As a Field Training Officer with the EL Paso County Sheriff's Office Detention Bureau my trainees consisted of both male and female Detention Officers. Worked with both male and female offenders in either all female or all male housing areas.  Used literature and information I networked from other detention faciltiies and NIC (i.e. Cross Gender Supervision Manual) to better understand the female offender.  I had a rude awakening at first, but got better at it...12 months in a female housing unit and 6 female trainees later. Recommend experience and training for all male FTOs.