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Question
I want to know the requirements that i need to become a police man and then becoming SWAT.I have military training and I am currently in Iraq and I will be doing another tour before my contract is up.I have GED as my educational background.I am 20 years old, but I will be 22 years old before I can become an officer.I hope to be a Corpal or Sergeant before my contract with the Army is up.I am a 19kilo Tanker.I also have training in infantry.Thank you for your time.
Mr. Osborne,
The requirements generally run about the same in each state. There will be minor differences. I'll give you a few:
1. Age of 21 prior to appointment or hiring.
2. U.S. Citizen
3. No felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions.
4. No crimes of Moral Turpitude
5. No alcohol driving violations or serious driving infractions.
6. Good credit rating
7. Pass a medical evaluation
8. High School graduate or equivalent
9. Completion of a law enforcement sponsored training academy.
This is not an all inclusive list. Every state has different requirements.
Generally speaking, to be on a SWAT unit, you will more than likely have to work 1-2 years in patrol before being eligible for SWAT. SWAT team requirements differ from agency to agency. You should be physically fit, good eye sight, excellent shooting skills, good defensive tactics, skills, good decision making skills,and no emotional problems or alcohol abuse problems.
I hope this helps out.
Good luck and best wishes!
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Answers by Expert:
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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