Becoming a SWAT Team Member
S.W.A.T. teams are highly-trained paramilitary squads that operate within many urban police departments. SWAT stands for Special Weapons And Tactics, and team personnel are trained and equipped to carry out dangerous missions such as rescuing hostages, serving arrest warrants under fire, deterring terrorist attacks, and subduing criminals who are armed beyond the capacity of regular police officers to challenge them.The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training's 2006 publication entitled "SWAT: Operational Guidelines and Standardized Training Recommendations" explains SWAT in these words: "The primary characteristic of SWAT that distinguishes it from other units is the focus of effort. SWAT teams are focused on tactical solutions, as opposed to other functions, such as investigation. The purpose of SWAT is to increase the likelihood of safely resolving critical incidents."
Education, Training & Degrees for SWAT Team
SWAT team members are selected from volunteers within the law enforcement agency in which they are employed, so the same degrees and training which enhance a career in law enforcement or as a police officer will also increase one's chances to become a SWAT team member. For details on how to become a police officer, please see that page.Requirements vary from team to team, but police officers are generally required to serve a minimum tenure within the police department before volunteering for a SWAT team, to ensure that the SWAT team member has a thorough knowledge of police procedures and departmental policies.
SWAT applicants are subject to a rigorous selection and training process which includes written and oral exams, testing for physical fitness and agility, and psychological testing, all to ensure that the candidate is suited both physically and psychologically for the rigors and stress of high-risk tactical operations.
SWAT Team Job Responsibilities and Desired Skills
SWAT teams are entrusted to carry out a variety of high-risk operations. These can include hostage rescue, high-risk warrant entries, non-violent apprehension of armed and barricaded suspects, protecting emergency personnel and visiting dignitaries from snipers, rescuing officers and citizens captured or endangered by gunfire, and counterterrorist operations.Once selected, the SWAT team candidate undergoes training in numerous specialist courses, including marksmanship, explosives handling, first aid, negotiation, and roping techniques (such as rappelling), as well as the use of specialized equipment and weapons. Close-quarters defensive tactics training is emphasized, as this is considered the first option in most SWAT operations.
