Welcome to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Field Training Unit. Whether you are a prospective applicant, a current candidate, or a certified officer seeking a rewarding career with PBSO, we appreciate your interest.

The Field Training Unit is comprised of Sergeant Karl Martin, Law Enforcement FTO Coordinator; Sergeant Rechina Castro, Corrections FTO Coordinator; Corporal Karl Durr, Coordinator; and Sydney Plant, Office Support Staff. Our unit operates within the Training Division under the leadership of Captain Todd Baer.

Our mission is to deliver the highest quality, state-approved training to newly hired law enforcement and correctional officers, including both academy graduates and experienced certified officers. We conduct a New Hire Academy four times annually. Phase 1 consists of comprehensive classroom instruction and high-liability training, covering all areas designated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), as well as PBSO policies, procedures, and operational practices.

Upon successful completion of Phase 1, trainees advance to Phase 2: field training. During this phase, Field Training Officers (FTOs) serve as guides, mentors, and evaluators, ensuring each trainee develops the skills necessary for success. Trainees must meet established performance standards outlined in the Standard Evaluation Guidelines (SEG) within the Field Training Guide (FTG) to successfully complete this phase. Upon completion, trainees receive their official assignments.

In addition to new hire training, the Field Training Unit oversees Academy Recruits, Cadets, college internships, and the training of civilian personnel, including Community Service Aides (CSA) and Corrections Support Personnel (CSP). The unit also manages promotional field training, patrol re-entry training (PRP), performance improvement training (PIP), and the Supervisor’s Academy. We further support the agency by preparing roll call training briefs (RCTB) and assisting in the development of training manuals, lesson plans, and evaluation reports. Training operations are conducted across multiple districts and two detention centers (Main and West) within Palm Beach County.

The Field Training Unit is dedicated to preparing highly capable professionals who are ready to serve and protect the community. Our team of certified instructors and coordinators is committed to excellence and takes pride in delivering exceptional training to every member of the program.

Respectfully,

Lieutenant Jason Johnson