Expert: Loren Stevens - 8/11/2008

Question
I know it is an often asked question but i was wondering what you would need to do in order to become part of a tactical unit meaning SWAT. I am a high school graduate and have a good knowlege of the use and safety of weapons. I am also wondering if special forces experience in the military could be a fast track tword my goal of becoming a SWAT member. Thank you for your time and i hope you respond.

-Jared

Answer
Hello Jared,
As you might suspect, there are many variables associated with a response to your question.
Much depends on the agency that you intend to hire on with. The size of their special tactics unit, agency size, turn-over rate etc. Also, there are many agency SWAT units that may be wanting to fill a position specific, rather than an open-ended personel request. What I mean by that, is that most SWAT officers are crossed trained in a variety of essential subjects.
If you happen to have the KSA's (knowledge, skills abilities) of the sub set qualities, you will most probably be looked upon favorably.
Yes, specialized assignments on a police department tend to get very competitive.
Commanders that do the selecting may look at several areas of interest: sick leave record, maturity, experienc(s), training et al.
Clearly, military service would be favorable, espicially certain fields, eg., medic, electronics, weapons expertise, special forces, SEALs, Recon etc. The basic of discipline and teamwork would be an advantage. If prior combat experience would also be a factor. It is difficult to compete against folks that have an abundance of KSA's being desired.
To start with, an agency entry level position is typically uniform patrol. You'll need to distinguish yourself at the entry level position, prior to being considered for a specialized assignment. Also, you'll need to be off probation as a new hire.
Don't figure on being considered for the first few years.....minimum.
The bottom line, is the candidates that can pony up the most/best KSA's will generally be favored.
In your travels, see if you can meet a SWAT supervisor at the agency you are interested in, and chat about specific skills that are being sought. And, that particular agencie's pattern about special ops officer qualities.
Good Luck,
loren