Expert: Loren Stevens - 11/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi im nick, im 14 and i live in boyertown pa.  i always have wanted to be a swat team member but ive done research and found out i have to be a policeman for at least 3-4 years.  I was wondering how i become one, what the training is and what you need to do to become one and if you know... how i would get into swat from there? if you respond that would be appriciated, thanks
         Nick

ANSWER: Hello Nick,
First, let me invite you to read many of the prior Q&A on this subject on my site.
Basically, you should target the big picture job, which is that of a police officer. Subdivisions of a police organization are generally viewed as specialized assignments.
Generally, an officer needs to be off probation, and have distinguished his or her self at the entry level position, prior to consideration to a preferred duty spot.
In a medium to large agency, I wouldn't look for consideration prior to 4-6 years if I were you. And even then, there are no guarantees.
Often times, the competition gets pretty keen for the specialized assignments.
Those that are senior to you would have an edge, as would those who were former military in general, and moreso for those who have experience in special operations, like: SEAL's, Special Forces/Green Beret, Rangers, Force Recon etc.
These KSA's are not required, but certainly give the candidate an edge.
The preparation you do for basic hire, can also have utilitarian value for SWAT down the road.
Martial arts, bi-lingual, computer skills, marksmanship, chemical munitions, first aid certifications, negotiation skills, fitness...hand strength, upper body strength, stamina/endurance, etc.
Until that time, stay out of trouble, and away from those who tend to be trouble prone.
NO drugs,or alcohol abuse, keep your grades up, think about some volunteer work at a police agency...And, keep in mind that 10% or less of all applicants get hired, and more of those drop out during training or during probation.
After you get hired at the entry level position, do your damndest to show superiors that you have what it takes, and learn as much as you can along the way.
Sign up for relevant classes and let your interests be known to superiors.
I think that once you get hired, you'll then be an "in-sider" and understand how that particular agency processes transfers. Each agency has differing dynamics on their internal processes, be they formal or informal.
Hope this is helpful to you.
Good Luck,
Regards,
loren


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok thanks alot and i dont do drugs or alchohol or anything like that and dont plan on it would it help to have athletics abilities, because i do track soccer football and play paintball with my friends and where would i try out or sign up for swat if i meet all of the requirements?
         thanks
         Nick

Answer
Hello Nick,
Fitness is kind of a given, or an expected quality. And, the more KSA's (knowledge-skills-abilities) you can pony up, the more attractive you would be as a candidate.
But again, focus on the entry level position, which will be uniform patrol officer, and expect to work unif ops for a number of years. During that period, you can get introduced to other skills, first aid, marksmanship, chemical munitions, longbore/shotgun, full auto etc, et al.
But you should know, that if you don't distinguish yourself at the entry level position, a SWAT commander is not apt to be very impressed, and not likely to draft you into the unit.
Nobody walks in the door day one and gets a specialized assignment, I mean nobody. And it is safe to say, that all agencies are going to want to see what you are made of prior to placing you into a sensitive spot.
So, my counsel is to gear up for the entry level, and concentrate on that. The other duties along the path of a career will be more focused for you after you've been in the game a while.
Good Luck,
Regards,
loren