Force Science Article: Training the Next Generation 2025 NAFTO Conference

Force Science Article: Training the Next Generation 2025 NAFTO National Conference

We were honored to welcome some truly powerful and inspirational instructors to this year’s National Conference! Their insight and energy left a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

 

Force Science recently featured an article spotlighting several of the standout keynote presentations and capturing the incredible experience our attendees had at the event. Our Executive Director, Dan Greene, also shared his reflections—offering a deeper look into the value and impact of the conference.

 

Don’t miss the full article—follow the link below!

Continue reading

Read More →

May 1, 2025• Announcements, Featured

FREE WEBINAR: Understanding Job Stress Across Ranks to Better Support Trainees, FTOs, and Command Staff

FREE WEBINAR: Understanding Job Stress Across Ranks to Better Support Trainees, FTOs, and Command Staff

 

Thursday, May 15th  |  2pm EDT

***NOTE:
All registrants will receive a link to a recording of the live program.

This is a FREE program hosted and
sponsored by Vector Solutions.

_________________________________________

Stress looks different at every level of a law enforcement agency—and recognizing those differences is essential to providing the right support. This webinar takes a closer look at the distinct challenges faced by trainees, Field Training Officers (FTOs), and command staff.

 

New recruits are expected to adapt quickly as they move through the academy and into field training, all while navigating the internal and external pressures of the job. FTOs must balance their own responsibilities with the duty to mentor, protect, and evaluate another officer in real time. Meanwhile, command staff face leadership-specific stressors like resource management, team dynamics, and organizational demands.

 

This session will highlight practical ways agencies can foster resilience, strengthen communication, and build a healthier culture across all ranks.

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March 1, 2025• Announcements, Featured

FREE WEBINAR: Enhancing Training Evaluations with Mentorship and Technology

FREE WEBINAR: Enhancing Training Evaluations with Mentorship and Technology

 

Thursday, March 20th  |  1pm EDT

***NOTE:
All registrants will receive a link to a recording of the live program.

This is a FREE program hosted and
sponsored by Vector Solutions.

_________________________________________

Building better-trained officers requires more than just evaluations — it demands strong mentorship, continuous learning, and the right tools to support both recruits and FTOs. In this insightful discussion, Sgt. Jennifer Hall, a board member of NAFTO and part of the Performance and Implementation Unit at Louisville Metro PD, and Doug Kazensky, a retired training sergeant, will explore how agencies can leverage data-driven strategies to track performance, provide meaningful feedback, and strengthen supervision at all levels.

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