Expert: Loren Stevens - 9/19/2006

Question
do you have to get a degree in criminal justice to be on SWAT?

Answer
Hello Justin,
The answer to your question, is: GENERALLY...NO.
However, what you really need to look at, is what the preconditions are for employment to be an officer, or agent, at the agency you are thinking about.
Many federal LE agencies require a BS or BA degree to start as a basic LE officer. There are also several local and state agencies that require a 4 or 2 year degree. I seem to recall Lakewood  Colo. PD requiring a 4 year degree, as well as Ventura CA. PD. I'm sure there are several, even though most still require only a HS or GED.
Even though an agency does not require a degree, it is not a leap in logic that having one, or being well on your way to one, will make you a more attractive candidate (other things being equal).
Most medium to large local and state agencies will most likely have a SWAT unit. Many Federal agencies also have a similar unit, as do a number of Military Law Enforcement units.
That said, I know of NO agency that hires an employee specifically to be a SWAT member.
You need to start as a "grunt" rookie officer/agent, do the academy, do the field training, get off probation, and spend some time at the entry level positions. Then, and after you've successfully demonstrated that you have what it takes...on a sustained level, you may then be permitted to compete for a special assignment such as SWAT.
That competition tends to be very competitive, and openings are usually not plentiful.
Also, the first hurdle of getting on the agency that you want, consider a factor of only about 10% of all applicants get hired, and more wash out during the academy and field training.
So you see, there are several hoops that you need to navigate first.
But, it can be done, if you want it bad enough, and you have what it takes.
SWAT is really not academically oriented, even though there is much to study and learn. They are more alighned with field infantry tactics, along with other relevant KSA's.
Good Luck, and regards.
loren