Department Training
FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM Training Coordinator—Sergeant Tracy DuChene Field Training Officers Joel Hunt, Matt Oeltjenbruns, Derrik Quinlan, Todd Schwanke, Luke Selvik, Andrew Van Osdale, Alex Vogel
The field training process of the Owatonna Police Department is a critical component of a successful department. New officers are put through an extensive five-phase field training and evaluation period in which they are critiqued in 18 areas of core competency. The first four phases involve an intense 16-week training period where the new officers are assigned to a field training officer. New officers spend time working at least one training phase during day, evening, and night shifts that involves coaching from several field training officers. During the fourth phase, the field training officer rides along and acts as an observer to the probationary officer. The team of field training officers are committed to the development and success of the probationers and to promoting the department’s mission as a whole. Upon successful completion of the field training program, the new police officers are certified for solo patrol duties. In 2020, newly hired Officers Zachary Plein, John Van Alstine, Jeremy Holmes-Katz, and Brandon Fandel have all successfully completed their field training program and have begun solo patrol.
Page 8
