SWAT Team Salary
SWAT, or the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, was devised by local and federal law enforcement agencies in order to provide protection and assistance during high-risk situations that regular law enforcement officers are not capable of resolving alone. Typical SWAT team missions include the handling of hostage situations, barricaded suspects, high-risk arrests, negotiation and rescue of suicidal persons, counter sniper attacks, counter-terrorism, and disarming explosive devices. SWAT team units are composed of existing police officers who have undergone rigorous training in order to perform special operations. SWAT team units in America are dispersed throughout the country, usually within major cities at both federal and state levels. Those willing to put themselves in danger and risk their lives serving and protecting their community will be pleased to receive the hefty SWAT Team salary that accompanies this trying line of work.
The Average SWAT Team Salary
According to the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual SWAT Team salary was $57,270 as of 2009. $51,020 of the median SWAT Team salary went to members of local branches, while $46,620 of those earnings were earned at a federal level. It is important to note that pay rates increase drastically with tenure, advanced education and training. Those who possess specialized skills and higher educational credentials will see greater pay opportunities than those with a high school diploma alone. The minimum requirement for joining the police force in many US states is a high school diploma, although having some proof of secondary schooling, such as a vocational or bachelor’s degree, is the fastest and most effective way to ensure a pay increase. Other reports indicate that as of 2011, the average annual SWAT Team salary jumped to $64,000. Averages often vary due to location and unit and are likely to fluctuate with time. However, it is not unlikely for SWAT Team members to receive consistently higher pay than law enforcement officers: this large spike in salary can be explained by the nature of the work, necessary advanced skills and substantial amount of overtime that is often required.
SWAT Team Specializations
It is not uncommon for a SWAT Team unit to consist of diversified members that are highly-specialized within their selected fields, nor is it uncommon for each team member to cross-train so that they are capable of performing any necessary role when called upon.
• Sniper
These SWAT members gather details and information from distant vantage points and train at ranges of up to 1,000 yards. You must be an expert marksman who far exceeds the average shooter’s ability to hit a given target. One must learn to shoot from concealed positions at great distances and will need tenure as an existing SWAT Team member along with additional training.
• Explosive Breaching
Bomb technicians and officers with advanced training or a background in breaching techniques have an opportunity to exercise their skills with the SWAT Team as explosives handlers. The goal is to force open closed doors containing suspects, civilians or hostages with a small amount of explosives, as well as to surprise and disorient occupants of the dwelling. Training exercises and research are ongoing due to the scientific nature of the job.
• Entry Specialist
Those who enter buildings, rescue victims, secure suspects, retrieve barricaded suspects and rescue suicidal persons are known as entry specialists. These SWAT Team members must learn to negotiate with advanced psychological tactics while maintaining their own optimal psychological and physical health at all times. Due to the nature of this position, constant training and evaluation is necessary.
• Tactical Medic
Each SWAT unit must remain constantly capable of providing the best medical care available: Immediate attention to injuries is the best way to ensure survival, safety and successful SWAT operations. Medics accompany injured persons to the hospital, keep medical supplies on hand for treatment, deliver medicine to suspects and victims during high-risk operations, perform medical evaluations and train other SWAT Team members on emergency first-aid practices. It is a medic’s duty to protect the lives of team members, civilians and suspects alike.
Becoming a SWAT Team Member
Bear in mind that each officer must display exemplary behavior on the police force and possess the physical and mental dexterity vital to safely executing missions before they can reap the benefits of a generous SWAT Team salary. Training is constant, as you must remain physically fit, up to speed on all special tools, weapons and equipment used, and be ever-ready to put your skills to the test.
