Mentorship, Ethics, and Real World Application Private Security

The Field Training Officer Manual

by Dr. Nicholas Cooley, PhD.

About The Book

The Field Training Officer Manual is a professional training and reference guide designed for Field Training Officers (FTOs) operating within the private security industry. It addresses the critical transition from classroom instruction to real-world field application, where new security officers begin applying policy, law, and professional judgment in live operational environments.

This manual provides structured, practical guidance for mentoring and evaluating new officers while reinforcing ethical decision-making, accountability, and professionalism. It emphasizes the responsibilities of the Field Training Officer as a role model, evaluator, and guardian of organizational standards, helping ensure that newly trained officers develop sound judgment, confidence, and consistency in performance.

Built on industry best practices, compliance principles, and real-world experience, the book supports Field Training Officers in reducing liability, improving performance outcomes, and maintaining public trust. It is suitable for use by private security academies, agencies, supervisors, and experienced officers transitioning into training roles, serving as both a classroom resource and a field-ready reference manual.

Bulldog Security Publications

Nicholas Cooley, PhD, is a nationally recognized security-industry educator, consultant, and author specializing in private security, private investigations, and professional firearms training.

Dr. Nicholas Cooley, PhD, is a nationally recognized security-industry educator, consultant, and author specializing in private security, private investigations, and professional firearms training. He is the owner of Bulldog Training Academy & Consultants and has decades of experience developing compliant, real-world training programs for security officers, supervisors, and investigators.

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