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Careers: Police/SWAT, Police, IDK?!

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Expert: - 1/13/2010


Question
I read that it is pretty darned difficult to get into SWAT. But I'm very interested in it. The danger and the fact that everyday you save lives, while putting your own on the line. It takes courage and, well, it's my dream.
BUT.....
What are the alternatives to SWAT? Are there any careers that involve the same risk and style of work, but that isn't so strict on WHO can ensue the career?

Thank you very much,
Teresa

Answer
Teresa,

Actually very few police officers really want to go into SWAT.  In real life it is NOT like as depicted on television or the movies.  In fact most of the time SWAT officers either function as patrol officers, serve warrants, or train.  I am sure that occasionally there are times when it is dangerous but if you would watch a television show you would believe that it is non-stop danger and non-stop saving lives.  Its not that way.  

I guess that you realize that in order to get into SWAT you would have to spend at least several years in uniform as a patrol officer before you would ever have the experience to become a SWAT officer.

The only alternatives that I can think of are companies like Blackwater (they have a new name now) that provide security for diplomats and contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan.  But they only hire people with military experience or prior police experience.

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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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