Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/24/2008

Question
Loren-I am a 16 year old in Alessandro High School and am wondering what classes I would need to take.I am currently taking a foresics ROP class and had taken a Law Enforcment ROP Class.I would like to also know if you had any schools in mind maybe in California.And I was wondering if you had any recomendations in regards to what I should do,I have been told I should go sworn,but I don't know and also I would like to know what positions S.W.A.T offers i.e. Sniper,infantry that sort of thing.Any information you give me will help me thank you for your time.

Answer
Hello Luis,
I admire your enthusiasm and interest in this specialized slice of law enforcement.
First, I'd like to invite you to review the many answers I've expressed in prior Q&A on this subject on my site.
It is my firm belief, that "SWAT" is not a career per se. It is a specialized assignment within a much broader career perspective.
You should consider what type of law enforcement agency you want to head toward, be it state, city/county, or federal.
You may also consider a hitch in the military, in either the MP's, or infantry grunts.
As a young interested person, it is important that you stay out of trouble, away from those who get into trouble, and no drugs or alcohol abuse.
Next, stay fit. Hand and upper body strength are important, as is stamina and endurance.
Many areas will be helpful to you, like computer skills, martial arts, electricity, chemical munitions and firearms proficiency.
Some of these areas, you can enjoy as a hobbyist, and still attain skills.
I would also suggest you get as many first aid certifications as you can.
You see, most SWAT units are cross-trained into many skill sets.
Ultimately, the person who can pony up the most/best relevant KSA's (knowledge Skills Abilities) makes for the most attractive candidate.
All that said, I would strongly urge you to primarily focus on employment at the entry level position. Without that, the possibility of any specialized assignment is NOT going to happen....anywhere.
Getting hired on the agency you want, is the most important challenge, as less than 10% of all applicants get hired, and more don't make it through training, or through probation.
Probation can be anywhere between 1 and 2.5 years. In that time, you'll be evaluated on your performance. If you don't distinguish yourself at the entry level position, your chances of a specialized assignment are extremely remote.
You'll be competing against some very skilled, determined, and seasoned officers. The competition is quite keen.
I've never met an officer who wanted to spend a career in SWAT, for a variety of reasons. The repetitive training is close to the top. The call-outs at all hours of the day is also up there, coupled with other interests and demands of life.
Think about post high school training or college. Naturally criminal justice classes are good, but in my view, just as important are courses in written and oral communications, which will serve you throughout a career.
Think of a foreign language, if you live in an area where that can be an issue.
There are a number of SWAT positions. Sniper, spotter, weapons, scout, communications etc. You can google this for more details, or you can look at the NAVY SEAL team make up, which can be informative.
Check with the agency you are interested in, and see if they offer jobs for youth who are not yet 21, like courier, cadet, veh transport, maint. etc. This gives you an "insiders" appreciation of the agency dynamics.
Also, look at volunteer positions. All learning experiences will contribute to your development.
Well lad, maybe this is enough to give you something to think about.
Good Luck, and regards.
loren