Expert: Loren Stevens - 6/6/2006

Question
Hello Loren.

I am trying to find out some information for an English teenager. He is interested in moving to America and going into a SWAT career. I have browsed through some of the other answers on this site relating to SWAT careers. Do you have any knowledge on how possible it would be for someone from England to get into this American career?

Catherine

Answer
Hello Catherine,
What this youngster seeks is not that unusual of a question any more. Television and movies have advanced an interest in SWAT.
SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) is NOT usually considered a "career."
First off, being from England is not a relevant issue. If s/he qualifys for a LE job, the rest is assignment oriented.
Maybe there has been a study conducted on the average duration an officer/agent stays in a SWAT assignment? I would guess it was 5 years or less.
I know of no agency that sets out to hire a swat officer.
Any specialized assignment is only considered AFTER the candidate distinguishes themselves first as a uniform patrol officer, or a grunt agent in agencies that do not have uniform patrol duties.
This takes time. Maybe 10% of applicants for a police job get hired. Then, there is the academy, then field training, to be followed by a probationary period, any where from 1-2 years.
I know of no agency that will even consider an officer for a specialized or preffered assignment, prior to successfully completing the probatonary period, and generally more time after that.
A SWAT Commander is looking for certain skills, attitude, and performance history as a uniform street officer.
Attendant issues, would include any pattern of complaints reported to IAB, citizen complaints, annual supervisors assessment Re: global performance, and "superviseable", team player, disciplined, private life issues, other demands on the candidatres' life: college, part time job, family responsibilities etc.
With much of SWAT response on a "call-out" basis, each officer MUST be available, and in fact respond to a SWAT call-out mission.
There are several reasons for officers leaving swat: burn out, age/fitness, medical issues, promotions, etc.
Also, the vast majority of swat time is in the area of TRAINING. This gets to be so redundant, that many officers get tired of the repitition of it all.
And, in the course and scope of a career, other agency assignments also have appeal.
The more a candidate can pony up, the more attractive the candidate: medical first aid certificates, skills in repelling, fitness, firearms, chemical munitions, sniper etc.
Much of swat is basic infantry tactics in an urban environment.
Ergo, those with military experience in those areas have an edge.
My counsel...just because swat is currently a popular interest, a career is not likely. Best to consider the big picture, and view the totality of police work, rather than a mere subdivision of it.
Hope this is helpful.
And keep in mind, this is MY opinion, and not in stone, or possibly shared by others.
Good Luck,
and let me know if there is more you need...
loren