Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/28/2008

Question
I am doing a school paper on S.W.A.T.   Could you please tell me what the rankings are in SWAT?  Are there sargeants? Lieutenants??  
Thank you so much for your help!
Jason N.

Answer
Hello Jason,
The answer to your question, is not an absolute. The reason for this, is that different agencies have different rank structures. GENERALLY, the rank structure follows the same structure as the cops in uniform patrol.
For city/county agencies, SWAT usually comes under the "Uniform Field Services Division."
That said, the "grunts" are patrol officers. The next step in progression, is usually that of Sergeant, then Lieutenant and Captain.
It also depends on the size of the agency, and number of SWAT members. For medium to semi'large agencies, a Lt. will be unit commander. For larger agencies, a Captain will be unit commander.
Some very large agencies, e.g., LASO, or LAPD, also have a Corporal rank, which goes between patrol officer and Sergeant. They are like a "lead, or senior officer".
Some agencies pull their SWAT ranks from throughout the agency, where Detectives are commingled with patrol officers for a call-out SWAT mission. Normally, a Detective and patrol officer are of equal rank in the pay grades.
On some larger agencies, a Detective is a promotion in pay grade only, and no supervisory or management responsibilities are attached.
Now, there are also federal agencies that have SWAT type units, as a subdivision of their agency, regardless of what they call them.
The entry and basic levels with many federal agencies, is that of "Special Agent" rather than patrol officer. Most federal agencies don't have "Sergeants" per se, but rather refer to the first level of management as "supervisors', then section leaders, and on up to ASAC assistant special agent in charge.
Or, if away from their central office, a RAC being a resident agent in charge.
I hope this is what you want.
Good Luck,'regards,
loren