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Careers: Police/Degree for Police and general S.W.A.T. info
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Question
Hey there Mr. Toomey, my name is Taylar and live in Alberta Canada. I understand first off that the rules may vary slightly, but should be very similar. I am a second year civil engineering student and I am really doing deep thought about my future career choice.
I am wondering that to join the police service, would a degree in engineering be recognized and qualified more than a criminal justice degree? And I do get a few electives in my 3rd and 4th year, in which i can take criminal justice and such courses. Also, generally, what would the time-frame be for applying, getting accepted to start training.
Onto the second topic, I have always had very fast reflexes, faster than my brothers and all the people I know, very good intuitive thinking (part of being an engineer) and am receiving my FAC license here soon (Firearms Academy Canada). Also I have heard about military shooting training somewhat using first person shooter games, and in my younger years, I used to play them quite a bit and was very good at them. Just wondering if any of this is Useful for to be a S.W.A.T. member,
Thank you for your time in answering this inquiry,
Taylar
Taylar,
Not only are the rules different but you live in a different country than I do so whatever I would have told you would apply to the United States.
If you were living in the U.S I would have told you that everything about reflexes, military shooting, etc, would not mean much because NO ONE goes straight from college to the SWAT team. You would spend years on the street as a uniformed patrol officer before you would ever have the experience to go into SWAT. And pay attention to this.......SWAT as you see on television is NOTHING like it is in real life.
Again this all applies to the United States so I would advise you to visit your local police department and get advice from an officer who is knowledgeable about things that you have asked.
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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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