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Question
hey my name is Adrian, I'm 20 and I'm from Lawrence MA,I'm trying to look for how/when/%26 where can i sign up for swat or what i have to do to start off. my record is clean so that wont stop me. I'm really looking forward to joining the swat, so any information would be great thanks.
You don't "sign up" for SWAT. Your biggest hurdle is going to be getting hired by a police department. Only about 1% of those who fill out an application actually make it to the police academy. The rest are washed out for one reason or another.
Assuming that you are one of the 1% you would go to the academy and upon graduation you would work as a uniformed patrol officer for at least several years before you would ever be eligible for SWAT. Then if there is an opening you would have the chance to compete with other officers who might have the same idea.
If you are getting your ideas from television I would advise you to make another choice. Most of the time SWAT officers either are training or working as patrol officers until a SWAT situation comes up. It is nothing like television.
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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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