POST FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM GUIDE – VOLUME 1
A.1–6
17. Investigative Skills
Evaluates the trainee's ability to conduct a proper investigation with an emphasis on crime scene investigatory
procedures.
1 or N/I Unacceptable – Does not conduct a basic investigation or conducts investigation improperly. Unable
to accurately identify offense committed. Fails to discern readily available evidence. Makes frequent
mistakes when identifying, collecting, or submitting evidence. Does not connect evidence with
suspect when apparent. Lacks skill in collection and preservation of fingerprints. Does not protect
crime scene. Fails to identify and follow up obvious investigative leads.
4 or C Acceptable – Follows proper investigatory procedure in routine cases. Is generally accurate in
identifying the nature of offense committed. Collects, tags, logs, and submits evidence properly.
Connects evidence with suspect when apparent. Collects useable fingerprints from crime scenes,
with little assistance, when conditions allow. Knows when to consult a supervisor, investigator, or
crime scene technician when processing is needed at involved or unusual crime scenes.
7 or S Superior – Consistently follows proper investigatory procedure and is routinely accurate in identifying
the nature of the offense committed. Connects evidence with suspect even when not readily
apparent. Collects useable fingerprints from crime scenes, with little to no assistance, when
conditions allow. Actively seeks to improve evidence collection and processing skills.
18. Interview/Interrogation Skills
Evaluates the trainee's ability to use proper questioning techniques, to vary techniques to fit persons being
interviewed/interrogated, and to follow proper and lawful procedure.
1 or N/I Unacceptable – Fails to use proper questioning techniques. Does not elicit and/or record available
information. Does not establish appropriate rapport with subject and/or does not control
interrogation of suspect. Fails to recognize when to give the Miranda admonishment. Fails to obtain
enough information to determine what is occurring. Fails to identify citizens contacted during the
course of the investigation.
4 or C Acceptable – Uses proper questioning techniques. Elicits available information and records same.
Establishes proper rapport with victims/witnesses. Controls the interrogation of suspects and
properly conducts a Miranda admonishment.
7 or S Superior – Consistently uses proper investigative questioning techniques. Establishes rapport with
all victims/witnesses. Controls the interrogation of even the most difficult suspects. Conducts
successful interrogations of suspects. Fully understands the legalities associated with the Miranda
admonishment, and administers the admonishment appropriately.
19. Self-initiated Field Activity
Evaluates the trainee's desire and ability to observe and act upon suspicious activity and to address situations
where citizens may require law enforcement assistance.
1 or N/I Unacceptable – Fails to observe and/or avoids suspicious activity. Does not investigate same.
Rationalizes suspicious circumstances. Avoids or does not recognize situations where citizens may
require law enforcement assistance.
4 or C Acceptable – Recognizes and acts upon situations requiring law enforcement contact or attention.
Develops cases from observed activity. Displays inquisitiveness.
7 or S Superior – Routinely acts on situations requiring law enforcement contact. Maintains "Watch
Bulletins" and information provided at roll call for later use in the field. Appropriately uses the
information as reasonable suspicion to detain, or to develop probable cause to arrest. Makes quality
contacts and/or arrests from observed activity. “Sees” beyond the obvious. Maintains vigilance for
suspicious activity and/or situations where citizens may require law enforcement assistance.