8 Second Careers for Retired Law Enforcement Officers

Retired law enforcement officers have a lot of choices when it comes to second careers, some of which you can see on our list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers.

This transition can be tough for many law enforcement officers because they might think that their whole life will change now once they are retired. Some will miss the thrill which was part of their old job while others will hope for something less stressful in the future. Luckily, careers after policing are numerous, and this list will provide you with some ideas for alternative careers for police officers. Jobs suitable for ex police officers are usually connected with security sector although one can always choose to start his/her own business regardless of their previous careers.  Still, many prefer similar jobs which require police experience.

Police Magazine published an interesting article dealing with police officers’ career change. This article points out that many law enforcement officers plan a long career, but retirements come much sooner than they planned because these stressful jobs take its toll, physically and psychologically. Some of them decide to enter the workforce by finding similar jobs or even jobs suitable for police officers abroad. Those who have acquired unique expertise while they worked in law enforcement can easily use those skills to find similar jobs. For example, accident investigators can work in the private sector as insurance consultants or fraud investigators. Speaking of jobs for police officers in private sector, Insider Monkey compiled a list of jobs for police officers in the private sector which can help you a lot if you want to look for a job in private sector. Apparently, life after duty can be thrilling and challenging as well. Many years of law enforcement experience don’t have to be a distant memory but can serve as a foundation for promising future career, along with our list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers of course.

To make this list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers, I used data collected from websites such as Indeed.com and Inside Jobs, as well as Forbes’ article on cybersecurity jobs and Insider Monkey’s article on jobs for police officers after retirement. Since salary might be the most important parameter when choosing a second career, we’ve decided to rank our job suggestions according to the median annual salary, from lowest to the highest paid job.

So, without further ado let’s check out our list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers.

8. CCTV Operator

Median annual salary: $24,630

CCTV operators are responsible for video surveillance and watching both live and recorded videos. They are supposed to report any incident or suspicious behavior to their superiors. This job is definitely less stressful than being on the first line. However, being a CCTV operator carries a big responsibility as well. Once they notice anything unusual, they are supposed to take notes and if necessary call for their superiors meaning that they have to notice small details, which might seem ordinary to other people.

7. Security Guard

Median annual salary: $24, 630

Job duties of a security guard include securing personnel and/or property by patrolling the premises and make sure that everything is in proper order. Working place can vary from working as security guards in shopping malls and banks to securing warehouses or private properties.

6. Private Investigator

Median annual salary: $45,610 (top 10% earn as much as $85,190)

Private investigators/detectives are licensed to practice in the state where they currently reside. Many private investigators work in cooperation with defense attorneys on various criminal cases. They can also work with individual clients to provide them with information about possible future investments, business partners or even proving that one’s spouse/partner is committing adultery.  Private investigators need to have very good observation skills, knowledge about surveillance and an eye which recognizes that something is off. Of course, when you see these “qualifications,” it becomes clear why retired law enforcement officers make great private investigators.

5. Personal Fitness Trainer

Median annual salary: $57, 061

This job is not a bad choice if you want something different after retirement. You would need to find a fitness center looking for new personal trainers or find your clients independently of any gym. It could be a good idea to help prepare future law enforcement officers. After all, that’s your expertise. I’m sure that every rookie would like to work with an experienced, former law enforcement officer what makes this job suitable for our list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers.

4.Financial Crime Investigator

Median annual salary: $59,175

Former law enforcement officers can make a new career by becoming financial crime investigators, but they might need some additional education. It is beneficial if they already have experience working on cases which included financial fraud or money laundry. It involves extensive investigative procedures, which means that future financial crime investigator should be very tenacious, focused and have an eye for details.

3. Bodyguard

Median annual salary: $65, 000

You can always choose to be a bodyguard and protect high-risk clients from attacks, kidnappings, and stalking. Bodyguards that rank third on our list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers are often in charge of logistics, planning routes, inspecting buildings and assessing possible threats. Having a watchful eye and experience of a former law enforcement officer will definitely give you an advantage over others.

2. Intelligence Analyst

Median annual salary: $77, 210

Keeping your nation secure is probably what got you into law enforcement business, and you can keep doing so by applying for the job of the intelligence analyst. This job includes collecting information from various sources and identifying possible threats and attacks from external as well as internal enemies. It is important to determine significance and reliability of information and coordinate and conduct very detail investigations. Identifying a single threat accurately can save hundreds of lives, especially nowadays when (terrorist) threats are ever-present.

1. Cyber Security

Median annual salary: $88,890

Forbes Magazine published an article about job openings in the cyber security sector in 2016. This number was predicted to one million job openings, and by 2019 it is expected to grow by another half million. Cyber crimes are on the rise, and retired law enforcement officers are the perfect choice to fill these job openings. Why? Firstly, most of them are educated (many have college degrees), and secondly, they have the experience needed to fight crime and recognize potential criminal (activity). Of course, being technically skilled is a must for this job. We’ve come to the end of our list of second careers for retired law enforcement officers, and hopefully, this list can inspire you while choosing your second career.