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Expert: - 6/16/2010


Question
Dear Mr.Payne,

Since i was 11, I've had a huge obsession with police and tactical teams, such as SWAT. My dream and ambition is to become a law enforcer.
Today I'm 17, and a junior at North East High, with a 3.8 GPA average. My question to you is, what are the requirements for joining a SWAT team? Also, whats the average Pay-roll for such position (just an estimate).

Thank you for your time,
William Lee

Answer
Mr. Lee,



Thanks for the question.

Each agency has their own minimum requirements for SWAT team consideration. That being said, to get a head start for tactical team consideration, be above average in proficiency in the following:

1. Rappelling
2. Defensive tactics
3. Cardio fitness (no smoking)
4. Firearms (long gun as well as handgun)
5. Strength
6. Mental preparedness
7. Decision making


Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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