Swat Preparation And Training

[Aylwin]

Hey Loren, looking for a bit of advice regarding SWAT.

Firstly, a bit about myself. 18 years old from southern Ontario, avid soccer player, looking to get into the law enforcement field, more specifically SWAT, being my main aspiration.

A few questions for you here, hopefully you can help me out.

What college and/or university education would you recommend?

Any special training you would recommend?(First-aid, military, etc.)

I'm also looking to delve into a physical training program, but I am unsure of guidelines to follow and what to focus on. Perhaps you can help me out or direct me to someone who could.

I realize that SWAT opportunities are limited in Canada as opposed to the US, but I see this as a minor obstacle.

Help is appreciated.

ANSWER: Hello Damien,

Always good to visit with a rep from our northern neighbor.

Which brings to mind...You should communicate with somebody in the USINS or US State Dept. and inquire about various protocol for a foreign national engaged in US law enforcement. I'd recommend you do this prior to allocating time and resources toward a goal that may or may not be available to you, coupled with the parameters of those interests.

That said, you can start by reading all you can get your hands on concerning SWAT concepts, strategic as well as tactical. Don't forget to review the bibliography, as it will lead you to additional sources that are relevant.

I would highly suggest you also study American Patrol Procedures texts. You will for sure start as an entry level uniform patrol officer, and be so for from 4-6 years would be my guess. You'll need to distinguish yourself at that position if you want to be noticed for a specialized assignment. Plus, no specialized unit commander will be interested in an officer still on probation, and limited experience.

"Things" get very competitive in law enforcement. Only about 10% of the applicants get hired, and "X"% of those wash out during the training process.

Get good grades, stay out of trouble, NO DRUGS or alcohol abuse. Stay away from assholes who get into trouble, as it will splash on you one way or another. And, it goes toward character and decision making qualities. Maturity and embracing discipline are sought after qualities in a candidate. You'll want to make yourself as competitive as possible.

I always suggest you work on your hand strength, upper body strength and stamina/endurance.

If you are interested in body building, keep it clean in terms of performance enhancing substances. You don't want to test "dirty" for something like that.

Most mid to large sized police and Sheriff's agencies have a SWAT unit. And, there are several fed law enforcement agencies that have a similar unit, even if they call it something else.

Essentially, you are looking at infantry tactics in an urban environment...absent latitude for collateral damage/injuries.

For police hire interview, prepare for some obvious questions you can expect: Why do you want to be a law enforcement officer? Issues of using deadly force(study the "use of force continuum")

You can expect questions on character, and alot of "what-ifs".

Written and oral communications are good to have, as are computer skills and foreign language..prominent in the jurisdiction you plan on working.

Prepare for the ENTRY LEVEL  position, rather than SWAT. I can tell you with a measure of certainty, that you'll spend more of your career in something other than SWAT. There's alot of burn-out in SWAT due to the call-outs, and repetitive training. Plus, the dynamics of your life changes..e.g.., family et al.

There are a couple of different tracks you can entertain: Do a couple years in the military in either an infantry or MP unit. Both will serve you well.

Or, start college and get some of that under you belt prior to hire possibilities.

With college, regardless of where you go, or what your major is....lower division undergraduate stuff is about the same. These required core classes you might as well get done. A community college will suffice usually..Make sure ALL classes taken will transfer to a 4 year college or university.

Then, I'd suggest a double major, no miner. It just makes more sense to me.

And, take both majors that will inherently complement each other e.g.., marketing/finance, pre law/criminal justice. And, any of the behavioral sciences, as in police work, that is what you deal with...human behavior.

Sniff around agencies that you may be interested in. The bigger the agency, the wider the opportunity..(and more competition) Stay away from "bust-out" agencies. Those that have internal conflicts, poor leadership record, modest growth or too low budget appropriations etc.

Also, consider who will be competing for special assignments: Former Army Rangers/Special Forces, Navy SEAL, Marine Recon etc. Or, possibly a more seasoned veteran with a BS/BA degree.

Of the schools you asked about, Probably the FBI National Academy hooked into the U of VA, as well as the Southern Police Institute, a school at the U of Louisville are two great ones. But, not available for you. They are more oriented toward management and administration anyhow.

Develop some hobby interests that will add more to what you can pony up: Martial arts, first aid certs etc.

Well young man, I think this is enough for you to ponder for a while. Let me know if there is something else  I can answer for you.

Good Luck, and regards,

loren

PS, review some of my previous Q&A on this same topic.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

I'd like to start off with saying you have really shed some light on this matter for me, even after having previously read every answer you have given on the subject.

I do have a few follow-up questions, so here goes.

If you could indulge on the USINS and the State Dept a bit more, it would be greatly appreciated, more specifically, some general or contact information without having to do the research for me.

Also, if you have any recommended books, manuals or anything of that nature that you know off-hand, that would help a great deal.(Having mentioned reading up on American Patrol Procedures and SWAT concepts/tactics)

I was caught once during my grade 11 year for underage drinking, and I was sent home, the authorities were not notified, but whether the incident was reported in my file, that is unknown.

As for pre-hire path choices, I'm assuming a double major would allow for a better fall-back if I so choose to delve into military training for better chances of making SWAT, if I understand the importance of previous training correctly.

I appreciate the help and what is no doubt going to be a very prompt response.

[Risley]

Hello again Damien,

The reason I suggest you contact INS or State, is because I am not absolutely certain of the legal parameters of a foreign national being permitted to be employed with a city, county, state, or federal law enforcement agency. It would be more comforting for you to get the straight poop, rather than my mere opinion on that aspect.

INS(Immigration and Naturalization Service) and U. S. State department will be in the phone book(US) under government. Or, simply google them for a web site. There are an abundance of patrol texts out there. I always liked the one by Payton "Patrol Procedures" It may be a bit dated, but there will be more that is germane and relevant, than that which is out of date.

For me, I'd visit the local library first. Then, go to a second hand book store.

Or, go to your local police agency, and see if you can borrow some. Also, try a war surplus store for old infantry manuals etc. You can glean alot of good stuff there.

And, troll the various sites on the web.

You may want to make some inquiry to the IACP(International Association of Chiefs of Police)and the office of justice assistance for research materials, or direction.

You can stop by a college or university book store that has a Criminal Justice department, and review what they are currently teaching.

I wouldn't worry about your 11th grade caper. Besides, petit, crumb, and picayune juvenile stuff is usually sealed upon your 18th birthday. But, if asked, answer honestly, as many of the questions posed to you may very well end up on a pre-employment polygraph examination. ESPECIALLY honesty issues.

On the double major business....I just have an opinion, that you can go through life with a standard BS/BA degree, and NOBODY will EVER ask you what you minered in. However, with a double major, you essentially have two degrees with equal strength. It just makes more sense to me. And, it amounts to taking maybe 8-12 more credit hours....etc.

The military is a different path. Either is ok. I did them both my self.

The military will help in many ways(if you don't get killed or sustain a crippling injury) Plus, you'll earn GI Bill credits for college after the service.

On the other hand, most law enforcement agencies currently have a college assistance program factored into their appropriation. Usually, this amounts to being reimbursed for your tuition upon earning a grade of "C" or better...atleast that is typical.

So, if you got an early job with an agency, you could be working, earning a pay check, building seniority, and getting help with college costs at the same time.

A note of caution. When you first hire on, don't expect to go to college for the first two years on the job. You'll be WAY to busy, and just won't have the time. Plus, you'll want to be focused on getting through your probation with flying colors.

Now young man...go forth! Do some problem solving, exhaust your investigative curiosities and become solution/results oriented.

In closing, you may want to study the US Constitution, especially the Bill of Rights(first 10 amendments) with devotion to the 4th,5th, and 14th.

Subjects to study, are : Laws of arrest, search and seizure, rules of evidence.

Good Luck, let me know how you are progressing................and it better be good!

loren