Columbus officers resign from training academy graduates as others step up to coach

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Nearly two hundred seasoned Columbus police officers are training new ones in a hot political climate.

More than three dozen new officers are well into their field training program. A program where some officers have bowed out while others have stepped up to train the next generation.

The job is a demanding one and has its rewards. It’s also a target for criticism and can be deadly.

“You’re put in situations that your average person isn’t put into where your life could be potentially on the line,” said Officer Shawn Smith-Davis.

Officer Smith-Davis is fresh from the academy. He graduated with the 134th recruit class back in February.

“How did you view officers growing up?"

“I was neutral. I didn’t have a dislike for them didn’t have an overabundance of love for them either,” said Officer Smith-Davis.

He’s 24-years-old and a Columbus native from the east side of the city.

6 On Your Side Investigates caught up with the young officer in South Linden where he got his feet wet.

“This is the first officer that I have trained,” said FTO Officer Michael Daymut.

Officer Daymut is Smith-Davis’ Field Training Officer.

Just over five years ago, Daymut was a rookie officer and now is new to the FTO program.

Daymut says he feels like he had a good foundation to start with being an NCO in the Air Force since about 2012.

“I was blessed to come up with not too long ago with officers that taught me the same way I’m teaching him which is to be compassionate and to be a human being,” said Officer Daymut.

When all is said and done, Officer Smith-Davis will have experienced the styles of four different coaches in four parts of Columbus over 17 weeks.

Police extended the field training from 15 to 17 weeks due to COVID protocols to cover the same number of training days.

“Any surprises that may have changed your viewpoint thus far?”

“No ma’am, everything we do in the community we try to give it our best shot,” said Officer Smith-Davis.

Officer Smith-Davis is on seven months probation while training on the job in a political climate where words like reform and reimagining drive headlines, conversations, and opinions.

“This profession, it’s available to everyone, yes it’s in a negative light but it’s available and everyone can apply for it at the least and try to make a difference,” said Officer Smith-Davis.

“Your thoughts on every move recorded once you’re on a call?”

“For me being as young as I am it’s not unusual,” said Officer Smith-Davis.

Former Chief Thomas Quinlan issued a new body camera directive last December after fired officer Adam Coy shot and killed Andre Hill. Coy didn’t turn on his camera until after the shooting.

MORE: City of Columbus releases body-cam video of deadly officer-involved shooting

He was responding to a non-emergency. A 60-second look back feature captured video only.

Officers must now turn on their body cameras when they are dispatched or responding to any call.

“You are training someone, you're talking strategy. Any concerns?"

“We went through different scenarios when he first came to me and we went over things I wanted to make sure he was doing as far as officer safety as far as gathering information like that there is. Having the camera on should be no different,” said Officer Daymut.

There are currently 189 FTO’s spread out over five zones.

As Daymut immersed into his new role, other FTO’s are stepping away.

The FTO coordinator says he had 23 resign in 2020-2021.

Deputy Chief Jennifer Knight says reasons can range from not wanting to coach anymore to careers ending.

Officers also must resign if they leave patrol which is what field training falls under.

“Is there a possibility they could be leaving for the reason of a concern for the politics, the criticism of the division?"

“Absolutely, I mean it is a heavy burden. Officers are responsible for again their own behavior, but also the behavior of somebody that's brand new, and that we anticipate to make mistakes. So that's a lot of responsibility, and there may be some individuals that are just not able to do that right now, and we understand that,” said Deputy Chief Knight.

A Field Training Officer is a volunteer position. It isn’t easy to get. There’s a test, evaluations by supervisors and peers as well as evaluations of your work and discipline history and additional training.

Deputy Chief Knight says they want people who have the passion and temperament for teaching.

“If we have an officer that is a field training officer and is not teaching these new recruits consistent with what we want them to, then they can be removed from the program,” said Deputy Chief Knight.

She believes today’s challenging environment is good for training.

“Criticism is something that we have to deal with all the time and it allows us to evaluate how officers are handling that in an environment that may not be isn’t as easy as it could be at other times,” said Deputy Chief Knight.

Officer Daymut sees himself as a teacher and a mentor. He believes both police and life experience can make for a well-rounded training officer.

“If I don’t step up and other FTO’s don’t step up then there’s not going to be anybody to train them and what we need are more FTO’s during this time are willing to do that,” said Officer Daymut.

Officer Smith-Davis left a good impression on his coach.

“He’s the first person in the substation parking lot every day, his uniform looks great, he’s got all his books,” said Officer Daymut.

“It’s very humbling I beat myself up a lot and he knows that,” said Officer Smith-Davis.

When 6 On Your Side first met Officer Smith-Davis on graduation day, he told us law enforcement where he’s from isn’t viewed in a good light.

“You said it didn’t steer you away, why is that?”

“You have to be the change you want to see in your community. In my opinion, everyone can talk the talk but can you walk the walk when it’s needed,” said Officer Smith-Davis.

Officer Smith-Davis is currently working out of 9 Precinct where he grew up.

Field Training ends June 12th and the new officers will take their first assignments.

They’ll remain on probation until the end of next January.