Expert: Dick Rogers - 7/12/2006

Question
I am going to be attending college next fall to become a police officer. I was wondering if the sheriffs department offers any type of job opportunities such as their own version of the swat team. The was also wondering the same thing for state troopers.
                       Thank you,
                              Matt  

Answer
Matt, most  major departments, whether city,county or state have their own swat units.  The exception would be cities that are quite small in which case either the Sheriff's Dept. or State Police would supply the SWAT unit.  Of interest perhaps is the fact the the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept. actually brought the concept of SWAT into being...so much so that the FBI requested members from the unit to attend their facility in Quantico to assist other agencies in setting up their units.  If you are interested in becoming a member of a swat unit, I would suggest seeking a larger department, city or county, as they offer more interesting opportunties.  Incidentally, although I mentioned State Police units, this would not apply to Highway Patrol units as they are concerned primarily with vehicle laws and would rely on the Sheriff's departments for assistance.