These programs usually consist of on-the-job training of a police recruit by specially selected and trained personnel. The field training takes place after the classroom training. Study data came from a national survey that sought information from 588 local and State law enforcement agencies. The 288 respondents included 183 agencies that had field training programs. The research also included site visits to four cities' agencies with field training programs: San Jose, Calif.; Newport News, Va.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; and Largo, Fla. The case studies provided details on the operations of different types of field training programs. The programs appear to reduce civil liability complaints and ultimately increase the police agency's effectiveness in the community. Larger agencies should assign the administrative control of the field training to the patrol function. Recruits should be assigned to multiple field training officers. Training should take place in a planned sequence. The recruit should receive a daily evaluation on a checklist. Additional recommendations cover the selection, training, and retention of field training officers. Appended survey questionnaire, list of agencies responding to the survey, flow chart of the San Jose program, and 20 references.