Careers: Police/Law Enforcement

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Expert: - 11/27/2010


Question
Hello. My name is Caleb Murphy and I'm 18 years old. I just
finished basic training and A.I.T. for the National Guard.
I'm interested in becoming a state trooper and a S.W.A.T.
officer. I would like to know how to become a state trooper
and part of a S.W.A.T. team and any advice that could help
me get my foot in the door.

Answer
Hello Caleb,

Most police departments require at least some college these days.  Its best to have a college degree.  If you have the chance to attend college while you are in the service then do so.  When you get out you had better enroll in college because you will be competing with people with college degrees.

Becoming a SWAT officer is going to be a long ways off.  When you get out of the service you would apply for employment on a police department.  There is a long and involved hiring process and about one in a hundred applicants are actually hired.  If you happen to be hired you will go to the police academy and upon graduation you will be assigned to be a uniformed patrol officer for at least several years before you would have enough experience to try  out for SWAT.  

I have to give you my standard warning.  If you are getting your ideas from the movies or television then be advised that what you see on film is directly opposite than what happens in real life.  In fact on most departments a SWAT officer is a uniformed patrol officer who performs standard patrol duty and then responds to SWAT situations when needed.

Careers: Police

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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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