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The Effect of Field Training Officers on Police Use of Force

Author

Listed:
  • Chandon Adger
  • Matthew B. Ross
  • CarlyWill Sloan

Abstract

The influence of on-the-job training and supervisors, especially in high-stakes settings like policing, is poorly understood. Examining a central behavior in the debate surrounding police reform, we investigate the impact of a field training officer (FTO) on a recruit's use of force. Leveraging a setting with conditional as-good-as-random assignment, we demonstrate a causal link between FTO and recruit use of force. A 1 standard deviation increase in FTO force propensity leads to a 14 to 18 percent rise in recruit force, persisting for at least two years. This underscores field training's impact and reveals a promising avenue for reform.

Suggested Citation

  • Chandon Adger & Matthew B. Ross & CarlyWill Sloan, 2026. "The Effect of Field Training Officers on Police Use of Force," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 116(5), pages 1837-1875, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:116:y:2026:i:5:p:1837-75
    DOI: 10.1257/aer.20240785
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training

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