I want to become a policeman, but I really want to be a SWAT officer. Is is really that hard to become a SWAT officer? Is that setting my goal too high?

Yes it is. It is difficult enough just trying to get a police officer job. Getting to be a SWAT officer is even more difficult. The job market is tough!

Our department only have eight officers. We are all SWAT trained and have our own gear. It isn't easy getting hired by our department, but if you're hired, you become a SWAT officer. Good luck!

Thanks for the replies. I know it won't be easy, but I am going to try my best to reach my goal. I'm going to work really hard!

In my department, getting on the SWAT team is very difficult. Positions aren't available very often, and when they are, it seems like everyone applies. It is great though

Most police departments don't even have SWAT teams. Becoming a SWAT officer isn't setting your goal too high, but yes, it is difficult to become a SWAT officer!

Most SWAT officers don't do SWAT full-time. They usually do patrol most of the time unless they're training or needed for a SWAT incident.

YES! MOST OFFICERS DON'T GET A CHANCE. MOST DEPARTMENTS DON'T EVEN HAVE SWAT TEAMS.

It isn't setting your goal too high. But you should get hired by a large metropolitan police department. Most police departments don't have full-time SWAT teams. Usually SWAT officers work patrol or plain clothes normally and only do SWAT stuff when training or when called out. And many teams don't get called out often. Good luck.