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Careers: Police/Becoming a swat member
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Question
I am 18 years old and I want to become a swat member and i've been reading all these other questions and answers and I know I have to be a cop and if theres an opening for swat I can take it?? Is it that easy?? It cant be so I was wondering what classes i have to take in college order for my dream to come true?
Matthew,
First of all lets get out of the habit of using the term "cop". You will never be hired if during the background investigation that the investigator learns that you frequently use that word. With Google and whatever improvements that they will have by the time you are 21 an investigator could easily figure out what you were saying online when you were 18.
Secondly you probably realize that a SWAT team member is a police officer. He just does a slightly different job. Assuming that you get through the year-long hiring process and get hired and graduate from the police academy you will spend years on the street as a uniformed officer because what you learn on the street will prepare you for SWAT. Then an opening in SWAT may or may not come along. By that time you might not want to go into SWAT because you will find out that the real version is not like tv or the movies. But assuming that you still are interested you apply just like you would for any other job along with the other applicants. There would definitely be an apptitude, rigorous physical test, and probably a psychological test for applicants and whoever is the best choice gets the position.
Don't worry about which classes to take in college. Nothing that you take in college will prepare you for SWAT. Getting your degree is the important thing.
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Answers by Expert:
Jack Toomey
Expertise
U.S.: I am an expert in this category for the purpose of giving young people an idea what the hiring process involves for the position of police officer. I am getting a flood of questions from young people who are being influenced by unrealistic television shows. I'd ask you to consider that when you watch police shows on television that they are NOT realistic and most of what you see does not happen in real life. Please do not ask me about potential jail sentences that you, your friends, or family might receive in court. There is no way for me to know that. I am NOT a probation officer so I cannot answer questions about probation and parole matters. I am a retired police officer with 26 years experience.I worked in a variety of assignments including investigations, homicide, sex crimes, runaway investigations, missing persons, and fraud.I also dealt with the general public during that time giving a wide range of advice on matters such as domestic disputes, problem solving, teenage problems, civil/criminal matters, and dealing with the mentally ill. I am available to give sound and reasonable advice which can solve most problems. Please do not ask me to do homework questions or online interviews. Young people should not rely on the Internet for interviews. Local police officers are normally very agreeable to assist students with interviews and surveys.
Experience
Worked as a police officer/detective for 26 years.
Graduate of the University of Maryland.B.S. in Law Enforcement.Attended numerous schools and training courses involving investigations, interviewing, interrogations, crime detection, domestic violence, and others. Recognized in court as an expert witness.
Received numerous awards during my police career for expert investigations. Handled the most sensitive and confidential investigations. In 1999 I won an award for my work with high school students while working in my new career in a large suburban high school.
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