Expert: Loren Stevens - 5/23/2007

Question
Hi, my name is Zack and I'm in the army. I have one deployment to Iraq and got another one coming up really soon. when I get out I want to get become a police officer, but my main goal is to be a SWAT officer. I was wondering what I need to do to become a SWAT officer? What classes should I take, what are the requirement, and will time in the military with combat time help me make it? Will only having a GED affect it? Being a SWAT officer is something that i have always wanted to do all my life. Thank u for your time.

Answer
Hello Zack,
My counsel, is to concentrate on first becoming an excellent police officer. Let that be your initial and primary focus. It is a rarity, that anybody spends a career in SWAT, for a variety of reasons. The "call-outs", physical and mental demands, repetitive training, and interests change. Plus promotions etc. There are a variety of reasons why an officer's time in SWAT is limited.
With your military training and experience, you would have a leg up on another candidate who lacked that experience. Discipline, team work, and cross trained on specific skills sets are important. Along with marksmanship, as many first aid certificates you can get would always be of value. Negotiator skills are good, as are KSA's in chemical munitions, bilingual etc. Repelling etc are all good to put on the table, in order to make you an attractive candidate. Things do get competitive of special assignments.
That said, I've never heard of a SWAT Commander who was interested in a potential SWAT member, who did not first distinguish himself, or herself as a basic field officer.
Most agencies hire approximately 10% of their applicants. Then more wash out during the background investigation, Academy, field problems, and working with an FTO (field training officer.)So, you'll want to focus your attention on getting through all that. Then, it's a rare thing, for a rookie officer to be selected to a specialized assignment while still on probation. You can (ball park) figure on working the streets for 2-5 years, prior to being considered for a specialized assignment.
You should also think about the agency you want to work for, be it local, state or federal.
I'd suggest a medium to large agency, where opportunities roll around more frequently than they do for little agencies.
And, an agency in a growth mode, with a healthy budget outlook. Example, take a look at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Growth community, contemporary agency, opportunities etc.
Some old agencies, in a community suffering economic hardships, are tough to consider for a career.
GED is acceptable in most local agencies.
It wouldn't hurt to take a few criminal justice courses when you are able. Also, study written and oral communications...very helpful in all aspects of a career.
Forget about school while you are on probation. You'll have plenty to study and learn, and won't have time for much else.
After probation, hit school. Most agencies will reimburse tuition, plus you'll have GI Bill benefits to help.
Meanwhile, work on your stamina, upper body strength, and hand strength.
Thank you for serving, and keep your powder dry!!
Hope this is helpful, Good Luck.
loren