Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/22/2004

Question
Hi my name is Chris Burg and I am am 18 year old high school senior from Chicago.  My goal in life is to be a member of a Swat Team.  I have no idea how to get started in this field.  If I have to be a police officer first, that is fine.  I just would like to know what the best thing to do after high school would be.  The military or college.  If college is the best, what major do you suggest.  Thank you in advance for your response.

Answer
Hi Chris,
There are several options and considerations for you to entertain.
Stay out of trouble is a biggie, as no agency want a "problem child'
No drugs, smokes etc. In fact, be a health and fitness guy.
Most city and county police depts of any size have a SWAT team(s)There are also state and some federal agencies that have them, eg, Marshals, FBi etc.
Much of SWAT, is essentially military infantry tactics.
About the only jobs you can get in a LE agency being under 21, is that of a courier, cadet and things like that. This all lends toward retirement, and seniority.
When you hire on a dept, typically, you go through a training academy, then work for several months with an FTO, (feild training officer) then you work alone after that. I wouldn't look for a chance to work a specialized unit like SWAT prior to 3-4 years in the field as a patrol officer. Those are good years to learn, and to illustrate what you are made of for higher ups to assess.
It is rare that anybody spens a career in SWAT, as it is physically demanding, plus the "call-outs" which wears thin when/if you have a family.Then, there is "burnout" which is not unusual, in about any assignment after a while.
The military is an option, and talk t a recruiter about your choice of mos. You may get lucky, and get into the MP's, and they may also have SWAT elements. This would help prepare you to be better equiped, and more competitive when you get your shot.
Also, you'll have the GI Bill available for help with college classes, and be more mature in terms of a more meaningful college experience.
Generally, police agencies also encourage college, which is manifested by reimbursing tuition for grades "C" and above.
Being bi-lingual is always a favorable quality, and useful as a negotiator in SWAT.
Ergo, my counsel is to collect all the info you can, so you can make a more informed decision, consult with your folks, and then, get on it!
good luck
loren