Expert: Loren Stevens - 11/4/2010

Question
Hey im 18 getting ready to graduate hs and i dont know what courses to
take in collage or wat majors will help me get to becoming a swat officer. I
was thinking criminal justice major or something like that. I no the
compitition is super high but i believe i can achieve my dream. So please
email me wat you think is a good plan and thanks for the time
()

Answer
Hello Tj,
I congratulate you for having a focused goal.
Also, I'd like to invite you to read some of the past Q&A on my page, as your question comes up often among the young folks...in one form or another.
Try to broaden your focus to address what the entry level position is, for the agency you like. Most probably, it will be a uniformed Patrol position.
Maybe 8 % of applicants, get hired, then need to complete an academy, then an FTO program, then be off employment probation, all the while, distinguishing yourself at the entry level position.
Most agencies look for achievement and attitude qualities, when considering a special assignment, like SWAT... basically, the competition is keen, and the candidate that can pony up the best/most relevant KSA's (knowledge skills abilities)...will tend to be favored.
There are various skill sets in a SWAT unit, and the unit Commander will select replacement personnel based on what s/he needs, to fill the spot.
For college, you'll want to consult with an academic adviser, as well as a career counselor at your HS.
My OPINION, is to encourage folks to consider a double major, with no minor...the difference isn't that many more credits, and essentially gives you two fields, with equal strength...Sometimes, it makes the most sense to select two fields that are a natural together: finance/business, marketing/econ, political science/pre-law etc.
Criminal justice is ok for a major, then think about the second one, if you go for the double...and consider your interests, and aptitude.
I suggest that young folks in college take courses in written and oral communications. They'll never regret doing so. You'll author tons of reports, and testify many many times, depositions, presentations etc...very smart to do so.
Think about getting a non police job at the agency you tentatively figure on being a PO at, like courier, cadet, etc. Besides making a paycheck, you'll be an "in-sider". and know who is who on the agency, organizational structure, staffing pattern, budget appropriations,requirements for transfer to specialized duty,
plus you'll be into a pension program, and seniority.
Further, most entities reimburse college tuition, for commissioned and civilian employees...it's like a scholarship in progress...
As a police officer, don't figure on any college for the first two years on the job. You'll be WAY too busy, and lots to learn.
I could also make the case for the military...helps with college costs later, re: GI Bill,
plus, if you go Army or Marines, you'll be learning skills that apply to "combat in an urban environment", which is very close to SWAT tactics....(with a difference in the authorization of deadly force....Garner v. TN)
Army Ranger units, Marine line companies, or Battalion Recon...you'll be competing with veterans with those skills and experience, when you try for SWAT...would be my bet,.

So, again, review some of my past offerings, for additional info.
Hope this is helpful, Good Luck.
loren.