Expert: Loren Stevens - 5/2/2005

Question
I am 18 years of age and will graduate in January of 2006. I would like info on how to get a career started in law enforcement (I would like to advance to a Swat team or something of that nature).I live in a small town of Louisiana, I just need to be pointed in the write direction. Thank you!

Answer
Hello John,
Congrats on graduating from HS.
There is no single way to address a police career. So, I'll spell out some options.
Many young guys pull an enlistment in the military first. This has some gains to it, as you have a shot at going into the Military Police, which will help you get a feel for the field. Also, in the Marines and Army, there is an element of infantry training. It might surprise you to learn, that much of SWAT (special weapons and tactics) are a variation of infantry tactics.
You also have an opportunity at a GI bill, after the service, to help with college costs, if you go for a college criminal justice education.
There is no point in focusing on SWAT at this juncture.....way too early.
Those assignments are all voluntary, and bid on by inservice officers. The more you can pony up as a value, the more attractive you become to being selected.
Another word of caution, is that I never heard of a SWAT commander selecting a candidate, who wasn't first an exceptional uniform patrol officer. Your reputation, and pattern of professional starts real early in police work, and it's not a secret to higher authority.
Some agencies have positions for young folks, who are not yet 21 years old. Most all agencies will require you to be atleast 21, upon graduating from the police academy.
Some of these jobs like courier, junior cadet, etc are good, as you will learn all the sublties of the organization, be able to put a name to a face, agency policy manual, early personnel number, as it relates to seniority and retirement down the road etc.
And, you will want to entertain what agency you will want to start a career. There are plenty of options there, with local, state, federal, several fed departments, military, JAG, etc.
Physically, stay away from drugs, and alcohol abuse. Save your self headaches.
Work on your endurance, upper body strength, and hand strength.
Martial arts training is good, as are any liscences you pick up, eg., pilot, bus, truck, etc/ it just adds to your wherewithal.
Any criminal justice classes are good. But keep in mind, most agencies embrace a program where they reimburse your tuition with a average grade when you are an employee. That amounts to a modest scholarship.
Take plenty of written and oral communication classes. It will be helpful for you to express yourself in a variety of ways.
This should get you started.
good luck.
loren