15 Best Ex-Cop Jobs for Former Police Officers

Published October 9, 2023 at 5:09 am EDT Updated August 19, 2026 at 10:53 am EDT

We have also covered interesting insights on the homeland security industry.

Police officers are not just enforcers of the law; they are community builders, problem solvers, and first responders during emergencies. While the jobs of policemen are inherently risky and unsafe, crime analyst and police dispatcher are considered to be two of the safest police jobs in the world. Moreover, with the rise of remote jobs that are physically ‘safer”, security consultants have become one of the most popular work-from-home jobs for ex-cops.

In recent years, many former police officers, both retired and those looking for a career transition, have been observed to be drawn to opportunities within the Homeland Security industry. One primary reason behind this interest is the seamless alignment between the responsibilities of law enforcement officers and the objectives of Homeland Security. Former police officers bring to the table an unparalleled understanding of security protocols, crisis management, and emergency response, which they honed through years of real-world experience. It is worth mentioning that Securitas AB and Allied Universal are two companies that hire former police officers.

According to the Homeland Security Global Market Report of 2023 by the Business Research Company, the market stood at $447.2 billion in 2022. By 2023, it’s projected to reach $482.4 billion, with a compounding annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 7%. Looking ahead, the global market of domestic security is expected to increase even higher to $624.6 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of more than 6%. While North America dominated the domestic security market in 2022, the primary driver for this growth is the increasing threat of terrorist attacks.

Recently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been increasingly focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure. DHS aims to establish regulatory frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. It recognizes the benefits of AI in improving national security while acknowledging the associated risks. In fact, DHS is set to release guidance for critical infrastructure companies on securely deploying AI solutions which will cover domains like auditing systems, human involvement in automation, and system failure mitigation. To read more about automation, check out our article on industries being revolutionized by AI and automation.

Speaking of the digital infrastructure, it is worth highlighting that General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD), specifically its Information Technology (GDIT) division, has embarked on a digital transformation journey. General Dynamics Corpoation, an aerospace and defense contractor giant and a key player in the homeland security industry, has fully embraced the cloud as closed its last physical data center in 2022. GDIT has strategically partnered with multiple leading cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Oracle Cloud, along with Workday for HR and other Software as a Service (SaaS) providers. This has enabled the corporation to efficiently cater to the different technology needs of its 10 business units, each equipped with autonomous decision-making authority regarding their digital technology usage.

GDIT has also employed automation to streamline tasks within finance systems and HR to facilitate greater efficiency while enabling employees to focus on more complex responsibilities. Furthermore, GDIT has also ventured into the world of generative AI and machine learning to improve their employee training and career development and have experienced a 30% increase in internal applications driven by AI recommendations. General Dynamics Corporation is also one of the best airline stocks to invest in right now.

At the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting & Exposition in October 2023, Four of the business units of General Dynamics Corpation will participate to present a range of their cutting-edge technologies for the defense industry. Notably, General Dynamics Information Technology(GTIT) will present its Digital Engineering solution for secure collaboration and decision-making in digital prototypes along with its Everest Zero Trust technology that offers highly advanced cybersecurity tools.

On the other hand, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) can be one of the best companies for ex-cop jobs as many of the jobs ranked in our lists are offered by the company. Moreover, the company’s consistent growth, as evidenced by its second-quarter 2023 financial results. With Q2 net sales of $16.7 billion, an 8% year-over-year increase, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) has thrived even in challenging economic times.

In fact, Lockheed Martin Corpoaration’s financial success extend far beyond these sales figures. The company reported net earnings of $1.7 billion for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $309 million in the same period of the previous year. This growth has translated to earnings per share of $6.63. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin Corporation has committed to its shareholders through its cash return initiatives, as $1.5 billion have already been returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the reported period. Lockheed Martin Corporation is also one of the best aerospace and defense stocks to buy.

15 Best Ex-Cop Jobs for Former Police Officers

Methodology

For our list of the best ex-cop jobs for former police officers, we targeted jobs that aligned with the skillset of police officers. These are jobs that require skills former police officers already have like leadership, crisis management and emergency response, and critical thinking. Apart from skills, we took into account the average salaries so when we selected a total of 25 best-suited jobs for ex-cops, we selected the 15 highest-paid jobs to include in our list. We have ranked these jobs in order of average salaries. We acquired our data on average salaries mostly from BLS and Indeed.com.

Here is a list of the best ex-cop jobs for former police officers

15. Fraud investigator

Average Salary: $60,250

Fraud investigators are hired by government agencies like the FBI, banks, or even private companies. It’s an excellent job for ex-cops owing to their strong investigative skills with a profound understanding of law enforcement procedures. It is one of the possible career paths for ex-police officers.

14. Parole Officer

Average Salary: $63,178

Parole officers supervise people released from prison on parole and ensure they comply with conditions and reintegrate into society successfully. It is one of the best jobs for former police officers.

13. Forensic Accountant

Average Salary: $80,842

Forensic accountants are hired by law enforcement agencies, accounting firms, and corporations to investigate financial irregularities, and fraud, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. Deloitte is one of the accounting firms that hire forensic accountants.

12. Emergency Management Specialist

Average Salary: $85,061

Emergency Management Specialists are typically hired by government agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and state emergency management departments. They are important because they coordinate and respond to disasters while ensuring public safety and minimizing damage. It is one of the best jobs for ex-cops because their experience in crisis management and decision-making can be highly transferable to effectively handle emergency situations.

11. Detective

Average Salary: $85,204

Former police officers may become detectives owing to their experience in investigative skills and desire to solve complex cases. Detectives are hired by law enforcement agencies like police departments or sheriff’s offices. While the work place may stay the same for an ex-cop, the nature of work will change completely and can become much more interesting, especially if the respective police officer has a knack for solving criminal cases. Hence, it can be one of the best alternative careers for police officers.

10. Prison Consultant

Average Salary: $94,642

A prison consultant offers guidance to recently convicted prisoners on how to adapt and thrive in the unfamiliar environment of incarceration. They often help with sentence reduction, program access, and safe prison placement. These consultants charge fees ranging from hundreds to over $100,000. While their services are costly, they are seen as an investment by clients in maintaining their businesses and reputations during and after incarceration. It is one of the best ex-cop jobs for former police officers.

9. Information Security Analyst

Average Salary: $96,505

Police officers often transition to security roles like information security analysts because their experience in risk management and problem-solving aligns with the demands of cybersecurity. The field offers stable employment and career growth opportunities. Cisco Sytems, Inc (NASDAQ:CSCO) is one the highest paying companies for cyber security jobs. To read more on the field of cyber security, you can check out our article on highest paying countries for cyber security experts.

8. Adjunct Professor

Average Salary: $96,708

Ex-cops with excellent communication skills and a passion for teaching can become adjunct professors to share real-world law enforcement experiences with students. Not only will their career path bridge the gap between theory and practice for students but also enrich students’ understanding of criminal justice and law enforcement. It is one of the highest-paying jobs for ex-cops.

7. Director of Operations

Annual Average Salary: $98,757

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing daily business activities and manage budgets. They also streamline processes and guide the company towards growth and success. It is one of the high-paying jobs for retired law enforcement officers.

6. Corporate Security Manager

Average Salary: $108,342

Corporate security managers oversee a company’s security measures like physical and digital protection. They develop security policies and implement strategies to protect the assets, employees, and sensitive information of the corporations. They often earn high salaries owing to the critical nature of their responsibilities. Securitas AB is one of the companies that hire these professionals in the US.

5. Government Security Contractor

Annual Average Salary: $113,063

The government security contractor handles critical projects and works to protect classified information. They also conduct risk assessments and implement security measures to protect national interests and ensure public safety. It is one of the high-paying jobs for retired law enforcement officers.

4. Airtraffic Controller

Average Salary: $130,840

Air traffic controllers play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of air travel. They monitor and direct aircraft movements, both on the ground and in the air, issuing takeoff and landing instructions and providing essential information to pilots. Tower controllers oversee runways and taxiways at airports, while approach and departure controllers maintain safe separations in controlled airspace. En route, controllers guide flights through national airspace and make necessary adjustments to ensure safety. Some controllers work at centralized command centers to manage traffic flow across the entire system. It is one of the high paying jobs that don’t require math.

3. Corporate Lawyer

Average Salary: $148,916

Corporate lawyers help companies navigate complex legal matters and that business operations are conducted within the boundaries of the law while minimizing risks, and protecting the organization’s interests. Corporate lawyers are also highly important in protecting a company’s reputation and financial well-being. Two companies that hire corporate lawyers are Alphabet Inc and Microsoft Corporation, both of which require legal expertise to manage their extensive business operations and address legal challenges.

2. Security Clearance Officer

Annual Average Salary: $150,000

Security clearance officers review and grant access to sensitive information based on background checks and evaluations. Ex-cops often have a thorough understanding of security protocols and can efficiently conduct background checks. These factors make them a highly suitable fit for this position. It is one of the highest paying ex-cop jobs for former police officers.

1. Expert Witness

Average Salary: $174,451

Expert witnesses are professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise who provide testimony in legal cases to help clarify complex issues for judges and juries. They play a crucial role in legal proceedings by offering objective, informed opinions on matters such as scientific, technical, or medical topics. Their importance lies in assisting the court in reaching fair and informed decisions. Expert witnesses are highly paid owing to their extensive qualifications and the huge impact their testimony can have on the outcome of a case. Both the factors, i.e the salary and relevance of the position, make expert witness the best ex-cop job for former police officers.

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