Careers: Police/s.w.a.t

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Expert: Jim Pastore - 8/23/2007


Question
im Cameron Sapp, im a sophmore at Hamilton High School and i was just wondering how long you have to be a field cop before being in s.w.a.t

Answer
Cameron,

  As far as I know there is no time limit that one has to be a beat cop before applying for SWAT. Obviously every Department is different. My own personal opinion is you should spend a minimum of 5 yrs on the beat before becoming a SWAT member. The experience one get's on the street is very valuable and should be necessary prior to any other assignment. Of course that is my personal opinion. Hope this helped somewhat.

Jim

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Jim Pastore

Expertise

I am a 23 yr veteran Police Officer in Ohio. I also am a past FOP Lodge President. I am well versed in Ohio laws both crminal and labor related, as well as Police contract neogations.

Experience

I have been assigned to the vice unit, the tactical response team and am currently a certified crime scene investigator and a certified Police Instructor. I am curently retired on disability after being injured in the line of duty. I retired on August 23, 2000 after 23 years as a Police Officer. I am now living in the Ft Myers Florida area..

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