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Question
hello, my name is Kyle and i am turning 19 at the end of the month.. I am very interested in being an officer in a tactical unit, such as SWAT.. i just wanted some information on like what schooling, and other requirements i would need to acquire a i would need to a career in this field. thank you..
Kyle,
This must be SWAT day. Yours is the third question about SWAT. Many young people do not realize that no one goes straight to SWAT after joining the police department. In order to have a chance to apply for a tactical unit or any specialized unit you will have to spend at least several years on the street as a uniformed officer because you would have never have the experience that is necessary.
Don't worry about any specialized schooling. Everything that you need to know will be taught in the police academy and then on the street while you serve as a uniformed officer. In fact the street is the real "school". Right now you should be in college working towards your degree. Once you graduate from college then you will have the opportunity to apply for the department of your liking.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for the answer.. I was actually aware that I can't go directly into SWAT.. | ||
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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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