Careers: Police/SWAT

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Expert: - 11/1/2004


Question
Im 15 years old, a sophomore at Minor Highschool in Alabama and someday I would like to be a sniper on any S.W.A.T. team, in any police district who will accept me. Im a very strong athlete, I drafted from middle school in the 8th grade to play on a varsity football team as a wingback and linebacker. I was hoping you could give me some advice on how to pursue my dream of being a S.W.A.T. member.

My Description: 6ft. 162 pounds
Bench 170
Squat 365
African American
Patient and able to think under pressure

Answer
  Stefano:

 First, you'll have to get accepted into a Police Department that has a SWAT Team.  Once in, you'll spend anywhere from 18 months to 3 years working the street (patrol).  Then, you can try out for the teams.  

  My suggestion is to do a stint in the military;  this will give you some good training, and burn some time in the process.  Most state's don't let you become a police officer until you turn 21.  College is an option as well, but I'd advise staying away from Criminal Justice degrees, simply for the reason that while they are good for Law Enforcement, eventually, you'll be doing something else in life, and then the degree won't do you much good.  Go for a Business degree if possible.  You can take that anywhere, and it also looks good for advancement purposes in the Police Department.

 Take lots of classes in English, Journalism, and Creative Writing...cops do far more writing than anything else.  A good writer goes far in Police work (they are hard to find).

 Good luck!

  Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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