Careers: Police/becoming SWAT

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Expert: - 4/8/2009


Question
Hi, my name is Gary Bartsma. i am currently in the United States Army deployed in Iraq as a infantry soldier. I just recently decided i want to become a member of SWAT when i get out in 2011. I was just wondering what it would take to become SWAT with the experience and training i already have. i appreciate the help.

Answer
Gary,

Your biggest hurdle is going to be when you try to get hired by a police department.  Only about 10 - 15% of those who apply for police positions are actually hired.  The others are washed out along the way.

Assuming that you are hired you would spend many years working on the street as a uniformed officer before you would have enough experience to be considered for a position in SWAT.  In fact on most police departments SWAT is a part-time position and the SWAT officers work in other positions and when a SWAT callout comes out they simply change clothing and respond to the scene.

I know that you are mature enough to realize this but I have to say it because I get tons of questions about joining SWAT.  SWAT is NOT like what you see on television.  All tv shows that depict police work are NOT realistic so you should not be planning your career on something that you see on television.

Careers: Police

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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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