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Careers: Police/Becoming a SWAT officer
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Question
Mr. Grabill. I am 18 years old and I really want to work for the FBI on the
Hostage Rescue Team but a requirement is 3 years of tactical experience, so I
was looking into doing SWAT. Can I just apply to be a SWAT officer or do I have
to become a police officer for a certain amount of time?
Ryan:
This question is one I get repeatedly. However, since yours is more specific, I will answer it.
You cannot become a SWAT officer for any outfit without years of work as a 'regular' police officer. These positions are extremely competitive within organizations.
The process for this is straightfoward. You need to get hired by a police department, complete the academy, and spend several years in patrol doing police work and learning the trade. After that time, you may apply for an available position (if one is available) on your agencies SWAT/ERT etc. You may or may not get selected.
The FBI is a totally different animal. First, you need a 4 year degree to even apply, then you have to get selected and complete the training to become a Special Agent. After that, the waiting list for HRT is long, and in front of you will be 'operators' who have become FBI agents from the SEALS, Special Forces, Marines, etc. You'll be competing with them for a slot on the team.
Likely as not, even on a local department, you will be competing with prior military service people to even get hired, much less get on any sort of special response team. While not impossible, it requires a great deal of commitment and motivation as well as years of effort, to get into any sort of special response team.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
Jason Grabill
Expertise
General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions
Experience
18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.
Organizations
Police Marksman Association
Fraternal Order of Police
Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified.
CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.
Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).
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