How to Be a Los Angeles SWAT Member
Special Weapons and Tactics Team, SWAT, is a difficult team to earn a spot with. You must first become a Los Angeles Police Officer. SWAT assignments are promotions. You will need special training, and an excellent career with the LAPD. SWAT is not a short-term goal. The selection process is difficult. SWAT originated in 1960 because of multiple sniper attacks against civilians and police officers across the country. The LAPD realized they needed a group to deal with situations like these effectively. They were volunteer, as-needed positions on 15, four-man teams until 1971 when they became the fourth permanent platoon of the Metropolitan Division and took on the acronym SWAT.
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Instructions
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Take the academy test. You must be 21 years old, have at least a high school diploma or equivalent, be a U.S. and Los Angeles resident and pass an extensive background check.
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Take the preliminary background check if you are unsure whether you are suited to be a police officer.
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Complete the Personal Qualifications Essay (PQE). This will be available for you to write after satisfactory completion of the PBA.
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Pass the Physical Abilities Test (PAT). The PAT is divided into two parts and given at two separate times. The first part measures strength. The second part measures endurance and is given on a treadmill.
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Pass the polygraph examination. This is done to confirm personal history information that you have already given.
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Complete a panel interview called a Department Interview. If you fail, you will not move forward.
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Complete medical and psychological exams and pass the selection process to achieve certification and appointment.
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Pass the selection process to achieve certification and appointment.
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Tips & Warnings
The process described here is simplified. If you are interested in becoming an LAPD officer or SWAT member, visit the links below (especially Step-by-Step Application Process PDF).
