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Expert: - 11/26/2007


Question
Hello Sir, i am a sophomore in high school. i was wondering if to get into swat means you have to be in the military or can u be really good at being a cop and get the chance. my real goal is not to head into the military, but to join and agency after getting my degree in criminal Justice. I am in good shape, i do alot of airsofting,i am familiar with firearms,almost pistol and shotgun approved, do kali(which  means i am good with blades sticks and empty hand techniques, don't worry i hate violence thats why i want to be in swat and i hope this helps me in my future) and love military history . Is there a way i can take and not be a beat cop and not join the military. Your

Answer
Diego,

Thanks for the question.

For the most part, unless it is an extremely small police agency, you will have to work some type of patrol assignment before being eligible to try out for a SWAT position. The military training is good and compliments what you will be doing a lot of in SWAT, but it is not a prerequisite.

Excellent shooting skills, physical conditioning, and mental acuity are mandatory for SWAT participation.

Hop this helps out.

Good luck and best wishes!

Careers: Police

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William Payne

Expertise

South Carolina general law enforcement career information. South Carolina Criminal & Traffic Laws. Field Training Manager, Court Systems, Police Recruiting & Hiring, Personnel/Employee Evaluations, Non-Lethal Weapons & Use of Force.

Experience

Retired after 24-1/2 years experience as a Municipal Police Officer. 19 years as a Sergeant. I guest instructed at the State of South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. I am a Community Policing Instructor, Field Training Officer, Instructor-Trainer in the Monadnock Expandable/PR-24 Batons, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Law Enforcement Driving Instructor, O.C. Spray Instructor, Taser Instructor, and liaison for State Accreditation Standards. I also serve as an Adjunct Instructor for Park University, where I teach in the Criminal Justice Administration Degree Program.I am currently Director of Security for a major hospital system in South Carolina.

Organizations
South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association.

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, Park University.
Master of Arts Degree in Management, Webster University.
Master of Arts Degree in Human Resources Development, Webster University.

Datamaster Operator, Monadnock PR-24/M.E.B. Instructor-Trainer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Manager, Certified Basic Investigator, Certified in Homicide Investigations.


Awards and Honors
Beaufort County, South Carolina, Police Officer of the Year, 1990.

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