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Coco Warner ReportingMost of us associate the Salt Lake City SWAT team with hostage or stand-off situations, but what does it take to become a member of this specialized force?
The wake up call came at 3 a.m. this morning and the day was spent studying, swimming and then running an obstacle course. The goal is to physically and mentally tire these wanna-be's out to determine whether or not they really have the right stuff.
Well before your breakfast, these officers were running, jumping, climbing and dragging, all with the goal of making it on SWAT.
Scott Smalley, SLC Police: "It's definitely very competitive because right now, there's no slot open, so it's contingent upon another officer leaving."
Officer Smalley's been with Salt Lake City Police for six years and is now taking part in a week-long evaluation course. It's a long road, we're on day one. Half of the trainees won't make it through the week. But if he passes, his name will be put on an eligibility list. Six people on last year's list actually made it on the squad.
Scott Smalley: "It's pretty brutal, very taxing."
One of the most difficult parts of the course comes at the end when the trainees are told to drag a 200 pound dummy 30 feet.
Scott Smalley: "After sprinting at the beginning and then to try and throw that ram over the wall is a little difficult, but then dragging the 200 pound dummy at the end is a little difficult too."
Lt. Tim Doubt, SLC Police: "I'm not sure if it's motivation or just putting stress on them."
But it's all part of the test. This is a stressful job.
Lt. Tim Doubt: "Going through a door when someone's going to shoot at you and you know they're in there with a gun, it can be frightening to you. So we want them to be able to overcome their fear."
The obstacle course tests both a person's physical and mental strength. Some parts of it may seem easy, even boring. But you never let your guard down because you don't know what's around the corner.
Lt. Tim Doubt: "Because it saves lives. SWAT saves lives."
The rest of the week their training will involve firearms, chemical agents and clearing buildings. They have a final evaluation at the end of the week.
