Expert: Loren Stevens - 12/19/2006

Question
Hi my name is Mike, I am a 16 year old high school junior looking into SWAT as a career. I was wondering, what do I do and where do I go after high school. What are your recommendations. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Mike,
Well, I'll advance my "opinions", and you can assess them as you see fit.
SWAT is NOT a career. With few if any exceptions, it is a specialized assignment within an existing law enforcement agency.
First off, stay out of trouble, and away from those who engage in trouble. No drugs, and do not abuse alcohol.
Keep your grades up.
After HS, consider many options: college, military, or a combination of several of these choices. Consider getting a job with a police agency that you are interested in for a career. If you are not 21 or over, you can't be commissioned as a police officer, but there are other jobs in an agency. Example: cadet, courier, supply, vehicle maint. and transport etc.
The advantage of this, is you get a broad understanding of the agency, and a deeper knowledge of how it works...collectively, and the various subdivisions. Plus, you meet and get to know whos-who at the agency. Your seniority starts with this early employment, and will favor you throughout your career, and retirement.
Most agencies reimburse employees their tuition for college classes taken, who attain a grade of "C" or better. This amounts to a partial scholarship. Take courses that matter, not "basket weaving" nonsense. Even if you go part time to college, it all adds up. You can knock out alot of credits while you are not yet 21 years old.
Then, you become a more attractive candidate when you apply for officer. Only about 10% of applicants get hired. With college, and already being employed at the agency, you bolster your chances...assuming you do well on the other tests.
If you get hired, it's off to the academy, which usually runs for about 4 months. Then, it's in the street with an FTO (field training officer) for several months. Then, you are finally riding alone. You need to distingwish your self as a basic street cop prior to any CO being interested in you for a special assignment.
REAL world, don't figure on taking any college while you are a "probationary" officer. You will be plenty busy, and need to concentrate on developing as a cop. You won't have time for college during this period.
Also, I doubt that any SWAT commander would be interested in an officer who is still on probation. You won't get much of a shot for a specialized assignment for atleast a few years...maybe more. It gets very competitive. Those who have military experience have an advantage, espicially those who have infantry training, as that is essentially the basis of SWAT.
Those who are former Navy SEALS, Marine RECON, Army SPECIAL FORCES, and Air Force COMMANDOS have a huge advantage, based on their experience.
However, you can compete. Work your upper body development, hand strength, indurance, several considerations makes a candidate more attractive: multi-lingual, marksmanship, repelling skills, munitions, communications, negotiator experience, chemical munitions, etc. Some of these skills you can pick up by choosing them as hobby interests as you go along.
And, once in SWAT, the "call-outs" at any time, any day, and repitition of training does get old. Guys with families start feeling the heat, as it is tough on a normal life.
And, the stress of services like taking a life, losing a victim etc. all these things make it such, that it is rarely a "career", but an element of a career.
Concentrate on being a good cop first. The other stuff will take shape after you prove yourself in the basics.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
and keep your powder dry.
loren