Expert: Loren Stevens - 11/16/2004

Question
hi my name is marina im 17 a senior at socorro high school and i was hoping you could tell me more about the swat team. My big question is what classes should i take in colllege that would help me achieve my goal? My mother insists on me to forget about that stupid idea but i really look foward on seeing myself on the swat team.

Answer
Hello Marina,
I know of no agency that hires an employee for the sole purpose of being on their SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics)team.
What generally occurs, is that officers/agents who are already employed with an agency petition for SWAT, or about any other special assignment. This happens, AFTER you have been hired for the primary position, be it deputy, agent, or police officer. After you pass all the pre employment screening, the academy or rookie school comes next. After that, you would be assigned to a field-training officer for up to a year. After that, you would normally be expected to work the streets as a uniformed officer for atleast a couple years. After you have successfully completed the learning and probationary periods, you would be required to spend some time in the field as a "regular". Most agencies require a length of time before an officer is eligible to bid on a specialized assignment.
Something like SWAT, you would want to make yourself a more attractive candidate ie., more competitive.
Firearms training, repelling, HUGE physical fitness demands, "team-work" oriented, etc.
Most police officers essentially work alone, where swat works as a team.
Usually, there are also psychological battery of tests. Do you have the emotional wherewithal to take a life upon command? SWAT is structured to obedience to direction, and ALL may be in a position to take the life of a bandit....it isn't just the snipers who have trigger duty, and everybody is crossed trained.
You can also search the web for swat training info, to give you a better idea. Basically, it isn't far afield from military infantry tactics.
Martial arts would be a good idea, as would be to strengthen your upper body muscle groups.
But, my best answere, is do you REALLY want to be a Law Enforcement Officer? NOBODY does a career in a special assignment eg., SWAT, as we all tend to get burned out, need a change, get too old, or not physically able to keep up, etc. Also, SWAT is VERY ongoing training oriented, that even to the most dedicated, gets REAL old.
Police work should be your primary focus, in terms of a career, rather than a subsection of policework(traditional)
Or, think of the military, and their specialized units.
For college, and "life" I urge you to stay out of trouble, NO drugs, or alcohol abuse etc. I usually suggest kids take a double major, no minor. It isn't that many more credits, and essentially gives you two equal strength areas.
About any combination relevant would be good, rather than simply go to criminal justice courses. And don't waste "electives" on junk. take plenty of communications classes, as EVERYTHING is either written or oral communication in about any government work.
Hope this is helpful,
good luck.
loren