Question about Swat

[soshy88]

How does a police officer become a member of the swat team?Do you have to be with the department for a certain amount of time?Is there a test you have to take?

[marinepilot]

In my agency you would need to be a Patrol officer for at the very least, 2 years, out on the streets, gaining experience. Then there is a rigorous physical test that many don't pass. After that is the panel type interview to see if your personality type fits. Then they look into those years you've spent in patrol and what kind of record you have.

[retdetsgt]

In my agency you would need to be a Patrol officer for at the very least, 2 years, out on the streets, gaining experience. Then there is a rigorous physical test that many don't pass. After that is the panel type interview to see if your personality type fits. Then they look into those years you've spent in patrol and what kind of record you have.

That's the same as mine, only I think we want a minimum of three years. In truth, no one I know of has gotten on the team who had less than 5 years though.

The physical test here is pretty excruciating. Although I worked out all the time and stayed in pretty good shape, I don't think I could have passed it.

[mcsap]

You need to be a GOOD street officer BEFORE you can do K9 , SWAT , DETECTIVES etc. And GOOD means 3-5 years at a MINIMUM.

Kind of like the US Army. You must be a regular soldier first and than you go on to become whatever it is you want to do. Only it takes longer to learn the skills of being a good street cop.

[808SSD]

We are a full time unit of 50 in a PD of 2300 or so. It is extremely hard to get in. Our youngest guy has 10 years OTJ.

[icu650]

In my particular line of work I was backed up by SWAT or Bureau of Special Operations many, many times. These guys are great. They are a professional finely tuned group of male and females that train extensively. I can't say enough about how good they are. Unfortunately it is an extremely dangerous job, even when the action is over. This link just happened recently.
‘Friendly Fire’ Fells Nassau Cop - Mineola, NY Patch
I have many thoughts about the death of this officer but decline to share any publicly. This officer was part of SWAT.