To become a SWAT officer, you start by joining another law enforcement agency and gaining experience before transitioning to the SWAT team within that agency. The basic requirements for entry-level positions usually include
- Having a high school diploma or GED.
- Being at least 18 years old (or older in some areas).
- Holding a driver's license.
- Being a U.S. citizen or in the process of becoming one.
You may also opt to pursue a college degree in criminal justice to enhance your job prospects. The time it takes to become a SWAT officer varies based on the chosen school, training program, certifications, and course load. Generally, it can range from four months to a year and a half.
What Is A SWAT Officer?
A SWAT officer is a police officer with specialized training who uses advanced weapons and tactics to handle serious threats. They carry potent weapons, stay physically fit, and learn emergency response tactics. SWAT officers handle situations that regular police or law enforcement can't manage, like hostage scenarios, riots, or counterterrorism efforts.
They're ready for emergencies and routine police work, responding to situations that local police can't handle alone, such as hostage situations, crowds, undercover operations, and high-risk search and seizure operations.
What Does A SWAT Officer Do?
SWAT officers handle situations that regular police or law enforcement can't manage. They are available for emergencies or when situations escalate, but they also carry out routine policing duties. A SWAT team responds to incidents considered beyond the capabilities of local police. They handle:
- Hostage or barricade incidents
- Crowds or riots
- Undercover and counterterrorism operations
- Remote emergencies or hazardous material incidents
- Suicide intervention
- High-risk search and seizure warrants
In addition to their regular duties, SWAT officers often specialize in:
- Sniper roles
- Operating large vehicles
- Providing medical assistance
- Offering tactical expertise for barricade situations
- Serving as negotiators
How To Become A SWAT Officer In 7 Steps
Meet Basic Requirements
Before going on the path to become a SWAT officer, ensure you meet these fundamental requirements for entry-level positions:
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Are at least 18 years old (or older in some areas)
- Hold a valid driver's license
- Are you a U.S. citizen or in the process of becoming one
Consider Obtaining A College Degree
When gearing up for entry-level police work, you may pursue a college degree in criminal justice to enhance your employment opportunities. These programs, available as associate or bachelor's degrees, cover subjects such as law, homeland security, criminal investigation, juvenile justice, and corrections. Colleges typically offer this central through in-person or online courses.
Consider Military Experience
Given the shared aspects of heavy regulation and weapon usage in both police and military work, a military background can effectively prepare you for a role as a police or SWAT officer. This path can be an alternative to a college degree and ensures you attain the physical fitness required to meet SWAT standards.
Exploring roles with special operations forces, such as the Navy SEALs, Army Night Stalkers, Army Rangers, Air Force Special Tactics, or Marine RECON groups, provides valuable insights into tactics, negotiation principles, and specialized equipment and weapons operations.
Join A Local Or Federal Law Enforcement Force
The subsequent step involves joining a police department or a state or federal agency. It's crucial to thoroughly read and comprehend the responsibilities associated with the position you are considering. Evaluate whether the daily tasks align with your interests and are manageable. Even though SWAT officers are on call for high-stakes situations, most of their time is dedicated to performing regular police duties.
Complete Necessary Training
Upon joining a force, you will undergo comprehensive classroom and field training. In the police force, this could involve attending several months of police academy training, comprising both classroom learning and technical practice. Subsequently, you may complete a specific field training period, collaborating with another officer.
In federal forces like the FBI, training is tailored to the department and typically occurs at a national facility. The duration of these training programs varies, ranging from three or four months to a few years, depending on prior experience.
Gain Experience
Numerous SWAT teams typically mandate two to three years of experience as a regular officer or agent. Throughout this period, strive to maintain an exemplary service record and excel in your responsibilities. Given that leadership often selects SWAT team members from existing personnel, achieving successin your role as an officer enhances your eligibility for potential SWAT positions.
Meet SWAT Requirements And Join The Team
The requirements and procedures for joining a SWAT team vary depending on the law enforcement agency and location. In some departments, officers apply and undergo a selection process conducted by higher-ranking officers. In contrast, others mandate that all officers complete a rotation on the SWAT team.
SWAT teams typically enforce strict physical requirements, necessitating candidates to undergo tests assessing physical strength and agility. Vision and hearing assessments are also common prerequisites for SWAT candidates.
To assess critical reasoning abilities, candidates often take a written test, and an interview, along with an extensive background check, helps determine the acceptability of the officer's record and background. In addition, candidates may undergo a psychological evaluationand drug test.
What Is The Average Salary For A SWAT Officer?
The annual salary for a SWAT officer in the United States, according to ZipRecruiter and SalaryExpert, is $73,118. The salary range typically spans from $34,850 to $388,491.
However, the salaries can vary according to education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the field. ZipRecruiter highlights New Jersey, Tennessee, and Hawaii as the top three states with the highest average SWAT officer salaries. In New Jersey, the annual average wage stands at $77,986.