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Hi i was wondering what do i need to do in my future to become a s.w.a.t member im 16 years old...for example i know i have to study criminal justice but what else do i have to study? How can i become a swat member, what do i need to do? Can you give me a list of good collages? I hope you can understand my question im sorry it is not long but i really need help. I hope you can answer my question.Thank you
Sincerely,
Gerardo Rodriguez
Good morning Gerardo,
at 16 years old I have to commend you for thinking of a career already. The most 16-year-olds are not concerned with such events where such things as careers you are defocused and that speaks very highly of your character and your upbringing.
To become a member of the SWAT, or SRT as it is called in some places, all you have to do is focus on becoming a police officer first. Slot or SRT is what's known as a secondary position. That means you are a police officer first place SWAT member second. You carry all of the gear and all the equipment necessary to perform your duties as a SWAT member in your patrol vehicle, but you patrol a normal patrol officers beat and normal functions of a police officer. Then when a call goes out for a SWAT team callout or a SWAT team is asked to perform you are called to do those duties.
In college a simple career in criminal justice of any kind or criminal ministration would be a really good start I highly recommend a minimum of a two-year college degree and if you are so inclined a four-year college degree would be even more preferable.
I have written an entire page dedicated to becoming a SWAT team member at:http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/home/special-teams-swat-srt-others
that page was written with your question in mind. I have a suggest reading it to get a better idea of what a slot or SRT team member position really means. If after reading that page you still have any questions please feel free to post any follow-up care and I'll attempt to answer them as best as I can.
Work out, stay in shape, stay out of trouble, stay away from drugs, get good grades, and move on to college. What you do now in high school and in your teen years can and will affect your ability to get a job as a police officer in the future.
Be well and stay safe.
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Answers by Expert:
Chris Wagoner
Expertise
I have been a police officer for 30+ years! I am the Police Academy Commander at the Santa Fe College, Institute of Public Safety in Gainesville Florida It is a full service Law Enforcement and Corrections training facility. I can answer most questions concerning law enforcement procedures, law enforcement training and general questions about law enforcment. I can also answer questions about becoming a law enfocement officer. I have a booklet and web page I have written that answers many questions about how to become a police officer called "So you want to be a cop (police Officer) in Florida?", which is free, Google it.. All you have to do is ask. I teach the following subjects: RADAR/LASER, Law Enforcement Driving, Law Enforcement Firearms and Patrol Techniques, Officer Safety, WMD's for Patrol Officers, Application of Law, Communications skills, Dealing with the Mentally and physically handicapped, and many more subjects. I have worked as a subject matter expert for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and helped to write the police curriculum for the State of Florida. I like answering questions about how to become a police officer, and questions about why did an officer do this or that type questions. I also like answering any questions you may have about police work in general. I do not mind helping with homework questions or trying to answer your questions about legal subjects that I have knowledge of. You will never know the answer until you ask! If you do ask a question, PLEASE take the time to at least rate the answer. I do not get paid to answer these questions and do it on my own time. If you ask, please rate it when I answer. Thanks!!! If its a question about becoming a police officer, it may be answered here: http://sites.google.com/site/flaleohelp/ My "hobby" website - http://www.youtube.com/user/3rdID8487 Military Videos on YouTube and Facebook!!
Experience
I am a 30+ year veteran police officer, I am currently the Police Academy Commander of an Academy in North FLorida. I have been training police officers since 1993 and have trained them in all aspects of law enforcement, including firearms, Driving and legal subjects including patrol techniques and others and training all over the world. I have trained over 5000 officers worldwide in the last 16 years of training.
Publications
I am a published author in Accident Investigation from the University of North Florida, Institute of Police Technology and Management. Also have written and published on the Internet, "So You Want to be a Cop (Police Officer) in Florida?" you can Google it..
Education/Credentials
I have 2 degrees, in Criminal Justice.
Awards and Honors
Phi Theta Kappa, plus 50+ Departmental Awards over the years. FBI Directors award for assisting in a Nationwide investigation into Child pornography.
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