Can you be on a SWAT team without being a police officer?
I've always wanted to be in a special task force like SWAT or the FBI's hostage rescue team. Is there any way that I could get onto one without already being in law enforcement? I have a minor in criminal justice, an EMT certification, I'm on a Fire/Rescue squad, and work for an ambulance, so I was thinking I could potentially be a medic on a team somewhere?
If it helps any, I'm looking at the United States. Potentially in New York?
Thanks!
No - Special Weapons and Tactics are police officers. SWAT or ESU in NY are specialty units where a prerequisite is to have been on patrol for 3-5 years depending on the department. Most of these members are EMT's and Paramedics - but they gained these either before, or during their time on the job at the departments expense (I did).
As far as a civilian doing those jobs - no way.
And if you are considering the NYPD - it helps to know someone to get into Emergency Service Unit - what we call a "hook" - ESU is the most sought after special unit on the job. Believe it or not - if you have an expertise in elevator repair - they would take that person over an EMT.
FYI - SWAT Medics are usually employed by the Fire department and are EMTs and Paramedics trained for post-entry not part of the dynamic entry, they are not considered part of "The Team."
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