Dayton PD Academy
In 2024, the Dayton Police Department launched its first-ever
Police Academy. The mission of the academy is to provide a
more interactively effective training experience to build each
officer's skill set. Re-routing from the traditional
Field Training Officer (FTO) model, this new approach allows
Dayton Police Department's new officers to gain hands-on
exposure to how the Police Department operates before they
begin their assigned patrol duties. Each new officer will be
thoroughly trained in the department’s policies and procedures,
technology systems and equipment, while building base
line knowledge of the city's geography, ensuring they are
confident and well-prepared before being assigned to patrol for FTO.
During the academy, new officers will complete group training covering a variety of topics including, firearms, defensive tactics, traffic stops, high risk stops, building searches, and scenario-based training.
While the training is often completed in groups, instructors will work with officers individually to discuss their progress and help them if they need more time or repetition on something. The instructors will ensure the new officers fully understand and are comfortable with what they learn. New officers will find that we have multiple instructors trained in many of the topics covered, so training can be much more personalized.
It is our goal that all new officers feel comfortable and have a solid foundation prior to beginning FTO.
During the academy, new officers will partake in
scenario-based training dealing with incidents
they are likely to encounter as a Dayton police officer.
The training will include multiple instructors and
paid professional actors. In addition, the training
is generally completed inside a residence or training
facility to make the scenario-based training
experience feel as real as possible.
The new officers and instructors will debrief and be
given feedback after each scenario. We strongly
believe, and new officers agree, the scenario-based
training is the most beneficial and enjoyable
training received during the academy.
New officers will spend a full day concentrating on defensive tactics. This will include officers being trained on the Taser 10, chemical agent, and 40 mm less lethal launcher.
New officers will be trained extensively in the use of empty-hand techniques which focus on leverage, body positioning, and timing. The emphasis of the training is on takedowns and ground control. This training will be completed on mats so new officers can practice the techniques until they are proficient.
Recruits are issued a service weapon and spend a full day preparing for the department firearms qualifications. During training, recruits receive instruction on practical shooting skills and safe firearms handling techniques.
Experienced instructors provide group and individualized training that is designed to boost confidence and develop proficiency. Academy firearms training is only the beginning. As an officer you will continue to hone your skills during bi-monthly firearms training that focuses on various shooting disciplines and challenging courses of fire.