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Question
I need to find out what I need in order to join swat. I have to do a power point on what I want to do when I grow up. I am 14 years old and I am a ninth grader.I want to be enrolled into military than sign up for something that can get me into swat forces. I want to know what it takes to be a swat from what classes I have to take in college. If I need to be in Military or if it looks really good to SWAT hirers. Can you help me please. Thank you very much.
Sincerely, Nick
Nick,
I think that you may have gotten your idea from television which does not depict police work accurately. No one goes straight into SWAT from the military or college no matter how strong or experienced they are. Every person, if they are hired, goes to the police academy and then spends many years on patrol as a uniformed patrol officer. It could be seven or ten years or longer.
It does not matter what classes that you take in college. What does matter is that you get your degree. You do not have to be in the military either. In fact the military and SWAT are two different things despite what you might see on tv.
So to sum up it is hard to be hired by a police department. Only about 5% of those who apply are actually hired. It is even harder to get into SWAT because a tiny percentage of each department is actually in SWAT.
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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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