Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/18/2010

Question
Hello, my name is Gabriela, I am 18 yrs old and currently attending BMCC for a criminal justice degree in New York City. I have learned that being in a S.W.A.T team isn't much of a stable career, but I would like to know what type of programs, degrees, and any outside information can get me closer to this career. I've always loved physical labor, and being in a specialized unit has always been my ambition. So if you can please give me advice and information about this job I will be very thankful.

Answer
Hello Gabriela,
I admire you focusing in on a future career.
I  would first invite you to review some previous Q%26A on my pages. Much of what you ask has been asked before.
It is not clear on what you mean by a "stable" career.
I don't know of any SWAT officers who would actually want a full career of it. The "call-outs" at all hours, days of the week, holidays etc gets old, as does the conditioning, most former SWAT officers I know mostly complain of the repetitive training. Clearly it is necessary, but too much of anything tends to get old.
Agencies that have a tactical team, regardless of what name they use only have officers or agents in that unit who have competited for the position, are eligible to compete for the position, have distinguished themselves in their entry level-primary duties FIRST.
So, you first need to get hired, then get through all the training, then be off probation prior to a shot. Then, it's about who can pony up the best/most KSA's (knowledge skills abilities.
And, what I think you may find, is you'll be competing with folks who have all the basic stuff you have, and may be a military veteran too. They may have combat experience in those areas that are also useful in a SWAT unit.
The best thing you can do, is to see if you can sit down with a supervisory officer currently assigned to a swat unit. Ask him or her, what primary and secondary skill-sets are most desired. What levels of cross training are desirable etc.
The obvious stuff, is various fire arms proficiency, martial arts, fitness, electricity,chemical munitions, multilingual, computers etc . this is just a sampling, and not all inclusive.
Not necessarily for SWAT, but to enhance you global career in LE, consider going for a double major, no miner.
Also, consider getting a part time or full time job at an agency you have your eye on. You'll have an "insider's" perspective on how that agency works and the cultural protocols of the subdivisions.
You'll better understand organization and agency process, SOP's etc.
Also consider getting as many first aid certs as you can. It can't hurt.
For extra stuff, complete some of the free on line courses with FEMA, on aspects of emergency management.
Maybe do some volunteer work at an agency you like, for a look-see.
Stay fit, hand and upper body strength are important, as is stamina.
The SWAT commanders are going to be real interested, in what kind of an officer you are at the entry level position.
Go on line to some of these agencies, and start collecting the relevant materials you'll want to consider, when you are ready to apply.
Hope this is helpful, Good Luck, Semper Fi,
loren