Expert: Dick Rogers - 8/11/2009

Question
I am 15 and i am in high school. I read the question you answered Emma and have some myself. 1) What classes should i take if i want to be S.W.A.T? 2) I'm thinking of joining the police academy will that help? 3) Is S.W.A.T. a program you get into if you are asked to join or can you just become a S.W.A.T? I hope you have time to answer this and thank you for the information.

Answer
Carlos, most people have the wrong idea as to how one becomes a member of a SWAT team.  The first step is to become a police officer or deputy sheriff.  Once one becomes a valued street cop, he/she begins the process of lining up a slot on the SWAT team or teams if it is a large department.  As explained in other posts, the agency involved usually has a shooting competition wherein the top shooters can be identified.  There are no classes on takes or any specific preparation beyond what the department will provide.  Most SWAT units have their own specific set of training guidelines and procedures.  Very simply, become a good cop then find the means to get into the SWAT unit.