Careers: Police/swat careers

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Expert: - 4/21/2009


Question
I am an 11B (infantry) in the United States army. My contract runs out in three years. I am now 35. I would like to decide between either going into special forces after next deployment, which would be a final career decision, or get out and try to find a similar career experience through swat teams, or a private company like blackwater. I am having a tough time deciding. I know that swat is tough on family, but its still better than deploying to warzones. What are things to consider?

Answer
Charles,

  I'll make this short and to the point.  You are 35 now with three years left in the military.  Assuming that you apply for a police department the day that your enlistment ends add six months to that for the normal hiring process investigation.  (only about 10% of those who apply for police positions are actually hired).  Assuming that you are hired add another six months for training at the police academy, six months in the uniformed officer training program, and between five and ten years in uniform.  Now you will be in your mid 40's before you ever have any hope of being accepted into SWAT.

 You may not be aware of this but on most departments SWAT is a part time position and an officer spends most of his time in uniform answering calls until a SWAT situation comes in and the officer simply changes clothing.  Its not like television.

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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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