Force Response Training (Course 5) was approved, as an amended curriculum, for inclusion in the in-service Advanced Training Curriculum by the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm Education and Training Commission (FETC) on July 13, 2004. The name of the course was officially changed on March 14, 2019.

This course is designed to help prepare parole officers for real world situations and to validate current training. The training covers officer safety issues relating to use of force decision-making, building approaches, door approaches, entries, tactics, team movement, and the proper use of safety equipment.

The practical exercise or drill phase of Force Response Training consists of a variety of scenarios involving officer-students and role players. These scenarios reinforce the lecture material and are designed to provide realistic training that will apply the officers’ knowledge and use of training, skills, and tactics.

The prerequisite for participation in this in-service training course is successful completion of the County Probation and Parole Officers’ Firearm Education and Training Commission Basic Firearms Training Program (FETC Course 1).

Upon completion of the training, participating officers will have received instruction and participated in practical exercises designed to provide experience in:

1. Use of force
2. Building/door approaches
3. Entry techniques
4. Individual and team tactics and movement
5. Search techniques
6. Proper use of safety equipment

The Commission will provide Force Response Training approved head, face, and neck protection (if needed). Because of the number and type of Force Response Training weapons the Commission has available, some participants may be using a different type of pistol than they normally carry on duty. All participants must wear clothing that covers all exposed skin areas. Participants will need to bring the following:

   • Long sleeve shirt
   • Loose fitting pants
   • Appropriate foot wear or boots
   • Duty style or Kevlar Gloves (optional)
   • Mode of carry (duty belt or a belt at least 1 inch wide)
   • All duty gear normally worn (including flashlight and holster)
   • Bullet-resistant vest (if one is used on duty)
   • Groin protection to be worn under clothing

Marking cartridges may stain clothing. Clothing worn by participants should be suitable for this type of activity.

FETC Course 5 is graded as PASS/FAIL. To receive credit, participants must:

1.  Pass a written test on the classroom material with a minimum score of 70% correct.

2.  Satisfactorily complete the practical exercises.

1. All practical exercise or “range” operations must adhere to local operational safety standards without exception. Failure or refusal to wear required safety equipment will preclude participation.

2. In addition to any forms required by the facility host, all officers and instructors must complete FETC Form 25 (Force Response Training Participant Acknowledgement and Release) and FETC Form 26 (Force Response Training Safety Certification) prior to participating in the course.