Basic Training
Training is one of the most important responsibilities of any law enforcement agency. The Lebanon Police Department recognizes its importance and is committed to providing the best possible training to all personnel. All officers are required to attend the Police Academy for basic training, which is currently ten weeks long. Trainees receive instruction in the following topic areas: firearms; emergency medical training; patrol procedures; interpersonal communications; professional and ethical conduct; personal defense tactics; criminal and constitutional law; communications; police stress; emergency vehicle operation; physical training.
What Happens After Graduation?
After graduation, officers will ride with several Field Training Officers (FTO’s) in different areas of the city as they rotate within the field training program. The goals of the FTO program are: to provide a structured, standard learning experience in preparation for solo patrol; to transfer and apply classroom training to the real problems and situations that officers face; to provide a mentor, guide, advisor and role model in the form of an FTO; to provide documented evaluation of performance in order to determine readiness for solo patrol.
In-Service Training
Police officers are required annually to complete 40 hours of police in-service, which includes: firearms training; defensive and arrest tactics; emergency vehicle operation; criminal and constitutional law; domestic violence; first aid; CPR; AED training; and other related topics.
All basic and in-service training is approved and monitored by the Commission on Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.).
