Careers: Police/interests

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Expert: - 6/25/2010


Question
hi im currently enlisted in the marine corps, and my contract is coming to a closure.  i currently have a deployment to afganistan as a team leader in a infantry unit.  i have a close quarters battle school under my belt and all the training of an infantry marine.. and im thinking of pursuing a career in law enforcement when i get out.  i was told that to join a swat unit you must have 2 years as a regular police officer under your belt before getting an oppurtunity to join swat.. with my knowledge and experience what are my chances of getting into a swat unit early?

Answer
Jeremy,

Two years in patrol would be unrealistic.  It takes years on the street to get enough experience before you would ever be considered for a position in SWAT.  Of course every police department has different policies but I have never heard of someone with only two years experience to go straight into SWAT.  

I am not sure if you know this but on many departments a SWAT position is part-time.  For the most part you are a patrol officer and then when a SWAT situation is declared the officer simply changes clothes and responds to the location of the emergency.  



I should have also added that your biggest problem is going to be getting hired.  Its not automatic.  Many departments require 60 credit hours of college.  The hiring process is long and eliminates most of those who apply.  What would not matter in the military is usually a big deal in the hiring process for the position of police officer.  There is the aptitude test, oral interviews, writing exemplars, extensive background check, more interviews, physical exam, and the polygraph.  I have seen figures that say that less than 1% of those who fill out an application actually make it to the street.

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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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