How Does a SWAT Team Choose Members?

Introduction

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, there are highly trained police units that can be called in when a criminal situation gets out of hand, or becomes incredibly dangerous to the officers at the scene and the citizens in the surrounding area. This elite team is called the SWAT team, or the Special Weapons and Tactics Team. Being an elite force, this team accepts only the highest qualified law enforcement specialists. So, how does a SWAT team choose its members?

Experience

The first thing that a SWAT team committee looks at in its potential members is experience. This experience can be gained both on the police force as well as through military service, although in many situations, SWAT members are usually required to have at least three years of active service within a police unit before being considered for a SWAT team position.

Physical Testing

The next aspect a SWAT team committee looks for is physical fitness. Working SWAT takes a great amount of physical ability, as a member's tasks can vary in physical difficulty and requirements from call to call. For this reason, a potential SWAT member not only will need to pass a preliminary physical fitness test, but they will also, in many cases, be required to test each month to be sure they remain physically fit enough to perform their duties.

Psychological Testing

The next important aspect a SWAT committee considers is a potential member's mental status. This is determined through a barrage of mental and psychological testing to determine how well a potential member can deal with high stress levels as well as their abilities to make clear and rational decisions in situations where many people lives rely on their ability to make the correct decisions quickly and safely, and to resolve any situation as needed.

Certifications

Pre-certifications in specific tactics and weaponry are always an excellent added benefit when applying for a SWAT unit. However, over your first two years you will receive all the necessary training and certifications in the weapons and tactics that you will be using on a daily basis.