10 Best Ex-Cop Jobs for Former Police Officers

1. Private Security Officer

Working in security makes a lot of sense as far as ex-law enforcement careers and jobs for former cops go. These types of jobs for ex-cops allow ex police personnel to use the skills they picked up to protect the public and to protect private citizens. They provide personal security to VIPs, commercial businesses, and any other entity that requires protection from things like harm, vandalism, and theft. Security guards deter illegal activities, control access to a property, conduct security checks, maintain order, and also respond to any emergencies.

Security detail can vary widely, which means there are a variety of opportunities in the private sector. For example, armed security detail isn’t the same as an unarmed mall or museum guard. All those jobs require a former police officer to use the skills they acquired in their former role. Equally, working as a bodyguard is wholly different from working as part of a security team in corporate buildings.

Skills that Transfer: people skills, conflict management, awareness

National Average Salary: $38,294 per year

Related Job Titles: Security Guard, Security Personnel, Security Detail, Probation Officer, Security Consultant or Advisor, Corporate Security Manager, Private Bodyguard, Executive Protection Agent, Private Security Supervisor

2. Private Investigator

Generally, if the job calls for investigation skills, there’s a good chance that it’s one of the best jobs for retired cops. Investigation work is usually a good fit for ex-cop because it is similar to law enforcement. Daily activities may include conducting background checks, looking for missing persons, and conducting surveillance.

These types of other jobs actively seek former cops and law enforcement professionals through ex-police officer recruitment because law enforcement experience brings the right set of skills to these professions. New careers give ex-cops the ability to exercise their skills without having to deal with the criminals. Background investigators and private investigators can often work their own hours and choose where they want to work, which can make these some of the best jobs for retired cops.

Skills that Transfer: inquisitiveness, resourcefulness, patience

National Average Salary: $49,924 per year

Related Job Titles: Background Investigator, Fire Inspector/Fire Inspectors, Private Detective/Private Detectives, Background Researcher

3. Crime Scene Investigator

Many police officers may have spent a great deal of time at crime scenes, so they already know something about navigating which can help them work as a CSI. A Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for documenting and processing evidence at the scenes. They use specialized skills and equipment to collect and analyze information, which they then utilize in police investigations and for court proceedings.

The job duties of a CSI include photographing and videotaping evidence, gathering and preserving physical evidence, using scientific methods to determine facts, reconstructing events and writing reports. They also provide testimony in court. In addition to the technical aspects of their job, they must be tactful and sensitive when dealing with crime victims and witnesses.

Skills that Transfer: strong analytical skills, communication skills

National Average Salary: $65,207 per year

4. Adjunct Professor

Some of the best jobs for retired police officers include careers that involve teaching or training. This is a broad field. And it’s best for ex-cops and retires to choose a path that aligns most with their own skills. For example, individuals with a graduate degree may work as an adjunct professor and teach classes on criminal justice, criminology, political science, or psychology.

Job duties include teaching students, delivering lectures, assigning coursework, developing course materials, grading exams, and writing lesson plans. This career requires at least a bachelor’s degree and typically a doctoral degree and may require additional education.

Transferable Skills: communication, people management, organization skills, planning skills, knowledge of security policies and procedures

National Average Salary: $126,946 per year

Related Job Titles: Professor, High School Teacher

5. Cybersecurity Specialist

An Information Intelligence Analyst or Cybersecurity Specialist is a very suitable career for tech savvy ex-cops. Some retired cops may find it surprising that the cybersecurity field welcomes them, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Cybersecurity requires some IT knowledge, so it is one of the careers that can require a little extra education. The typical education is a degree in information technology or related. However, the field needs people who understand criminals, criminal justice, and how to shore up vulnerable systems. This applies to information and intelligence analysts as well. These workers gather and look at information, identify security threats, and also help shape security policies.

Transferable Skills: analytical and computer programming skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills

National Average Salary: $98,743 per year

Related Job Titles: Cyber Security Counterterrorism Analyst, Intelligence Analyst

6. Loss Prevention Specialists

A Loss Prevention Specialist works for businesses and retail spaces. They need people who know how to identify and prevent theft, loss of assets, and also insurance fraud. These professionals also work for financial institutions, insurance companies, and other private organizations.

Loss prevention is an excellent second careers for police officers because they make use of a former officer’s investigative skills, expertise, and ability. These skills help them sniff out threats, vulnerabilities, and people who may try to commit crimes within a retail space. CCTV operators must have the ability to monitor surveillance footage and alarms, identify threats, and act on them based on what they see.

National Average Salary: $61,808 per year

Related Job Titles: CCTV Operator, Asset Protection, Loss Prevention Manager, Risk Management Specialist

7. Fraud Investigators

A Fraud Investigator conducts detailed investigations into incidents of fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crimes. They work with victims and personnel to uncover evidence, collect documents, and review financial records. The job also involves interviewing witnesses, interrogating suspects, and providing testimony in court. Fraud Investigators must be highly organized, have a keen eye for detail, and possess excellent analytical and communication skills. They may also need a specialized certification in fraud investigation depending on the state or country in which they work.

Transferable Skills: communication skills, forensic interviewing, data analysis

National Average Salary: $60,079 per year

Related Job Titles: Forensic Accountant

8. Emergency Management Specialists

An Emergency Management Specialist coordinates the response to wide-scale disasters and emergency situations. They ensure that local, state, and federal organizations are communicating effectively and have the resources they need to manage natural disasters. Some of the tasks they perform include conducting risk assessments, developing emergency plans, training staff, and evaluating response operations.

They may also be involved in developing public awareness campaigns, evaluating recovery efforts, and providing technical assistance. Specialist must have a wide range of knowledge ranging from emergency services to public health and safety, engineering, and economics. Most federal jobs

Transferable Skills: leadership skills, problem solving skills

National Average Salary: $70,353 per year

Related Job Titles: Fire Inspector

9. Personal Bodyguards

A Bodyguard protects other individuals from harm. Depending on the assignment, that may mean shielding their charge from physical harm, standing between them and potential threats, or providing a buffer between them and the media or public. Typical job duties include conducting sweeps of potential venues or areas where their charge will be and driving them and other passengers from point A to point B. These professionals also routinely conduct security sweeps and monitor the environment to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary.

Most bodyguards work for private clients which may include private businesses or private corporations. Professional bodyguards also provide VIP services, detailed security briefings, and specialize in evacuation protocols and crisis management. Clientele often includes business executives, professional athletes, and celebrities.

Transferable Skills: physical stamina and fitness, reliability, attention to detail, observation skills

National Average Salary: $46,000 to $238,000 per year

10. Instructor or Trainer

Some other careers after policing can include leadership training, firearm proficiency training, teaching self-defense, or a personal trainer. Working as a police officer gives someone a lot of expertise in particular subjects. When combined with the proper degree or licensing, these jobs for former cops can work out quite well. These types of second careers for retired public safety officers can also branch into entrepreneurial businesses.

National Average Salary: varies

Related Job Titles: Trainer, Consultant, Firearms Instructor

Which Industries Hire Former Police Officers?

Former police officers are typically hired by private security companies, government agencies, and other public and private organizations.

Security

Private security companies, commercial security firms, and government agencies all hire individuals with police training. These security jobs are often positions such as security guards, bodyguards, surveillance officers, special investigators, and physical security consultants.

Surveillance and Investigation

Surveillance is a large field of work for retired officers. Companies hire retired individuals from the police force to conduct background checks, loss prevention investigations, and security audits.

Transportation

Private and public transportation companies look to former officers to provide security services. Trucking firms, cargo contractors, and airport security companies are all likely to employ former officers in security or investigation roles.

Retail

Many large retailers hire retired police officers as asset protection personnel, or loss prevention managers. Dedicated asset protection personnel attend to everything from shoplifting to organized retail crime.

Executive Protection

Former officers have all the skills and knowledge needed to provide close protection services to executives. Executive protection firms often hire experienced police officers to serve as drivers, bodyguards, and executive security personnel.

Logistics

Supply Chain or Logistics firms frequently utilize former officers as security guards or risk management personnel to handle investigations, safety audits, and physical security consulting.

How Do You Transition From Law Enforcement to a New Career?

Whether you are leaving law enforcement for a new career or looking for a good second career as a retired police officer, your skills are needed. Private sector jobs for former law enforcement are the most lucrative options. And there are many private companies with high-paying jobs for individuals with law enforcement experience or retired law enforcement professionals.

In addition, there are also local and federal government jobs for retired police officers. The appeal of government jobs is often the benefits. The best retirement jobs and second careers for police officers are out there. You just need to start looking. Below are some steps to transition from law enforcement into a second career.

2. Research Possible Careers

Once you have an idea of your skills, research potential careers that might be a good fit and where those skills could be put to use.

3. Network

Tap into your existing professional network to learn more about potential careers and employers. As a former law enforcement officer, you have a valuable pool of contacts you can draw on for advice, guidance, and potential leads for job openings. Join a professional organization to help expand your professional networking.

4. Develop a Plan

Create a plan for your transition that includes education, training, and credentialing necessary for your target occupation. You should also include a timeline. For example, if you want to retire in one year, make sure you can execute your plan in that time. You may need the year to obtain a private investigator’s license or some other certification.

5. Take Action

Execute your plan by signing up for classes or workshops, completing license and certification requirements, and investigating job opportunities. Make sure you go out to lunch or connect with your network. Be persistent and don’t give up.