Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/6/2011

Question
hi I'm a 15yr old and i wanted to know if their was any gender restrictions to being a member of a SWAT team since i am a girl. i would also like to know what the physical and educational requirements are to joining the SWAT team.thanks

Answer
Hello Jenna,
I know of no gender restrictions in American law enforcement... Sexual discrimination was settled in the courts a long time ago.
That said, there is a practical hurdle to jump, which is the "open competition" realities.
These competitions are spirited, and very competitive, where discipline and physical performances are typically high on the list of issues.
What makes the competition even tougher, is that during economic hard times, public service jobs are more sought after than in "normal" times. That, coupled with the many military personnel getting out of their service duties, can compete with many advantages.
It's about "KSA's"..(knowledge-skills-abilities)...candidates who can pony up the best/most are usually favored in the selection process. In these type of special ops assignments, I don't think that things like "Affirmative Action" are going to apply, as a candidate needs to prove they can in fact, perform the required duties.
Keep in mind, that assignments like SWAT are usually subdivisions of subdivisions, of a law enforcement organization, and not a career unto themselves. You'll need to first hire on an agency with a special ops unit, at the agency entry level position. Less than 10% are typically hired from the application pool. You'd have to complete all the training, then distinguish yourself at that entry level position, usually a uniformed patrol officer.
And, you'd have to be off agency new hire probation, which is usually extended to maybe 2+ years...And, what ever other agency preconditions they prefer, prior to consideration for a specialized assignment consideration.
You may be competing with officers very much senior to you, former combat veterans, some with advanced schools, like SEAL, Ranger, RECON, Special Forces etc...The competition is keen.
I invite you to review some past questions and responses on my page concerning your interests, as it has been asked in the past.
For the educational requirements, contact a few agencies you are interested in, and inquire for their entry level education requirements. The recruiters and human resource folks are happy to help.
The physical requirements are also illustrated in agency prerequisites.
Generally, I would urge you to work on hand and upper body strength...A LOT.
Also do your road work for legs, and endurance/stamina.
Any hobby interests that could be developed to aid in the KSA's, like repelling, fire arms proficiency, electronics, computers, electricity, martial arts etc, may be helpful. And, you should know, that there are something like 44k law enforcement agencies in the USA, and all do not have a SWAT unit, nor are the standards and practices associated with a special ops unit a cookie cutter template.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
Semper Fi,
loren