The probationary employment period presents public safety leaders with a once in a career opportunity—a chance to evaluate performance, identify “red flags” and take proactive measures to address misconduct. Generally, the close supervision and continual feedback that employees receive during this probationary period will not be replicated for the entirety of their career.

If, during this period, supervisors and/or field training officers find probationary officers to demonstrate fundamental job deficiencies, there is no better time to have the difficult but critical conversation concerning whether the employee is salvageable.