Expert: Loren Stevens - 10/9/2006

Question
I would like to maybe someday work in the field of Special Weapons and Tactics as a sniper officer.  To your best knowledge, what exactly (or close to it) do I need to accomplish to get to that position as fast as possible.  Is there any way that if I take classes and get degrees in a certain subject that highly benefits SWAT I could excel in the ranks and get a SWAT or near SWAT (maybe 2-3 years) rank.  I wouldn't really want to have to become a police officer in the process.  What do you think?

Answer
Hello Joey,
LOTS of variables in what you seek.
First, SWAT is generally NOT considered a "career." It is a special assignment within a LE agency.
Naturally, you want a prestine record...stay out of trouble, away from those who get in trouble, no drugs or alcohol abuse. Go for good grades.
Now, much depends on the agency you choose. Small to mid sized departments also have limited opportunities.
city, county, state and many federal LE agencies have a SWAT unit.
First, you have to get hired as a basic grunt...uniform officer, or street agent. About 10% of applicants get hired, and more wash out during the academy and field training period. Most agencies won't even consider you until you are off probation, and that you have proven yourself as an entry level officer, with distinction.
SWAT isn't really an academic field of study, even though there are several classes they attend. They are NOT college classes, and are limited to authorized personnel only.
Most SWAT officers are cross trained, eg., first aid, negotiator, communications etc.
The competition gets very spirited for these positions, and the training is constant and vigorous.
Candidates with prior military sniper or marksman experience have a huge edge.
Again, SWAT is not a career, and most of those troops either burn out for all the repetitive training, or don't want to be "on-call" forever.
Concentrate on being a good cop first, and worry about any of the special assignments later is my counsel.
A SWAT Commander is going to be very selective, and is going to want to know your cop experiences prior to anything else.
These are MY opinions, and I'm sure there are exceptions.
Good Luck, and keep your powder dry!
loren