Expert: Loren Stevens - 12/12/2008

Question
Loren,
 I am a 16 years old and from California; however, i want to pursue a career in law enforcement(mainly in SWAT).i have always since i was in 4th grade wanted to go to the military and become an MP. When i get out i want to get into a police department and join SWAT.
Should i go to college first than to military than SWAT? Or military to college than SWAT? Do i even need to go to college and just go to military than to SWAT?
If i need to go to college does it matter if you go to a community rather than a university?
I am involved with varsity sports such as football and wrestling. I also weight train yearly and eat very good so I'm pretty much ready for any challenge when it comes to anything physical.
i also know you have to be mentally fit in this area to. What major would you recommend for college are does it matter?
That is all i can think of for right now so thank you for your time and will be waiting for your reply.
   -Gilbert
P.S. would also like some tips on whatever i missed out in this area

Answer
Hello Gilbert,
I admire you for developing a career path at an early age.

Having said that, I also think it would be a good idea, to spend some time with your school career counselor.

You are also invited to review many of the prior Q&A on my page, for similar material.

SWAT is a subdivision of an agency. It is doubtful, that you'll want to spend a career in SWAT, for a variety of reasons.
Focus on the entry level positions for now. This, is usually a uniform patrol officer. I suspect, you won't even be considered for a specialized assignment earlier than est. 6 years.
College and/or military is a guarantee of nothing in law enforcement.
If either of these two areas help you enhance your KSA's (knowledge-skills-abilities) then fine. The more RELEVANT skills you can pony up, the better your chances for getting a specialized assignment.

You may also want to consult with a school education counselor for various options.
It kind of makes sense to me, to attend a Community college for the first two years, as the cost is often 1/2 or better, than at a University.
But, you'll need to be diligent on what you take. You need to ascertain that ALL the classes you take, will be accepted in a transfer to a four year college/university down the road.
And, don't take any junk classes for electives, to bolster a GPA.
I like the idea of going for a double major, and no minor. It's like two degrees with equal strength. Take these majors in fields that complement each other, rather than no connection at all....just my opinion.
If you opt for the military. You'll experience discipline, organization, team work et al.
But, you could also be assigned to being a truck driver, cook, mechanic etc. All important duties, but they do not lend themselves to police/SWAT.
Sometimes, you can deal with a recruiter, and get a pledge for a class "A" school, like MP's etc. But, sometimes that's iffy too.
Naturally, you'll need to stay out of trouble, no drugs, or alcohol abuse, stay away from buttheads that tend to get into trouble, so it won't splash on you in terms of proximity.
Keep your grades up, maybe some volunteer work.....
Work on your upper body and hand strength. try to get as many First Aid certs as you can, work on your oral and written communication skills...you'll be glad you did.
Any hobby that can have more than one utility : martial arts, computer tech, firearms, repelling/climbing etc.
If you figure on working in an agency that has a jurisdiction with a large ethnic population...think about learning a second language.
Good Majors to consider: Criminal Justice/pre-law, soc/psych, communications/journalism, political sci/hist, etc.
Sometimes, scouting has a police post, that gets you an "insiders's" perspective.
Most agencies only require a HS or GED.and most only require that an entry level officer is off probation, prior to putting in for a specialized assignment.
But clearly, there is very keen competition for many of these type assignments, and s/he with the most to offer, get selected.
Experience, maturity, judgement, character, honesty etc. ALL areas under review.
Well young man, I hope this is helpful to you, and gives you plenty to think about.
Once you have narrowed down your plans, then, it's time to put a verb to those projections.
Good Luck.
loren