Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/8/2006

Question
Hi Loren,

I have been interested in becoming a police officer, more specifically, a swat officer.  Currently, I am 22, in great physical shape, with a clean criminal record.  Im living in Ohio, but plan to move to Florida in the next few months.  What is a process to get accepted to a tactical unit?  I know you have to serve a certian amount of time with the department before you can even be considered.  I guess i am just fishing for some answers on what it would be like to serve in a full time unit and what I need to do to get myself a position there. Thanks for your time.

-Brandon

Answer
Hello Brandon,
Well, I have had some experience with SWAT, but to be frank, that experience is limited.
Ergo, I will convey my best response with those limitations, coupled with that which is MY opinion. So receive it with that in mind.
I've known alot of SWAT officers and SWAT supervisors and OIC's in my life. One common denominator, is that they seek members who have first demonstrated their wherewithal as being good cops first.
I can tell you with a measure of certainty, that you will not spend an entire career as a SWAT officer. So, invest in the "big picture" as you prepare for a SWAT interest.
Being in shape is part of it, as is discipline, team player, reliable, and good thinker. All the preperation in the world won't help, if you have a ten cent head, and make stupid decisions....on AND off duty.
Prior to hiring on, you'll be taking mental tests, and most SWAT also have additional suitability mental tests.
Merely performing the "John Wayne" action is just part of the package.
Most agencies require 2-4 years as a patrol officer prior to being considered for a preferred assignment. Plus, it is VERY competitive once you have earned the right to compete.
The guys who are former military, espically those with SEAL, Force Recon, and Special Forces will have a clear and distinct advantage, which is obvious.
Secondly, most special assignments don't have openings that often.
The bigger the agency, the more opportunities...the more competition.
Taking up hobbies such as: rock climbing (repelling) is good, as is joining a gun club where you can enhance your skills with hand guns, shotguns, and long bore.Martial arts is always good.
Have an understanding of explosives, eg., "jet-ax" ( a shape charge normally used by Fire departments) chemical munitions, FIRST AID,(get as many first aid certs as you can)
Study "negotiation" techniques, and consider a second language if where you intend on working has a different language.
Much you can learn if you can find old SWAT manuals. They are not unlike basic military infantry tactics.
Try to gain expertise in a few areas that will make you a more attractive candidate not only as a SWAT prospect, but a Cop as well.
Study non-verbal communications (body language), study written and verbal communications. You'll be doing TONS of reports, and LOTS of testimony or depositions.
Be prepared to spend the VAST majority of your time in various types of training....seemingly endless, and very repetitive. Know your own "burn out" quotient, as that is what tends to nudge SWAT officers to want out.
Collect your personal and religeous convictions, to ascertain if you can actually pull the trigger on command.
There are plenty of sniper books on the market, review some of those.
There are various specialties in a typical SWAT unit. The more accomplished you are in many of them makes you more competitive as a candidate.
Study past SWAT incident critiques, or court cases.This will give you a clear picture of "things"
It isn't like Tv my friend, it's real serious business, and some of it is distasteful..eg., "suicide by cop" is where some fool wants the cops to kill him, rather than doing it himself. There are reasons for this, but another tutorial.
Learn about "wrongful death litigation" as you will be in those hoops if you take a life...even on a righteous caper.
Maybe this is enough to get you started.
Good Luck,
regards,
loren